City of Ashland responds to suspended chief’s lawsuit, says he’s still employed

ASHLAND, Mo. (KMIZ)

The City of Ashland has responded to a lawsuit filed by its suspended chief of police in a Friday press release, clarifying that he is still employed with the city.

Police Chief Gabe Edwards filed a lawsuit against the city on Monday, claiming the city removed him from the job illegally because he criticized the mayor on social media.

“The City is aware of and in receipt of a lawsuit filed by Gabriel Edwards, Chief of Police, against the City of Ashland, Missouri. The lawsuit alleges that Chief Edwards has been removed from his position as Chief of Police and was removed in violation of Missouri Statute. Chief Edwards has not been removed from his position as Chief of Police,” the statement from City Administrator Kyle Michel reads.

Edwards, who was placed on leave July 17 for reasons that haven't been made public, claims he was put on leave because of a social media post he made that were critical of now-Mayor Dorise Slinker during the 2022 campaign. Edwards' lawsuit says the posts discussed Slinker's "criminal history," but the lawsuit doesn’t describe the posts any further.

The city, at the time, described it as a personnel matter.

“Chief Edwards was placed on a paid leave of absence on July 17th, 2023 in accordance with City policy. Edwards was placed on leave due to the nature and severity of grievances brought against the Chief,” Friday’s release reads.

A former Ashland police officer Tom Whitener – who also sued the city this earlier month, claiming wrongful termination – claimed in court documents that Edwards was placed on leave three days after he reported alleged misconduct by the chief of police. Edwards was not explicitly named in the lawsuit; however, the timeframe aligns with Edwards’ tenure as police chief.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol had also opened an investigation on Edwards, but did not detail the nature of the investigation.

“Being placed on leave does not constitute a removal, the Chief remains a salaried employee of the City. As previously stated, Edwards will remain on paid administrative leave until such time as the investigation into these grievances has concluded,” Michel’s statement says. “I have directed the Chief to remove himself from all City properties and remain on a paid administrative leave until directed otherwise.  “