Mount Rainier, Maryland's chief of police is stepping down and an investigation of the department is expanding.
Chief Michael Scott announced his retirement after 16 years with the department, including 12 as chief.
Mayor Malinda Miles praised Scott in a release from the city manager.
“Chief Scott brought Mount Rainier law enforcement into the 21st century," Miles said. "His commitment to community policing and best practices have helped make Mount Rainier a great place to live and work.”
Scott and six of his officers have been on administrative leave. A source told News4 in April they are under investigation for allegedly throwing out some parking tickets and lowering enforcement fees for some but not others.
The city council released a statement in April saying, in part, “About two weeks ago, Mount Rainier’s mayor and council became aware of information that, after consulting with legal counsel, required all five of the council members to unanimously vote to place seven members of the Mount Rainier Police Department on paid administrative leave.”
Sources told News4 Scott’s retirement is an agreement between the chief and the city as the investigation expands. A forensic accounting firm will be investigating the department's finances.
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Stephen Malley, a 30-year veteran of the department, was named acting chief.
