Allegations of police misconduct have been circling between a former sergeant with the Reno Police Department and his superior officers.
Former Sergeant Jim Stegmaier has been accused of pointing a gun at fellow officers. Stegmaier, an officer with nearly 24 years on the force, said he was simply practicing his quick-draw technique, and that his gun was not loaded.
However, Reno Police officials said the gun was loaded, and after an internal investigation concluding in recommended termination, Stegmaier was given early retirement.
Now, Stegmaier is coming forward, saying the only reason he was accused of misconduct is because he had raised concerns about his superior officers engaging in misconduct themselves.
"Several months later, after he's made some complaints, they decide that his quick-draw was pointing a gun at someone, and they subject him to an investigation," Stegmaier's trial attorney Ken McKenna said on his client's behalf.
RPD said that allegation is false.
"His peers rightfully believed that he should be terminated for that," Deputy City Attorney Jack Campbell said. "That is workplace violence, and that will not be tolerated in this city."
Through his attorney, Stegmaier said that he wasn't accused until after he came forward with complaints about his superiors. RPD countered that he never came forward with those accusations until after he was under investigation by Internal Affairs.
Stegmaier said he witnessed withholding and forgery of evidence, and was sexually harassed by superiors. He presented a pornographic video that was sent to him as evidence. Reno Police Chief Steve Pitts said they are investigating each of Stegmaier's claims; however, Campbell called them "untruthful and imprudent."
"It is a blatant attempt to threaten and coerce," Campbell said, "either money out of this city, or to bring back an officer that rightfully should be gone."
"It is a 100 percent cover up," McKenna countered. "We just want fairness."
Campbell said until Stegmaier produces more evidence of his claims, the city is done handling this case. However, McKenna says that his client is still seeking a fair review from the city.
Written by Arianna Bennett
