Humble PD chief on leave without pay amid investigation, officials say

HUMBLE, Texas (KTRK) -- Days after the Humble Police Department Chief Daniel Zientek was placed on leave, ABC13 learned he has been relieved of duty without pay, says the City Manager.

City officials announced the decision on Tuesday, saying Police Chief Dan Zientek is now on unpaid leave while an independent investigation continues.

The Humble city manager declined to speak on camera but confirmed during an in-person interview that the investigation began after two current police employees filed complaints against Zientek. The concerns were raised around the same time the city conducted an employee survey, roughly six months after Zientek took the job.

According to the city manager, the survey results reflected significant dissatisfaction within the department. Zientek was initially placed on paid leave last week, but as the investigation by an outside law firm expanded, city leaders determined further action was necessary.

In a prepared statement, the city manager said in part:

"Due to the severity of those allegations, Dan Zientek has now been relieved of duty without pay pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation. The City of Humble is committed to transparency and is cooperating fully with the independent investigation."

City officials have not disclosed the specific allegations, but the city manager said the complaints are not related to financial matters. Instead, he described them as concerns over Zientek's management style and leadership of the department.

ABC13 attempted to contact Zientek for comment but was unable to reach him. The city manager said he expects the investigation to be completed by the second week of January.

Capt. Kris Battenfield is now the acting chief of the department.

For news updates, follow Miya Shay on Facebook, X and Instagram.