Feb 3, 2007 1:59 pm US/Central
FBI Investigating Top Aide To Ramsey Co. Sheriff
St. Paul (AP) ―
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Fletcher confirmed to both the Star Tribune and the St. Paul Pioneer Press that he had been contacted Friday by the FBI about the investigation. He declined to discuss the allegations, but said his department would conduct its own internal investigation. (
Courtesy Bob Fletcher
The FBI is investigating a top aide to Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher for allegations of criminal conduct, according to several newspaper reports.
The Star Tribune reported Saturday that Mark Naylon, a public information officer, has been the target of a public corruption investigation that began last summer. The paper cited several anonymous sources with knowledge of the case.
Fletcher confirmed to both the Star Tribune and the St. Paul Pioneer Press that he had been contacted Friday by the FBI about the investigation. He declined to discuss the allegations, but said his department would conduct its own internal investigation.
Naylon's lawyer, Paul Rogosheske, told The Associated Press Saturday that neither he nor Naylon had any comment. FBI Spokesman Paul McCabe did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment; the FBI typically does not confirm ongoing investigations.
The FBI removed files and a computer from Naylon's office on Friday. The Star Tribune reported that the investigation includes allegations of interfering in criminal investigations, tampering with evidence and stealing cash.
A St. Paul police officer also has been implicated in the investigation. St. Paul Police Chief John Harrington said Friday that he was aware the FBI's public corruption unit was looking into one of his officers, but said the bureau told him the officer was not the focus of any investigation.
Naylon, 46, joined the Sheriff's Office in 1998, and was the best man at Fletcher's 2004 wedding. He is not a licensed police officer but is licensed to carry a gun, Fletcher told the Pioneer Press.
At the time Naylon was hired he had no background in law enforcement or media relations, but his extensive contacts in the community have led to "dozens of felony arrests," Fletcher said. He has also lobbied for the Sheriff's Office at the Capitol.
Fletcher said the allegations are ones that the FBI "is obligated to investigate." If they prove true, Fletcher said, "I would be shocked, but I'll let the investigation run its course."
He said Naylon has not been put on administrative leave but that it's a possibility.
(© 2007 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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