Whitehall Councilman's Attorneys Demand Police Chief Stop Public Comments

Lawyers for Gerald Dixon criticize Whitehall police chief for discussing investigation into dismissed sex charges.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 4:31pm

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Attorneys for Whitehall City Council member Gerald Dixon are demanding that the city's police chief, Mike Crispen, stop making public comments about the investigation into sex charges against Dixon that were later dismissed. The lawyers say Crispen and other officers have been "parading" evidence against Dixon during public meetings, compromising the integrity of the investigation and eroding public confidence.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tension between law enforcement transparency and preserving the presumption of innocence, especially when charges are ultimately dismissed. The attorneys argue that Crispen's public comments undermine Dixon's right to a fair process, while the police chief contends that sharing information can assist an investigation.

The details

Dixon was arrested in December on sex charges involving a minor, but the charges were later dismissed. His attorneys, Mark Collins and Kaitlyn Stephens, say Crispen and other officers have made public comments about the investigation during City Council meetings, including discussing what they claim are Dixon's journal entries documenting attraction to teenage boys. The attorneys say this compromises the investigation's credibility and fairness.

  • Dixon was arrested in December on sex charges.
  • The charges against Dixon were later dismissed.

The players

Gerald Dixon

A Whitehall City Council member who was accused of sex crimes involving minors, but the charges were later dismissed.

Mike Crispen

The police chief of the Whitehall Division of Police, who has made public comments about the investigation into the allegations against Dixon.

Mark Collins

An attorney hired by Gerald Dixon after his arrest.

Kaitlyn Stephens

An attorney hired by Gerald Dixon after his arrest.

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What they’re saying

“Let us be clear: law enforcement and particularly its leaders are not only entrusted to enforce the law, but ALSO with safeguarding the fairness of the justice system. Law enforcement must not insert itself into the process as a judge and jury, rather than a neutral guardian of fact.”

— Mark Collins and Kaitlyn Stephens, Attorneys for Gerald Dixon (dispatch.com)

“When law enforcement officers speak prematurely, it compromises the integrity of the investigation, the presumption of innocence, and it erodes confidence in the objectivity of the investigation itself. Mr. Dixon and the public deserve better.”

— Mark Collins and Kaitlyn Stephens, Attorneys for Gerald Dixon (dispatch.com)

“Law enforcement has always been required to balance investigative integrity with transparency in service of the public good. When releasing information does not compromise an investigation – and may in fact assist it – agencies routinely use public communication to gather leads, alert the community, and encourage additional victims or witnesses to come forward.”

— Mike Crispen, Whitehall Police Chief (dispatch.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to allow Dixon to remain on the Whitehall City Council despite the dismissed charges.

The takeaway

This case highlights the delicate balance between law enforcement transparency and preserving the presumption of innocence, especially when charges are ultimately dismissed. The dispute over public comments raises broader questions about the role of police in shaping public perceptions during an investigation.