Waikato Times
February 16, 2004
Shocked staff backing Waikato's top cop
by Steve Hopkins
Superintendent Kelvin Powell was stood down on Saturday after being named as a
"person of interest" in the inquiry into allegations made against the
man he replaced as
Rotorua woman Louise Nicholas claims the three men pack-raped her in a police
house in Rotorua in the 1980s. The men deny the allegations. Mr Rickards has
also been stood down.
It was reported today that Mr Powell was stood down in relation to earlier
complaints made by Mrs Nicholas of sexual indecencies committed against her in Murupara between 1980 and 1983 when she was aged 13-15.
But Mrs Nicholas told the Waikato Times that she couldn't comment about Mr
Powell and any reports about his link to the investigation were just
presumption. Police won't say why Mr Powell has been stood down.
Mr Powell started his police career in Rotorua in January 1981 and worked there
for six years. He worked alongside Mr Rickards and did some relieving work in Murupara.
A senior
Former
Mr Powell, who is married and has two teenage daughters and a son, refused to
comment to the Times today but said he would
"possibly" be making a statement in the next few days. He remains on
full pay. Detective Inspector Bruce Scott will fill in.
Mr Powell has also been dropped as
Police national headquarters said Mr Powell was not "the fourth man"
– a person Mrs Nicholas claims watched as she was raped.