Box Elder City Council expels alderman for alleged misdeeds

BOX ELDER, S.D. (AP) – The Box Elder City Council has expelled one of its members for alleged misuses of power, disorderly conduct and conflicts of interest.

The council voted to remove Ward 1 Alderman Scott Allen. The council accuses Allen of engaging in threatening behavior, subjecting city officials to profanity-laced tirades, and using his public position to benefit his private business, among other alleged misdeeds.

Allen denies that he committed any offenses worthy of expulsion. He says in a statement that city officials are trying to silence his opposition to a rezoning effort he believes would be devastating for small business owners. He plans to appeal the expulsion in court.

The events leading up to the expulsion began with a grievance filed against Allen by a city employee in August 2018.

AP-WF-04-29-19