Former Spokane Police Guild president now on paid leave

The former Spokane Police Guild president accused of aiding a fellow officer charged with rape will remain on paid leave pending the outcome of a misdemeanor criminal case against him.

Spokane police Assistant Chief Craig Meidl decided to keep Sgt. John Gately on paid leave following a judge’s decision Friday to drop two felony rendering criminal assistance charges against Gately, city spokesman Brian Coddington said.

Gately had been placed on unpaid leave after he was charged in December, but will receive back pay of about $37,000 now that charges have been dropped.

Gately still faces one charge for obstructing a law enforcement officer, a misdemeanor. He is scheduled to begin trial on that charge April 21.

If convicted, Gately would be a Brady officer, meaning prosecutors in any criminal cases Gately worked on would be required to notify defenders that Gately’s credibility has been called into question. The department will conduct an internal investigation to determine whether Gately violated any department policies once the criminal case against him is concluded.