WVC makes statement in response to fired detective's appeal


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WEST VALLEY CITY — West Valley City said Friday that they are currently reviewing the 41-page letter of appeal submitted Thursday by former detective Shaun Cowley's attorney.

The appeal details why Cowley believes he was made a scapegoat in an effort to save the department's reputation in light of the negative publicity that resulted from the shooting death of Daneille Willard and an investigation into the Neighborhood Narcotics Unit.

They city made an initial response saying they stand by the actions that they have taken.

"A lot of things have been brought up about the police department in general, and we feel that those issues are behind us. We've had internal and external investigations and have made improvements to our department," said Aaron Crim, West Valley City spokesperson.

However, according to Colwey's attorney, Lindsay Jarvis, these improvements are not enough.

West Valley said Cowley's improper handling of evidence while in the Neighborhood Narcotics Unit was the cause of his termination, but Jarvis said there was one problem with that.

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"The city's attempting to use these evidentiary concerns as basis for termination, and the documents we have show that evidence mishandling has never resulted in termination — never," Jarvis said.

Jarvis claims to have found evidence of misconduct by the police over a period of 11 months — including from long-tenured police Chief Buzz Nielsen who retired this year.

She also claims that Nielsen's retirement was not a retirement at all, but that he was listed within department records as being on paid administrative leave, and she said the city covered it up.

"They're not going to say, ‘Hey, we just realized that our police chief is probably one of the most corrupt people around here, we're going to go ahead and cut him loose,' " Jarvis said. "Of course they're going to say something positive to make a spin on it so nobody's investigating."

Jarvis said if she can show there was widespread misconduct within the department, the city will have no choice but to admit wrongful termination of Cowley.

Contributing: Pat Reavy

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