LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — An outside investigation found former Simpsonville Police Chief Thomas Brummer repeatedly showed "questionable/poor judgment" before he resigned as chief and returned to the department as a patrol officer.
Brummer was suspended with pay in July after a Simpsonville police officer accused him of harassment and misconduct. The city hired Advanced Investigative Solutions to investigate the allegations.
WDRB Investigates obtained the officer's complaint and the two-page report detailing the findings.
Officer Deirdre Rivera reported that Brummer made inappropriate comments about her appearance and pressured her to pray before a group meal.
Rivera said she was wearing her hair in two French braids when Brummer told her she should paint her face red and imitated what she perceived as an American Indian chant.
Rivera said Brummer later made more comments about her hairstyle while she was working at the Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass.
"He stated that I looked like a 'New Zealander' and then added that I looked Samoan because Samoan people are big," Rivera wrote.
In another incident, Rivera said Brummer told her to pray before a group meal despite her "not wanting to participate." She wrote that Brummer then told her words to the effect of, "Don't make me spray this hot sauce on your face."
Advanced Investigative Solutions investigated five allegations Rivera made involving Brummer.
The investigation found Brummer "did make inappropriate comments to Rivera at the July 4th all employee meeting and he did tell her to pray against her wishes, before a group meal."
The report also raised concerns about Brummer's leadership of the department. Investigators noted 13 officers left the Simpsonville Police Department for various reasons during Brummer's two years as chief.
The investigation also found Brummer hired two officers despite knowing they had histories of serious disciplinary action at other law enforcement agencies.
Investigators recommended Brummer be placed on at least a one-year performance plan with close supervision and oversight.
"In conclusion, Brummer has repeatedly exhibited questionable/poor judgment in his decision making as Chief of the SPD," the report said.
Simpsonville City Administrator Steve Eden confirmed that Brummer was not fired.
"The Chief was not fired; he voluntarily resigned as chief from his appointed position and requested to go back to patrol officer which was granted by the City Commission," Eden said.
Eden said Brummer is now being paid as a patrol officer "based on his 16 years of law enforcement experience" and is no longer receiving the police chief's salary.
The city named David Alkins as Simpsonville's new police chief this week.
The independent agency also revealed findings against assistant chief and police major Sterling Johnson.
The report said Johnson had "a history of poor interpersonal skills and interactions with his subordinates," but said there was no evidence he violated department policy in connection with Rivera's allegations.
Johnson said he does not know what allegations were made against him.
"I have requested information but the city has not released any information pertaining to complaints or the findings of the investigation," Johnson said.
Earlier this month, Rivera signed a settlement with the city releasing her from her contract to work for the Simpsonville Police Department.
Brummer could not be reached for comment.
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