New London — The city's Board of Ethics has found probable cause to investigate a complaint filed by Police Chief Margaret Ackley against City Councilor Michael Buscetto III and will meet Monday night to determine a date for a public hearing.

In a 6-1 vote, the board found that probable cause exists that Buscetto violated the city's Code of Ethics, according to a press release from the board on Saturday.

Ackley filed a formal complaint against Buscetto following closed-door meetings of the City Council in which her retirement contract was discussed. She also asked at the time that Buscetto recuse himself from the closed discussion because she alleged that Buscetto interfered with her management of the police department.

Ackley has also said she may sue the city over Buscetto's conduct. In a letter to the Board of Ethics, Buscetto maintained that Ackley gave no explanation for why he should recuse himself and that he had no financial or personal interest in the matter.

According to the press release, Ackley and Buscetto had 14 days to reach a settlement on the matter but failed to do so by the Thursday deadline. A hearing must now be scheduled within the next 90 days.

When it meets Monday night at the New London Public Library, the board is scheduled to discuss the hearing procedure and choose a date and location for the hearing.