Ashland moves case against suspended police chief to federal court
ASHLAND, Mo. (KMIZ)
A notice of removal was filed on Thursday by the attorney for the City of Ashland to move its ongoing case against its suspended police chief to federal court.
The notice of removal was submitted to move the case to the Western District Court of Missouri, stating that Gabe Edwards’ claims include alleged violations of federal laws.
City leaders put Edwards on paid leave in July for reasons that haven't been made public. Edwards sued the city on Oct. 23, claiming that the city removed him from the job illegally because he criticized the mayor on social media.
A motion hearing for the case in Boone County was set for 1:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4.
According to a previous press release, Edwards will be on leave until at least the end of MSHP's investigation. The Missouri State Highway Patrol opened its investigation in August. Several days after the lawsuit was filed, the city released a statement saying that officials were aware of the lawsuit but clarified that Edwards was still employed.
Callaway County Prosectutor Benjamin Miller recently indicated in a memo that Edwards could be charged with a crime.
In a separate lawsuit against the city, a former Ashland police officer 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.
