The city council in one of New Jersey's best-known beach towns demoted the police chief and one newly elected council member resigned in protest in a turbulent public meeting.
The Cape May city council voted 3-2 on Tuesday to demote Robert Sheehan to captain.
Some city officials said they took the action because the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office was conducting a criminal investigation regarding Sheehan, who became chief one year ago.
But Prosecutor Robert Taylor tells The Press of Atlantic City (http://bit.ly/1Eksvg9) that Sheehan was not being investigated.
Sheehan called his demotion an "ambush-style action'' and Councilman Jerry Inderwies resigned in protest. He had joined the council in January.
Even though his rank is lower, Sheehan remains in charge of the department until a replacement is hired.
Police Chief Demoted in Popular New Jersey Beach Town
Copyright AP - Associated Press
