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SALT LAKE CITY — Shaun Cowley will not have his police certification suspended or revoked.
Cowley's attorneys on Wednesday released a letter from Peace Officer Standards and Training that was sent to the embattled former West Valley police detective informing him that its investigation into his conduct had been completed.
"There is not sufficient evidence, at this time, to show your conduct constitutes a violation of (Utah Code). Consequently, POST is not seeking to suspend or revoke your peace officer certification," the letter states.
Cowley was charged with criminal manslaughter in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Danielle Willard during a 2012 drug investigation. Instead of sending the case to a jury trial, a judge dismissed the charges during the preliminary hearing phase in a rare move, saying there wasn't enough evidence to continue.
West Valley City fired Cowley in September of 2013. He appealed his termination, claiming he was only performing his duties as his police superiors had taught him. He was temporarily reinstated as an officer after the city opted not to continue the drawn out fight in 2015. After an agreement on back pay was reached, Cowley "resigned" from the department.
In February, he filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against his former employer.
In their letter, POST reminded Cowley that if it receives additional information, "the evidence will be evaluated and a new investigation may be initiated."
