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Civil Trial For Virginia, Minn., Police Chief Is Postponed

VIRGINIA, Minn. (AP) -- A civil trial for Virginia Police Chief Dana Waldron has been postponed.

The Police Civil Service Commission trial was set to begin Monday for Waldron, who is accused of inefficiency and misconduct.

The police chief was put on paid leave Jan. 25 following a closed session of the city council. Detective Dennis Benz was named acting police chief.

City officials haven't commented on the investigation.

Waldron has told the Mesabi Daily News that he doesn't know what he could have done wrong to be put on immediate suspension. He called the investigation a "witch hunt."

Mayor Steve Peterson has said he believes the investigation will prove to be justified.

The trial was announced recently after a four-month investigation, but the two sides have been in negotiations for a settlement.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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