Former Lafayette Police Chief Griffin fired for lying to investigators, harassment

Andrew Capps, Lafayette Daily Advertiser
·2 min read
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Former interim Lafayette Police Chief Sgt. Wayne Griffin was fired for violating policies that prohibit lying to investigators and harassment, records show.

Records won in a lawsuit launched by the Daily Advertiser and the Current in February show that Griffin was fired in a Jan. 20 letter for violating LPD policies that prohibit "knowingly (making) false or untrue statements" and "conduct unbecoming of an employee ... in dealing with fellow employees, supervisors and superiors and/or members of the public."

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"Your actions have contributed to an embarrassment for the Lafayette Consolidated Government, the Lafayette Police Department and our officers who proudly wear the badge and take pride in protecting and serving the citizens and business community of the City of Lafayette," interim LPD Chief Monte Potier wrote in Griffin's termination letter.

"I would be remiss in my duties ... to uphold the accountability of the department and our officers, if I did not administer disciplinary action," he added.

"It was determined the best interest of the Lafayette Police Department and the Lafayette Consolidated Government would be served by termination of your employment."

Maj. Monte Potier, who is acting as chief with Interim Chief Wayne Griffin is on administrative leave along with Lafayette Police Officers and Lafayette Sheriff Deputies walking neighborhood to visit with residents, listen to any concerns and introduce themselves. Monday, Oct. 25, 2021.
Maj. Monte Potier, who is acting as chief with Interim Chief Wayne Griffin is on administrative leave along with Lafayette Police Officers and Lafayette Sheriff Deputies walking neighborhood to visit with residents, listen to any concerns and introduce themselves. Monday, Oct. 25, 2021.

Griffin was dismissed in January after being placed on leave in October when LCG received a sexual harassment complaint against him. That complaint was sustained, according to the letter of termination.

In court arguments, Griffin's attorney Allyson Melancon argued records of the investigation should not have been released, claiming Griffin was not fired for sexual harassment, though his termination letter states he violated LCG's harassment policies.

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LCG began an investigation into Griffin after a male officer reported the issue on Oct. 18 based on information he had been given as a supervisor.

Investigators reviewed Griffin's phone and the phone of a woman who was the subject of the harassment. Griffin's phone was fairly new and did not have any relevant evidence. The letter does not make clear whether the phones were issued by LCG or privately owned.

Griffin was interviewed on Nov. 11, and a pre-disciplinary hearing was held with his attorney Allyson Prejean on Jan. 13. The termination letter does not specify when Griffin committed the violations outlined in the notice.

Sgt. Wayne Griffin speaking at press conference at City Hall. Friday, April 3, 2020.
Sgt. Wayne Griffin speaking at press conference at City Hall. Friday, April 3, 2020.

Investigation: Interim LPD Chief Griffin on leave as LCG investigates sexual harassment allegation

Griffin was placed on paid leave during the investigation and demoted from the interim chief job in January, weeks before being fired.

Griffin has filed an appeal of his dismissal, arguing his termination was "without just cause and in bad faith" and that it violated his rights as a police officer while he was under investigation.

Follow Andrew Capps on Twitter or send an email to acapps@theadvertiser.com.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Former Lafayette police chief was fired for lying, harassment