This is an undated contributed photo of Jenny Harless, who accused former ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä police chief James “Tyke†Hunt of sexual misconduct in 2022, leading to his placement on administrative leave.
A woman who accused former ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä Police Chief James “Tyke†Hunt of sexual misconduct in 2022 spoke to City Council Monday night, expressing her displeasure with the most recent discipline of the former chief.
This is an undated contributed photo of Jenny Harless, who accused former ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä police chief James “Tyke†Hunt of sexual misconduct in 2022, leading to his placement on administrative leave.
Jenny Harless said that when she met with Hunt in his office in 2022, he undressed, exposed himself and pulled her on top of him despite her “clear refusal.â€
“He used his position of power to intimidate and harass me, leaving me feeling violated and unprotected,†she said.
Monday night, Harless said that Hunt’s actions have caused irreparable harm to her mental health. She said she also felt ignored as a victim and disappointed in the punishment given to Hunt.
“The failure to hold him accountable sends a dangerous message that abuse of power and dishonesty are acceptable within the ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä Police Department,†she said.
Then-ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä Police Chief Tyke Hunt is shown speaking on April 30, 2021.
CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mail file photo
Discipline
Last week, ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä Police Spokesperson Lt. Tony Hazelett said Hunt had been demoted two ranks to corporal and was on an unpaid suspension following an internal investigation — the results of which have not been made public.
Police Chief Scott Dempsey said Hunt filed for medical leave before being placed on administrative leave last September after complaints were filed against him with the West Virginia State Police (filed by Harless) and ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä Police Department. He will remain on medical leave after the suspension is served.
Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin previously suspended the chief for three days in 2022 for the encounter with Harless. However, that was not made public until 2023.
“I hope none of you or your loved ones ever go through what I did,†Harless told the council. “If they do, I am praying that they get the support that I was denied.â€
Councilmember reaction
During councilmember remarks Monday night, Ward 11 Councilmember Shannon Snodgrass called for the internal investigation to be released to the public.
“If any of these allegations were not a terminable offense, then please tell me what is,†she said.
Ward 7 Councilmember Beth Kerns also addressed the situation, saying she had investigated sexual misconduct complaints in the military. She said she hoped Hunt was never the officer to appear to help women in the city.
Ward 5 Council Member Jeanine Faegre, who has been a vocal supporter of Hunt, seemed to refer to council members speaking on the matter as continuing to “beat a dead horse.â€
Also Monday night, City Council approved a new outdoor drinking location in the East End and approved $1.2 million to turf a multi-use field at the North ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä Recreation Center.
The city also allocated the rest of the surplus funds from this fiscal year:
$100,000 for a study on how to make ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä more bike-friendly
$252,000 for paving projects
$50,000 for supplies needed for hosting the USA Cycling National Championships for the next five years
$20,000 for police equipment vests
$100,000 for youth snacks distributed at city Parks and Recreation facilities
At a special, statutorily required Tuesday night meeting, City Council approved a levy of 12.43 cents per $100 of valuation and an excess levy of 5.03 center per $100 of valuation. The rates are unchanged from last fiscal year.
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