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SEATTLE (AP) – The Port of Seattle has fired its police chief who has been the subject of a lengthy investigation into allegations of wrongdoing in the workplace.
The Seattle Times reports that Chief Rod Covey’s resignation was announced via email on Thursday.
“The investigation showed that Chief Covey violated the code of conduct and the personnel guidelines of the port,” said an email from port manager Steve Metruck. “The port management has decided that the dismissal is the appropriate discipline. The investigation did not involve any police enforcement activities or interactions with members of the public. “
Covey has been on paid administrative leave since June 2020 when the investigation began. Mike Villa, who served as the deputy chief of police during that time, will retain the acting role until a replacement is found.
The port has declined to comment on the substance of the allegations against Covey, but port police officer Yandle Moss said in a lawsuit last summer that Covey was on leave after Moss, who is black, filed an internal complaint accusing Covey of racial discrimination. Moss, whose lawsuit in the King County Superior Court revolved around the port’s alleged refusal to produce documents related to the investigation into his complaint, reached an agreement with the port in February.
Covey did not immediately respond to questions from the newspaper.
