Ex-Jackson chief won't face charge of misconduct

Former Jackson police chief Marvin Sides will not face criminal charges for sexual misconduct because the alleged victim, a female dispatcher, said she wanted the matter dropped.

However, special prosecutor Kevin Barbour said "it's likely" a charge would have been filed against Sides based on the report Barbour received from the investigator, Sgt. Bud Cooper of the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Drug and Crime Division.

"The facts recited in the report indicate a misdemeanor would be the appropriate charge," Barbour said Wednesday.

Barbour, Butler County's prosecuting attorney, was appointed last month by Circuit Judge John Grimm to review the allegation that Sides touched a dispatcher's breast through her clothing at the police station.

Barbour said he did not fully understand the dispatcher's reasons for not wanting to pursue the matter, but he said she may have concerns over her career in law enforcement.

Attempts to contact Sides on Wednesday for comment were unsuccessful.

Sides is a 20-year veteran of the department and served as its chief since 1994. He worked as a dispatcher before becoming a full-time patrolman. In 1991, he was promoted to shift supervisor and sergeant. He is a 1965 graduate of Jackson High School.

In addition to the patrol's report, the city of Jackson paid for an independent two-day investigation into the allegation by clinical psychologist Dr. Steve Cohen of Lee's Summit, Mo.

Following the completion of that investigation, Sides turned in his resignation Oct. 21.

Capt. Robert Hull continues to assume temporary command of the department.

mwells@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 160