Former Savannah-Chatham police chief Willie Lovettâs conduct âwas inadequate and unprofessionalâ and ignored available evidence in the case of two officers under investigation in a 2010 drug trafficking scheme, an independent investigation has found.
The report by Alexandria, Va.-based Manuel, Daniels, Burke International also found that Lovett âwithheld vital information from Internal Affairs ⦠and instructed Internal Affairs to prepare (an official document) with patently false and incorrect information.â
MDBI is continuing with its investigation into other matters within SCMPD. A separate report will follow when complete.
“A small handful of individuals have eroded the public’s trust in the Police Department, and that trust will not be restored until we fully investigate all claims against our law enforcement personnel and take appropriate action,” said Savannah City Manager Stephanie Cutter. “I have said from the beginning that we leave no stone unturned in this process. I ask the public for their patience as we continue to follow this investigation where it leads.”
Chief Willie Lovett abruptly resigned in September after an officer filed a sexual harassment claim against him.
A third-party probe into the department shows the chief withheld information and ordered false documents made in an investigation of lower-level officers.
Two-police employees are being investigated in a drug trafficking scheme.
