Board notes nonappearance in Arthur Engel case, suggests waiting for counsel or withdrawing complaint

Board members reviewed a complaint filed by Arthur Engel and noted Mr. Engel had been working to secure counsel and did not appear for the scheduled hearing. Executive Director Robert told the board the standard practice is to advise complainants with pending criminal matters to consult counsel and often defer CRB consideration until prosecution ends to avoid compromising the complainant's position.

"If you file a complaint that pertains to alleged wrongdoing that is part of a prosecution, our policy is usually to recommend that we not consider the complaint till the criminal case is over," the executive director said. Several members observed that Mr. Engel had previously had charges resolved and still chose not to participate; they argued that without the complainant present the board cannot ask clarifying questions and may consider the complaint withdrawn. The board did not take final formal action at that point but recorded its view that in-person participation is necessary for substantive review.