Upland police chief seeks medical retirement, attorney says investigation clears him

UPLAND - Police Chief Steve Adams' reputation appears to have been upheld as he seeks a medical retirement from the city.

According to his attorney, Stephen Larson, several allegations against Adams were determined to be "unfounded" and "not sustained" by a private investigation firm.

Adams intends to end his 30-year career with the Upland Police Department because of a heart condition that has kept him away from his job since December, Larson said.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed serving the people of the city of Upland these past 30 years, and I am very proud of all of the extraordinary men and women of the Upland Police Department with whom I have been blessed to serve," Adams said in a statement emailed by Larson.

City Manager Stephen Dunn hired Yorba Linda-based investigation firm Norman A. Traub and Associates to look into allegations against Adams regarding his handling of a police report taken in 2008 involving then-City Manager Robb Quincey and Quincey's ex-fiancee.

One of the officers who investigated the incident, John Moore, threatened to sue the city in January 2010, alleging he was passed over for a promotion and was harassed by Quincey and Adams because he would not destroy the report.

Moore has since been promoted from sergeant to lieutenant.

"Chief Adams has maintained from the beginning that he did absolutely nothing wrong, and we believe that the findings by the investigator completely vindicate him," Larson said.

Larson said he received a copy of the findings from the investigator, George Vanecek.

Allegations of Adams having unduly influenced the writing of the report and improper filing process and retention of the report were "unfounded," he said.

A third allegation of coercing the destruction of the report and evidence was "not sustained," Larson said.