The Idaho Attorney General’s Office has decided not to pursue an investigation into Caldwell Mayor Eric Phillips, following allegations of obstruction in police investigations. The complaint, filed by a Fraternal Order of Police attorney on behalf of Caldwell Police Chief Rex Ingram, accused Mayor Phillips of misusing his position to interfere with internal affairs investigations.
Allegations and Legal Context
The complaint alleged that Mayor Phillips issued a directive halting all internal affairs investigations and transferring investigative files to the City Attorney’s Office after being notified that he would be interviewed as a witness in an internal affairs probe. The attorney, Pete Krantz, argued this action violated Idaho Code Section 18-705, which prohibits willful obstruction of public officers.
Further allegations included claims that Phillips engaged in a broader pattern of interference, such as contacting the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office for updates on criminal investigations and instructing a city employee to report complaints directly to him.
Attorney General’s Decision
Despite these allegations, the Idaho Attorney General’s Office concluded that the actions described did not constitute a potential violation of state criminal law, which is necessary for the office to have jurisdiction. The AG’s office noted that under Idaho law, the mayor has superintending control of city officers and affairs, and there is no requirement for internal affairs investigations to be conducted by any specific entity.
Reactions and Ongoing Disputes
In response to the decision, Krantz stated that while they respect the AG’s decision, it does not exonerate the mayor. He emphasized that the facts in the complaint speak for themselves and suggested that the mayor’s actions obstructed the official functions of the Caldwell Police Department.
The complaint also highlighted a history of tension between Phillips and Ingram, who was hired to reform the police department amid operational challenges and an FBI investigation into former officers. Phillips, a former police officer under Ingram, allegedly maintained relationships with department individuals opposing Ingram’s reforms.
Mayor Phillips, in a statement, expressed his commitment to serving Caldwell with professionalism and integrity, while Krantz indicated that Lovell Law would continue to defend Chief Ingram’s reputation as necessary.
Original reporting: KTVB (Boise metro) — read the source article.
