AURORA, Colo.-
Accusations made in a personal blog by an assistant city attorney have led to his dismissal and the retirement of the city fire chief.
Fire Chief Casey Jones, 58, retired Friday, cutting short an investigation into allegations he had an affair with his legal adviser and golfed on city time, the Rocky Mountain News reported. He declined comment after announcing his retirement.
Jones, who had led the 300-member department since 2002, had been on administrative leave since April 27. The allegations were made in a blog by Rob Werking, an assistant city attorney.
He said Jones was having an affair with his estranged wife, Julie, and was golfing during working hours. The city fired Rob Werking, and his wife was reassigned.
The city hired Mountain States Employers Council to investigate Jones’ conduct.
Jones will remain on the city payroll on a contractual basis until November to complete important projects he had started, said Deputy City Manager Frank Ragan.
“Once discussions started about his interest in retiring, really the investigation became moot,” said Ragan.
An investigation into allegations that Julie Werking played golf with Jones during city hours and accepted a Blackberry he bought with city funds will continue, Ragan said.
Jones, who made $138,419 a year, previously denied the affair allegations and said he always put in at least 50 hours a week.
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Information from: Rocky Mountain News,
