Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - A Rochester police officer who was placed on administrative leave Tuesday was found dead Wednesday from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.  

 

 The officer - 49 year old Mitchell Jenson - was found in the pavilion at Essex Park around 10:30 a.m.

Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgerson released the information Thursday morning. He says Jenson was placed on administrative leave due to allegations involving a criminal investigation that occurred while he was off duty. The subject of the allegations - which became known Tuesday evening - has not been released.

The Olmsted County Sheriff's Office was asked to investigate the allegations due to a conflict of interest.  

Police Chief Roger Peterson says Jenson served 24 years in the Marine Corps and then joined the Police Department in February 2010, working as a patrol officer.

Peterson says Jenson was a “hard working cop” and he and the rest of the department were stunned by news of the allegations and the apparent suicide.

During his employment with the Rochester Police Department, Jenson received several letters of appreciation and awards, including being named a two-time Minnesota DWI All-Star.

He was married and the father of an adult son and teenage daughter.  

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