The Algona police officer under investigation for allegedly stealing from a multi-city Police Explorer program for youth has resigned from the department.

According to Algona Mayor Dave Hill, Lt. Lee Gaskill resigned rather than face possible termination at a Loudermill hearing the City conducted on Friday.

A “Loudermill” hearing is part of the due process requirement that must be provided a police officer before firing or imposing discipline.

Although the King County Sheriff Office’s investigation into the alleged theft, which led to Gaskill’s arrest and release on March 25, is ongoing, the City’s independent investigation wrapped up last week.

“The findings were that the accusations were sustained on three instances and exonerated on two others,” Hill said.

Hill declined to comment on the specific instances.

Gaskill served nine months as Algona’s interim police chief, which gave him access to the Sumner, Pacific and Algona Police Explorer fund. The organization provides practical policing experience to youth interested in pursuing careers in law enforcement. The organization, which launched in 2008, is funded by donations and staffed by volunteers.

Gaskill allegedly took $7,000 from the fund, according to arrest papers provided by the King County Prosecutor’s office, Hill said last month.

Mike Sanford, a 30-year veteran of the Seattle Police Department, who previously worked with the city of Toppenish, is Algona’s new interim police chief.

“We’re working with him, and now that we’ve solved some issues and have been able to get down to running the City again, we’re going to put together a job description and start the process for hiring a permanent chief,” Hill said.