The city of Spokane has hired a retired federal judge to investigate why the former interim police chief was placed on paid administrative leave and demoted.

The city said Monday that retired Judge Michael Hogan should finish his investigation of Scott Stephens by the end of the month.

Stephens served as interim chief after the departure of Chief Anne Kirkpatrick. He became assistant chief when Frank Straub took over as chief. He was placed on paid leave Dec. 20, but the circumstances have never been publicly explained. The latest news release refers to him as a lieutenant.

The Spokesman-Review reports ( http://is.gd/dmu6z3) city council members say they have been told what led to the action but they couldn't comment.

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Information from: The Spokesman-Review, http://www.spokesman.com