Report: SLED to Investigate Claims Against Columbia Police Department

A spokesman with the State Law Enforcement Division has confirmed the agency has begun an investigation into allegations made by a former Columbia Police captain, according to report. 

SLED confirmed Tuesday that requests to investigate claims made by former police captain David Navarro were received from Interim Police Chief Ruben Santiago and the Fifth Circuit Solicitor's Office, according to a report from WIS-TV. 

Navarro signed an affidavit saying Santiago approached him about a plan to get Assistant City Manager S. Allison Baker fired in order for then police chief Randy Scott to take over Baker's duties and Santiago would become police chief. 

To do that, a stolen gun and cocaine would be planted in Baker's car, Navarro said. 

Santiago denies Navarro's allegations, saying his story was "ludicrous, insulting and slanderous."

Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin has also called for an investigation.

In a message posted on his Facebook account, Benjamin said:

"It is absolutely critical for law enforcement to have the trust of the people they are sworn to serve and protect. For that reason, I have asked SLED to fully investigate the claims Dave Navarro has made in his affidavits to determine whether there is any evidence supporting his allegations.

Further, I have pledged the full resources of the Mayor's office to SLED to assist in their investigation.

Keeping Columbia safe is a top priority of my Administration. I have every confidence SLED will conduct a thorough fact-finding investigation. And I will make certain that whatever SLED reports will be fully disclosed to the public."

Navarro was fired from his position as captain of the department's Community Services Division on Monday. 

He says the police department fired him because he reported the scheme to SLED, a claim city officials said was untrue.

According to a disciplinary report released by city officials on Monday, Navarro was fired for violating city policy by having  "secret or unauthorized recordings" of a conversation between he and Santiago, insubordination to a supervisor and "criticism and malicious gossip."