SGN Page 15

Friday
April 13, 2007
SGN.org

Volume 35
Issue 15

search only SGN online

Thursday, Dec 04, 2008

PREVIOUS EDITIONS

SGN ADVERTISING INFORMATION

site map

Romantic emails surface in wake of police chief's resignation

Romantic emails surface in wake of police chief's resignation
Former Snohomish police chief sent romantic messages to male officer under his command Gordon L. Wiborg, hired in December 2004, was placed on leave last December by the city of Snohomish for misusing city communication devices. As a result of a public record request made by an Everett newspaper, The Herald, in January, police department communications, including an email exchange showing Wiborg's pursuit of a fellow officer, were released last week. In a computer message dated Dec. 23, the day he was placed on leave, Wiborg tells the officer: "I'm infatuated, addicted. Totally and completely in love with you. ... There. I said it. I'm sorry. I didn't want this to happen but I couldn't help it. I'm sorry." Five days after the email was sent, Wiborg resigned. The Associated Press reports that his attorney, Cynthia First, e-mailed them, saying Wiborg resigned for health concerns. "He has a strong performance record and always made the safety and best interests of the community and his fellow officers his top priority," First wrote to the Associated Press. "Mr. Wiborg has nothing but respect for the outstanding officers and employees who serve the City and hopes that nothing has ever caused them to believe otherwise." In his resignation, Wiborg stated: "I have enjoyed the two years working for the City of Snohomish. Unfortunately, the litigation issues I am involved in from North Palm Beach have become so distracting that I believe my energies and attention are better placed elsewhere." Court documents show the above-mentioned Florida lawsuit alleges Wiborg engaged in improper conduct, including sexual harassment, mistreatment of suspects, and violation of labor laws. During the Dec. 23 email exchange, the officer replied to Wiborg's request for an intimate relationship with: "I think you being my Chief hinders that relationship. Don't read into this or take it wrong please. I bet it would be easier for me to be a & friend if I didn't work for you. I'm not saying I am going anywhere or using this for a way out." Later in the conversation, Wiborg told the officer of his romantic interest in him. The officer later shared the message with department superiors, who alerted other city officials, according to court documents. KOMO TV reports on their website that Wiborg sent the officer and others in the department e-mails after he'd resigned, apologizing and asking for understanding. "It was my horrible mistake. I am so incredibly sorry to you," Wiborg wrote. "The worst sentence I could ever get is to lose all the people I care so much for. Please don't throw me in the trash." The officer who received the emails from Wiborg is suing the City of Snohomish, and has filed a lawsuit to guarantee his privacy under sexual harassment laws.