Metro youth counselor facing discipline

Cathy Scott

Tuesday, Aug. 12, 1997 | 10:07 a.m.

A Metro Police youth counselor faces disciplinary action after an internal investigation was completed this week.

David Wallace, 32, remains off the job after being relieved of duty. Wallace has been a youth diversion counselor for four years and co-hosted a weekly talk show for Metro on KCEP 88.1-FM.

The problem began June 6 when Wallace was working in a downtown office he'd just rented at 214 Seventh St. for music production. Metro had gotten a call about "four suspicious black men" inside the building. Sgt. Paul Osborne and two officers responded.

Wallace later complained to Metro Undersheriff Richard Winget that the officers unnecessarily shook him down, as well as three teenage singers who were practicing in the studio.

Later, Capt. Frank Barker told Wallace that the officers' behavior was professional.

That's when Wallace claims Barker pushed him.

The investigation was completed Monday, Sgt. William Minor said.

"Barker has been exonerated, and the complaint against Wallace was sustained for insubordination," Minor said.

Discipline, he said, is up to Deputy Chief Mike Zagorski, Minor said.

Wallace's discipline could range from a verbal reprimand to termination.

"I have to accept whatever the outcome is," Wallace said. "I don't have to settle for it, but I accept it.

"Whatever happens, I didn't ask for this. This came to me. I didn't cause any of this. I went from the person making the complaint to the victim."

Eyewitnesses backed up Wallace's complaint, but Metro didn't see it that way, he said.

Wallace's discipline could range from a verbal reprimand to termination.

Wallace was told he was doing a good job working for Metro, and that many people in the community sent in letters of support. But he was also told Monday that he "didn't act respectful toward Barker or the officers," he said.

"They didn't act respectful toward me," he said.