An Owensboro Police Department officer has been terminated following a misconduct investigation.
The Owensboro City Commission unanimously approved terminating Aleph Zavala, who was sworn in as an officer in May 2022, during a special called meeting Wednesday morning.
City Manager Nate Pagan said that former officer Aleph Zavala received “serious allegations of alleged misconduct” in December 2023. Pagan said OPD’s Professional Standards Unit began the investigation, which included interviews with officers, the complainant, and Zavala.
According to Pagan, the investigation “substantiated misconduct and various policy violations.” Zavala was suspended without pay on January 4.
“Based on the results of the investigation, Chief of Police Ealum recommended the termination of Officer Zavala, a decision I fully supported. Today, after hearing testimony from those involved in the investigation and considering the misconduct and policy violations, the Board of Commissioners voted to terminate Officer Zavala,” Pagan said.
Kentucky State Police is currently leading a criminal investigation regarding the same complaints.
OPD will not comment on the matter. OPD officials did not respond to a request for comment from Owensboro Times on January 9 when KSP confirmed it was investigating misconduct complaints involving two OPD officers. An OPD official declined to comment on February 20, and officials did not take questions following the City Commission meeting on February 21.
On February 8, KSP Trooper Corey King said he had no updates regarding the investigation. We have reached back out to King for any more updates following Zavala’s termination.
Pagan’s full statement is as follows:
Today, the City of Owensboro had a disciplinary hearing for an officer with the Owensboro Police Department. In December 2023, the City received serious allegations of alleged misconduct by OPD employee, Officer Aleph Zavala. Our Professional Standards Unit began thoroughly investigating these allegations. This investigation included interviews with officers, the complainant, and Officer Zavala himself.
The investigation substantiated misconduct and various policy violations. As a result, Officer Zavala was suspended without pay on January 4. Based on the results of the investigation, Chief of Police Ealum recommended the termination of Officer Zavala, a decision I fully supported. Today, after hearing testimony from those involved in the investigation and considering the misconduct and policy violations, the Board of Commissioners voted to terminate Officer Zavala.
Our community holds us to the highest standards, and this behavior is unacceptable and contrary to our values as a City. Trust, integrity, and accountability are paramount to the City and the Owensboro Police Department. Any behavior that violates these principles will not be tolerated. The decision to terminate Officer Zavala reflects our commitment to ensuring the respect, safety, and well-being of all residents.
Please note that the City’s investigation and termination is related only to Mr. Zavala’s employment with the City. As has been previously reported, there is a criminal investigation related to the same issue underway by the Kentucky State Police. The City referred the matter to KSP after learning of the incident. Because of the ongoing criminal investigation, the City will make no further comment.
