Bellevue Chief Mylett On Leave Over Criminal Investigation

BELLEVUE, WA - Bothell police detectives are investigating criminal allegations against Bellevue police Chief Steve Mylett. Mylett was placed on administrative leave Friday by Bellevue officials while the investigation proceeds.

Bothell police and Bellevue officials are remaining tight-lipped about the investigation, saying that they don't want to jeopardize the process. Whatever the allegation, it stemmed from an incident in Bothell in 2017.

Bothell police Capt. Mark Johnson declined to describe the nature of the investigation. He would not say whether Mylett is being investigated under felony or misdemeanor allegations; and he would not say if the detectives working on the case specialize in certain crimes.

“Whenever there is a criminal investigation underway involving a police department employee, it is our policy to place the employee on administrative leave,” City Manager Brad Miyake said in a press release. “We took immediate action when we learned of the allegation. The City of Bellevue takes such allegations very seriously. To ensure a fair and thorough process for everyone involved, we will not provide further comment prior to the completion of the internal and external investigations.”

Assistant Police Chief Patrick Arpin will take over while Mylett is on leave. Bellevue spokeswoman Lenka Wright declined to comment further on the investigation.

A search of Snohomish and King County court records did not reveal any active criminal cases against Mylett. The Snohomish County Prosecutor's office was also not aware of the investigation. Snohomish County jail records do not indicate that Mylett was jailed in 2017.

Mylett became Bellevue chief in April 2015. He was formerly chief at the Southlake, Texas. He started his career in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Image via city of Bellevue