Officer accused of planting drugs resigns

New London – Roger Newton, who had been on paid administrative leave as a city police officer since Jan. 6, has resigned, effective Feb. 10.

The 27-year-old former K9 officer had been under investigation by the city and state after a man accused him of planting drugs during an October 2010 arrest.

"Roger Newton is no longer an employee of the New London Police Department," Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio said in an emailed statement Tuesday. "Any investigations relating to his employment with the City of New London were closed at the time of his resignation. The City cannot comment on the status of any investigations by the State of Connecticut."

Lt. J. Paul Vance, state police spokesman, said Tuesday that an investigation into the New London Police Department is ongoing, and will continue, regardless of Newton's employment status. That investigation may include criminal allegations, he said.

Newton's resignation letter, addressed to Chief Margaret Ackley, includes a settlement agreement negotiated by the department's police union, Local 724.

The six-item settlement requires, among other things, that "all internal investigations will be closed without a final recommendation or conclusion"; that Newton have the option to purchase his department K9, "Kilo," for $500; and that "the City agrees to not issues a press release or hold a press conference regarding Roger Newton's resignation."

The settlement is signed by Newton, union president Todd Lynch, union attorney Richard Gudis and Finizio.