After five months without a job, Kaua’i police Chief George Freitas put in his first week on the job without any ill effects. “Five days and I’m still chief,” Freitas said, chuckling last Friday as he completed his first work
After five months without a job, Kaua’i police Chief George Freitas put in his first week on the job without any ill effects.
“Five days and I’m still chief,” Freitas said, chuckling last Friday as he completed his first work week in five months.
Freitas had been placed on administrative leave, with pay, on August 13.
He said he moved slowly this week around police headquarters in Lihu’e.
“We are re-introducing ourselves to each other. I can’t say that there isn’t some tension around here. These types of wounds take some time to heal,” Freitas said.
When asked what his plans for the department’s future were, Freitas said: “I don’t even know where I’m gonna be a month from now.”
A federal judge is slated to rule Monday on Freitas’s lawsuit, filed by Oahu attorney Margary Bronster, to restrain the Kaua’i Police Commission from acting against the chief.
Last August, here were eight allegations filed against Freitas by recently retired assistant chief Mel Morris and Lt. Alvin Seto. The Commission has already dropped five of those charges.
The Police Commission is slated to meet and discuss the remaining allegations Friday January 18.
