A Minden Police Department lieutenant is on administrative leave and facing both criminal and administrative proceedings following a charge of simple criminal damage to property.
Lt. Christopher Hammontree, a 16-year veteran of the department, was already on administrative leave for a separate reason when he was charged Wednesday and released on his own recognizance, according to Minden Police Chief Jared McIver.
McIver confirmed that his department has completed a preliminary internal investigation. He said he has submitted a disciplinary recommendation to the Minden City Council, which has the authority to either uphold, overturn, or alter the recommendation.
“What they will do now is for them to decide when they convene,” McIver said in a phone interview. “It’ll be totally up to them.”
He added that the department must hold its personnel to a high standard.
“We’ve got a standard that should be above that of the normal public,” McIver said.
McIver declined to discuss further details about the charge or administrative leave status, stating that the matter remains in its early stages.
Hammontree is expected to appear before the Minden City Council for a disciplinary hearing, though a specific time for the session has not been announced. McIver said it would be up to the mayor and council to determine the format of the hearing.
Mayor Nick Cox said a decision on disciplinary action will most likely be reached during the next city council meeting which will be held on Monday, July 7.