LEWISTON — No criminal complaint will be filed against Lewiston Police Chief Joseph Hastings after there was an allegation he illegally intercepted oral communications, said Olmsted County Attorney Mark Ostrem.
He was asked to investigate by Winona County Attorney Karin Sonneman.
Based on the investigation by the Winona and Olmsted county sheriff's departments, Ostrem declined to file a criminal complaint because of "insufficient evidence to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt."
After the allegations were made, the Lewiston City Council put Hastings on paid administrative leave in October. For him to get back on the job, it will have to rescind that. The council's next scheduled meeting is Dec. 11, but it might could hold a special meeting before that, according to the city clerk's office.
Hastings was hired in late 2010.
