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Placerville Police Chief James Ortega Steps Down After Closed City Council Session

PLACERVILLE (CBS13) — Placerville's top cop, Chief James Ortega, is stepping down after three years on the job.

After a closed city council meeting Tuesday, the police department said Ortega and City Manager Cleve Morris "mutually agreed to a separation."

Before joining the Placerville Police Department, Ortega was a captain for the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department.

READ ALSO: Placerville Police Chief Calls 11-Year-Old's Suspicious Death Case Toughest of Career

Ortega issued a statement Wednesday writing, "I have always placed the wellness and safety of our troops as a priority. I have done a lot within the department with limited resources. I know the entire department will continue to strive to serve the community well."

Neither the city council nor the police department gave a reason for Ortega stepping down. An interim chief has not yet been named.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.  

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