Coeur D’Alene Policeman Misused Union Funds, Investigation Finds Officer Bought Personal Item With Union Money, Chief Says

A Coeur d’Alene police officer misspent union funds for personal use, a Police Department investigation has determined.

Officer Gary Hayes allegedly used Coeur d’Alene Police Officers Association funds to buy a personal item and a telephone calling card for his private phone calls, according to a memo signed by Police Chief Dave Scates.

“The allegation made regarding the misuse or misappropriation of funds has been sustained in two cases,” says the memo from Scates to Mike Calderwood, current president of the association.

A copy of the memo was mailed anonymously to The Spokesman-Review on Monday.

The memo also says that during the investigation, several other “incidents” regarding Hayes arose and were investigated.

“Some of these were determined to be sustained and one exonerated,” the memo says. “Disciplinary action has been taken.”

When contacted Monday, Scates wouldn’t say how much money was misused or what disciplinary action had been taken against Hayes. He also would not say what the other investigated incidents were.

The police chief said he cannot comment on a personnel matter.

“It is not a criminal complaint,” Scates said. “It was a personnel complaint made by new officers and other members of the police association against old officers of the association.”

Hayes was president of the association until January when Calderwood was voted into office.

Neither Hayes nor Calderwood could be reached for comment.

Hayes has worked at the Police Department for about 12 to 15 years, said Robert Beck, city personnel director.

Beck said he understands that Hayes had purchased several items for the police association and also bought one or more personal items at the same time. Beck said he believes the item in question cost within the range of $5.

The memo was sent to the association president on Aug. 16.

Hayes continues to work at the Police Department.

, DataTimes