Chief, Big Lake Reach Resignation Settlement

BIG LAKE  (AP) - The Sherburne County community of Big Lake will pay its police chief $160,000 to resign.

Chief Sean Rifenberick's settlement includes a $143,000 payment, unused vacation time, his salary until June and full retirement benefits in several years. In return, Rifenberick cannot sue the city.

The city isn't revealing the reason for the settlement. The City Council placed the chief on paid leave last month after several police officers testified that there was "pain and strife" within the department.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved)