Bellaire Police Chief Onesimo “Mo” Lopez retired on Friday after being on paid administrative leave during an internal investigation related to an employment matter in the department. He led the Bellaire Police Department for five years, according to Click2Houston.
Officials confirmed that Lopez was placed on administrative leave in November, emphasizing that it "does not imply any wrongdoing," and that the leave has no impact on public safety or police services. Lt. Shane O’Sullivan is serving as Acting Chief of Police while the department begins its search for a permanent replacement.
Lopez shared on social media, "I leave knowing that I acted in accordance with my conscience, my oath, and my belief that public service must always be grounded in principle even when that commitment comes at personal cost." He also said that "so much more needs to be done" and that "the job is half-finished," as reported by KHOU.
