FRANK LEWIS

PDT Staff Writer

One of the Portsmouth Police officers at the center of the reinstatement hearing for Portsmouth Police Chief Charles Horner has been suspended, but Horner is not commenting on the reason, and is not linking it to recent events surrounding his own suspension.

When contacted by phone Tuesday and asked about a rumor concerning one of his officers, Horner told the Portsmouth Daily Times Portsmouth Police Lt. Lynn Brewer is currently off the job.

“He was placed on administrative leave Friday afternoon,” Horner said. “He is on paid administrative leave.”

That is the same status Horner was under from May of 2008 until he was terminated in October of 2008.

“This is pending an investigation,” Horner said in reference to Brewer's being placed on administrative leave. “Obviously I won't comment any further. I don't want this to become a public spectacle like mine was.”

Horner said he does not know at the present time who will conduct the investigation.

As a result of the November Civil Service Commission hearing Horner was reinstated on Dec. 18, 2008 with the commission responding “Insufficient substantiation, allegation not proved” on the five charges brought by Portsmouth Mayor James Kalb against Horner.

During the hearing Brewer told the commission Horner had allegedly told him to lie about the searching of a truck belonging to Lee Scott.

“I had been told to lie about the situation,” Brewer allegedly said in a letter several days after the investigation to Sgt. Carl Compton, president of the local lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police.

Horner had been suspended for, among other charges, insubordination and creating a hostile work environment.

Horner has not tied the two incidents together.

Horner at no time Tuesday said placing Brewer on administrative leave had anything to do with Horner's suspension or Brewer's testimony at Horner's hearing.

FRANK LEWIS may be reached at (740) 353-3101 Ext. 232.