Spokane police officer under investigation for possible sex crime

The Spokane Police Department says one of its officers is under investigation following an allegation of “potentially criminal misconduct of a sexual nature.”

Sgt. Terry Preuninger, a police spokesman, said the department learned of the allegation on Wednesday and asked the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office to investigate.

Sheriff’s Cpl. Mark Gregory confirmed deputies are investigating and said he couldn’t disclose any details of the allegation.

Authorities did not release the name of the officer, who was placed on paid administrative leave.

The police department and the sheriff’s office typically ask each other to investigate when officers or deputies are accused of crimes. Criminal investigations are followed by internal probes to determine whether officers or deputies violated department protocols.