(CNN) -- East Haven, Connecticut, Police Chief Leonard Gallo will retire after the arrests of four police officers for their alleged role in the mistreatment of Latinos, Mayor Joseph Maturo said Monday. The arrests stemmed from a federal investigation into profiling in the city, with some critics suggesting that Gallo fostered or at least overlooked a culture of ethnic prejudice within his department. The chief's lawyer acknowledged Monday that his client faces a federal lawsuit and could himself be charged, though he said Gallo is innocent, having never profiled or targeted Latinos. Gallo's retirement is effective February 3, Maturo said, adding that a search for East Haven's next police chief will begin immediately.
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Chief Leonard Gallo's attorney says his retirement is not an admission of wrongdoing
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Four East Haven officers were arrested last week as part of a federal investigation
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A Latino community member says Gallo cultivated a "racist and dishonest police force"
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East Haven's mayor recently apologized for remarks on Latinos some called insensitive
On Monday, @placeholder was largely complimentary of East Haven's outgoing police chief, describing him as "a devoted public servant who performed admirably in both his personal and professional life.