Humboldt police chief suspended

HUMBOLDT - Humboldt Police Chief Matt Dominick was placed on disciplinary suspension Monday.

Humboldt Mayor Walter Jensen stated in a press release last week that there was an ongoing investigation by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation in consultation with the Humboldt County attorney's office regarding allegations against Dominick, who was then placed on administrative leave.

Humboldt County Attorney Jennifer Benson said the DCI investigation regards allegations of misuse of driver's license and/or criminal history information by Dominick.

There have been no decisions made on potential criminal charges because the final DCI report has not come out yet, Benson said.

Benson said she did not know when the report would be filed. She declined to comment further on the allegations or to say who instigated the investigation.

On Monday, Humboldt City Administrator Lorie Bennett said Dominick was now on disciplinary suspension - which means Dominick will not be paid.

Reached at his home in Humboldt, Dominick declined comment, referring questions to his attorney, Jim Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald did not return a phone call as of press time Monday.

The Humboldt City Council approved the appointment of Dave Etherington as interim chief. Etherington has been an officer with the department since 1986.

Etherington's appointment will last at least 30 days.

Contact Robert Wolf at (515) 573-2141 or editor@messengernews.net