MOORHEAD, Minn. – The City of Moorhead says Police Captain Deric Swenson, who was under investigation through the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, is no longer with the department.
His last day was May 23 and the exact nature of the complaint against him is unknown.
Since Swenson left the department before the probe ended even with results pending, a city spokesperson says the investigation is now closed.
Swenson spent nearly 25 years with the department. A city spokesperson says she has no further comment citing privacy laws.
State law says part of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act covers personnel data of government employees.
The city says Swenson was responsible for administering funds, preparing invoices, schedules, budgets, resolutions and settlements, and functioning as department information officer and citywide representative to regional committees, boards and panels.
The city says there was a previous complaint against Swenson in December 2019.
Swenson allegedly made inappropriate jokes and verbal statements over four years in-person and through social media “to cause subordinate employees to feel uncomfortable.”
The city says he received a written reprimand for violating the city’s respectful workplace policy and conduct expectation.
In 2016, when Swenson was a lieutenant, he received the department’s Distinguished Service Award for responding to a shooting and domestic violence call for negotiating with the suspect.
