Newspaper: Aspen police chief accused of harassing female officers

Hector Gutierrez, Rocky Mountain News

Published October 12, 2007 at midnight

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Aspen police Chief Loren Ryerson has been placed on paid administrative leave, the city manager confirmed today. An Aspen newspaper reported that he is accused of harassing female officers.

City manager Steve Barwick said he temporarily relieved Ryerson of his top post last Wednesday, then later informed the city council.

Barwick would not say why he placed the chief on leave and whether he has launched an investigation into Ryerson.

"It's a personnel matter, and that's all I'm going to say," he said.

However, the Aspen Daily News, citing sources who requested anonymity, reported an investigation was under way to look into allegations that Ryerson has been involved in a pattern of sexual harassment of female officers in the Aspen Police Department.

Ryerson could not be reached for comment tonight.

The city manager said he temporarily has assigned Assistant Chief Richard Pryor as the acting chief during Ryerson's absence. Pryor also could not be reached for comment.

Ryerson worked for the department for 23 years, and he was appointed to lead the police force in 2001.

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