The Huron Undercover Narcotics Team (HUNT) post commander Del Putnam has been removed from his position, pending an internal investigation by his employer the Michigan State Police (MSP). Alpena County prosecutor Ed Black, who serves as HUNT board chairman, was informed by MSP administrators, Feb. 6, that they had initiated an internal investigation into Putnam. “They had informed me that the information had been received by HUNT officers themselves, and they immediately reported it to the head of the (MSP Alpena) post,” said Black. “The post commander provided it to the appropriate officials within the Michigan State Police.”

MSP then launched its internal inquiry. “My understanding is that investigation is still pending,” Black added. MSP D/1st Lt. Pat Boyd of the 7th District Headquarters, Traverse City prepared letters for Black’s review and approval to send out to other board members informing them of the investigation. “I was informed verbally by Mr. Boyd that (Putnam) would not return,” said Black. Putnam had been HUNT commander since July.

MSP Alpena post commander Mike Haan has been appointed to supervise the drug team until a permanent replacement is found. The HUNT team is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force serving the counties of Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency and Presque Isle in northeast Michigan. The team was formed in 1990 and has come under fire in recent months in Presque Isle County over their handling of the investigation involving a former school success worker. The worker faced a felony charge which was later dropped because the interview provided the accused of an “unconstitutional assurance,” that shouldn’t have been made.

Additionally, Presque Isle County prosecutor Rick Steiger faced charges in Alpena for “doctor shopping,” which was later dismissed. Steiger called HUNT a “rogue” operation, and the charge levied by the Michigan Attorney General’s Office was HUNT’s attempt to “discredit” him and “destroy my career,” Steiger said in last week’s edition of the Outlook.

Black said the internal investigation doesn’t have anything to do with the Steiger matter. “My understanding is, it absolutely is not,” said Black. “It has nothing to do with that.” Boyd was contacted and said a “third party” tip is being investigated, but offered no further comment regarding the ongoing investigation.