8.10.12 Statement of Deputy Chief David Evan As Deputy Chief Evan's Counsel, I have been requested to make a Statement concerning the baseless allegations of Former Reno Police Sergeant, James Steigmaier. As it concerns any and all tapes played, we are unable to comment directly as to the content of the tapes because Deputy Chief Evans is cooperating in an Internal Affairs Investigation and as such, is not privileged to comment upon the matter despite his desire to do so. We ask only you consider the source of the story and the lack of credibility the source may suffer by virtue of the various charges filed against l\/Ir. Steigmaier prior to the time he decided to retire from the Reno Police Department as opposed to facing termination. Deputy Chief Evans and Former Police Officer James Steigmaier had been friends for a period of time in excess of 20 years. During this 20 year period of time, Deputy Chief Evans had a number of conversations with Former Police Officer James Steigmaier however, none of those conversations were designed_to either thwart an investigation or encourage dishonesty. The tapes put together by Former Police Officer James Steigmaier ar a conglomeration of secret recordings possibly done by James Steigmaier or another and subsequently edited by James Steigmaier or persons unknown to achieve a desired result. To this date, no one has been presented the original tapes in their entirety to allow for a complete contextual review. We do not feel it appropriate to dignify Former Police Officer James Steigmaier's comments with an in depth reply. Suffice it to say, one should consider the source and the credibility of the individual bringing forth the material. It should not be forgotten, Former Police OfficerJames Steigmaier, did not bring these allegations to light until such a time as James Steighmaier had been accused of and/or charged with various conduct that jeopardized his career as a Reno Police Officer. Upon being notified of said charges and the result of an Investigation which recommended termination, a number of allegations were then launched by James Steigmaier at others. The question remains as to whether or not it was for the purpose of retaliation for others telling the truth or perhaps a smokescreen in order to hide the true facts that may be plaguing the Former Reno Police Officer. It is Counse|'s understanding, currently, Former Police Officer Steigmaier is also being investigated as it concerns Criminal Charges by the Washoe County District Attorney's Office. While his current situation may be somewhat sympathetic, it no way justifies the type of activity taken by Former Police Officer James Steigmaier which in our opinion, represents an effort to create a smokescreen to avoid acceptance of responsibility for those charges or allegations, if any, which have been substantiated against him. We find James Steigmaier's current condition somewhat pitiable and can only state, we wish the best for him and in our opinion, a hoped for recovery to normalcy. Despite the efforts ofiames Steigmaier, Deputy Chief Evans is not in a position, nor will he be forced into a position of publicly commenting as it concerns pending investigations thereby jeopardizing not only those investigations but his duty as Deputy Chief. Once the Investigation period has concluded, Deputy Chief Evans welcomes the opportunity to set all matters straight as it concerns any questions created by the baseless allegations of the Former Police Officer James Steigmaier.