Bellaire police chief retires weeks after being placed on administrative leave amid investigation

BELLAIRE, Texas – Bellaire Police Chief Lopez has announced he’s retiring from the department after being placed on administrative leave last month.

Chief Onesimo “Mo” Lopez was placed on paid administrative leave pending an internal employment investigation, city officials told KPRC 2 in November.

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A City of Bellaire spokesperson confirmed that Lopez retired, effective on Friday.

He was on paid administrative leave “pending an investigation into an employment matter,” a city spokesperson previously told KPRC 2. The investigation reportedly did not impact police duties.

Lt. Shane O’Sullivan has been named Acting Chief of Police.

“The City will begin the search for a new Chief of Police in the coming weeks,” the police department wrote on Facebook.