Head of NHP resigns after investigation

David Hosmer has resigned as head of the Nevada Highway Patrol. and Major Robert Wideman, chief of the Northern Command, has been demoted after an investigation of harassment charges.

They were placed on administrative leave May 5 pending an investigation of comments either made to or about Capt. Jacquelyn Sandage, the first woman to achieve that rank in NHP history.

The investigation was conducted by consultants who specialize in such cases, reviewed by independent legal counsel and a state panel consisting of three directors of agencies outside Public Safety. There was no suggestion the allegations involved any sexual advances by either man.

A press release late Thursday by the Department of Public Safety said director George Togliatti has named Chris Perry, chief of the DPS Training Division, acting chief of the highway patrol until a permanent appointment is made. Togliatti expects to make that appointment June 26.

Perry is a 24-year NHP veteran.

Hosmer has nearly 30 years in law enforcement experience. His tenure with the state began 28 years ago as an NHP trooper. He transferred to the Nevada Division of Investigations three years later and rose to head of NDI, holding that post five years before he was named colonel in charge of NHP.

Wideman has been with the department 28 years, rising through the ranks to major in charge of the Reno/Carson City-based Northern Command in 2002.

Wideman was demoted one step from major to captain and will continue at NHP.

Sandage was in charge of traffic, commercial and administrative operations for the Northern Command at the time the incident or incidents took place. She transferred out of that office to the Training Division shortly after that occurred.

• Contact reporter Geoff Dornan at gdornan@nevadaappeal.com or 687-8750