(AP) - Sixteen state firefighters have been placed on paid leave in an ongoing investigation that grew out of what California fire officials say were unfounded allegations of a sex tape.
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection spokeswoman Janet Upton told The Associated Press that the department placed the employees on leave Monday. The formal results of the California Highway Patrol investigation are expected early next month.
The investigation began in May after fire academy instructor and battalion chief Orville Fleming was charged with murder in the death of a former escort who became his girlfriend.
Fleming's estranged wife said she had viewed a video showing the victim having sex with firefighters on fire trucks.
Upton said investigators determined there was no tape. She said the allegations involve unrelated policy violations.
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