Overland Park Detective Fights Termination Following Financial Misconduct Whistleblower Claims

Overland Park Detective Appeals Termination Amid Financial Misconduct Claims

In the heart of Overland Park, a former police detective is stirring the pot after being terminated from the police department earlier this year. David Zickel, who served for an impressive 23 years, is appealing his firing which he claims stems from whistleblowing on financial irregularities within the Overland Park Police Officer’s Foundation.

The Background

Back in December 2021, Zickel stumbled upon a copy of the police foundation’s bylaws. In a surprising turn of events, he discovered that he was, according to this document, responsible for auditing the foundation’s financial records. However, Zickel argues he was completely unaware of this duty and had never participated in the foundation’s operations. It wasn’t long before the foundation shook up its leadership in January 2022, appointing new board members and, importantly, hiring a forensic auditor after some serious financial misconduct allegations surfaced from previous board members.

Whistleblower Allegations

Fast forward to March 2022, Zickel took the bold step of reporting alleged misuse of funds to the department’s Professional Standards Unit. This action set off a chain reaction; just a couple of months later, four officers closely linked to the foundation—Timothy Tinnin, Rachel Scattergood, Brandon Faber, and Bradley Heater—were placed on paid leave.

As this investigation rolled on, local District Attorney Steve Howe revealed in October 2023 that while no criminal charges would be filed against the officers, the findings were alarming. Reports indicated that some had benefitted from charitable funds originally set aside for families of injured or deceased officers, along with other concerning financial activities. Two of those officers even received scholarship money directly, funds that typically go to educational institutions. What’s more, the investigation found that they had wiped their electronic devices clean, which raised even more eyebrows.

Zickel’s Termination

Despite the serious findings related to officer misconduct, Zickel found himself facing his own set of challenges. He was terminated in April, with city officials citing “untruthfulness” as the reason for his dismissal. In a hearing before the Overland Park Civil Service Commission in June, he attempted to defend his actions. Zickel claimed that he asked for access to the financial statements only to be denied by previous board members of the foundation.

His appeal was sparked by a fear that his credibility might be in question. Being on a Brady-Giglio list (which could put him ineligible to testify in court cases) is serious for any officer’s career. Despite Zickel’s claims, an investigator examining the DA’s case found that he had not followed through on auditing the foundation’s books as required.

City’s Response

City of Overland Park spokesperson Meg Ralph spoke out about Zickel’s firing, stating that it was for “numerous city policy violations” unrelated to his whistleblower activity. Ralph asserted, “The City does not terminate employees for reporting a crime or policy violation.”

The Appeal Process

Zickel’s attorney, Barry Grissom, opted to keep things close to the chest, choosing not to comment as the legal battle continues in Johnson County District Court. The tension remains palpable as this case highlights deeper issues of accountability within the police department and questions regarding how financial foundations operating alongside law enforcement are managed.

With the complexities of this case unfolding, residents of Overland Park are left watching closely. This situation has certainly raised questions not just about Zickel’s claims and the allegations against the four officers, but also about the integrity and transparency expected from those who serve in law enforcement. As time marches on, the community will be waiting to see how this story develops.