The Mobile County District Attorney's Office did not find any criminal wrongdoing after reviewing a special counsel investigation initiated by the Mobile City Council. However, others who have worked closely with officials say there are still issues impacting the solving of crimes.
The city council approved the special investigation after police chief Paul Prine was fired.
The Gulf Coast Technology Center and its leadership were questioned after Prine alleged the appearance of improprieties between the center and 321z Insights LLC, which was awarded a $92,000 contract to review Operation Echo Stop. This crime prevention initiative uses technology like ShotSpotter to fight crime.
After 45 days, the investigation results came back, finding possible issues with the 321z contract with the center.
The Gulf Coast Technology Center commander Kevin Levy was fired following the investigation because the special counsel concluded he provided false testimony during the course of the investigation and altered the contract, a claim Levy's attorney, Christopher Callaghan, denied and called "reckless."
Mayor Sandy Stimpson sent the report to Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood for review and action. Blackwood's office said nothing criminal was found.
Although the special counsel and others did not find issues concerning the chain of command and use of resources within the Gulf Coast Technology Center, former police Chief Paul Prine claimed command staff officers were not interviewed.
Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch told 1819 News that during his work with the Gulf Coast Technology Center, he had even recognized weaknesses. Deputies worked with the Gulf Coast Technology Center on gang investigations. He said the members of the gang unit and the tactical intelligence unit couldn't get along well enough to meet in the same room.
"They're having to meet twice a week with each separate unit because they don't get along, which to me is a waste of resources and manpower when you have to go to the same building on two separate occasions during the week because people can't get along," Burch said. "It's not my agency, so I didn't stick my nose in it but I can tell you, having been in law enforcement for almost 36 years now and been at a staff level for a long time, I've never seen something where somebody working for the same agency can't get along long enough to have a meeting in a room together."
Burch said he would clean house if he were in charge of the units.
"I can just tell you, and this is probably just the best way to put it, if I had units like that working for the sheriff's office and they weren't able to get along, every one of them would go back to patrol and you know I would find some people who could get along and get the job done," he added.
Prine said he believes Levy was fired for telling the truth when questioned by the special counsel.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning or become a member to gain access to exclusive content and 1819 News merch.
