An investigative services company created by the current police chief, legal counsel, director of human resources, and a former city manager has raised ethical and legal questions, spurring an internal investigation into the ramification of such an action by current city employees in top administrative positions.

City Councilman Jason Howard called the actions of those involved, “blatantly wrong” and an abuse of a loophole within the City of Oakdale Merit System Rules and Regulations.

Oakdale Police Chief Marty West denied any wrong-doing, stating currently, his participation with VHHW Investigations, LLC is minimal, though he was interested in working in a part-time, limited basis following his retirement in March 2012.

A special closed session meeting will be held Monday, Sept. 12 at 5 p.m. to discuss the situation in more depth.

The full story will be featured in the Sept. 14 issue of The Oakdale Leader.