The special investigator appointed by Rochester City Council to look into the city's response to Daniel Prude's death says former Police Chief La'Ron Singletary is refusing to cooperate with the investigation.

Investigator Andrew Celli Jr. says Singletary has told him, through his lawyer, that Singletary is unwilling to provide documents or testimony for the investigation.

Singletary was subpoenaed by city council earlier this month to provide the testimony and documents.

Celli says he will pursue different methods of forcing Singletary to comply, such as court enforcement. 

In a statement, Celli said, in part, "...Chief Singletary’s refusal to cooperate in the investigation, while very unfortunate, will not materially impede our progress...even as we actively consider remedies for such non-compliance, our work will continue, drawing on the many other sources of documentary evidence and testimony that are available to us..."

Celli’s firm has released several pieces of correspondence between the special council and Singletary’s attorney.

Singletary’s attorney Michael Tallon said that Singletary will preserve all evidence in his custody that relates to the investigation. He also says that Celli has yet to provide the legal justification for compelling co-operation from someone who is not employed by the city.

"I believe that back channel communications that compromise confidentiality and integrity are rife in many organizations and especially those under severe stress. That describes this administration now," he said.