Richmond police chief facing trial for misusing a state law enforcement database

handcuffs

Richmond’s chief of police could be facing 93 days in jail and/or a $500 fine for unauthorized use of a state law enforcement database.

Chief Thomas Castello is on paid administrative leave, having been placed there on August 2 by Richmond city manager Jon Moore upon learning that Castello is facing a charge of Law Enforcement Information Network violation– unauthorized disclosure. The charge is being brought by the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office, and it prompted an internal investigation by the city into the matter.

Sgt. William Kacanowski will be acting as chief in the meantime, as Castello is due in court for a morning arraignment and pre-trial hearing on August 17, before Macomb County District Court Judge William Hackel III.

The Law Enforcement Information Network (or LIEN, for short) consists of a system that manages criminal justice information across the state.