A federal magistrate judge in Idaho has unsealed a redacted summary of findings in the investigation of Caldwell Police Chief Rex Ingram, revealing policy violations but stopping short of determining unlawful sexual harassment occurred. The one-page executive summary became public on August 12 following a legal motion to compel disclosure, marking the first official documentation released in a case that resulted in a $1.5 million settlement between the city and a former police officer.
The unsealed findings stem from allegations made by former Caldwell police officer Allison Butler, who reported misconduct to city officials in January 2024 and later filed a federal lawsuit in February 2025. U.S. Magistrate Judge Debora K. Grasham issued the order releasing the partial investigator’s report after the court granted a motion to compel in March 2026.
What the Investigation Found
Private investigator Doug Plass conducted the inquiry, concluding his work in March 2024. The unsealed summary indicates that Ingram violated the city’s harassment and discrimination policy, but the investigator determined the conduct did not constitute unlawful sexual harassment under federal law.
The report references an October 2023 incident in Los Angeles in which Ingram allegedly solicited prostitution offers while driving Caldwell Police Department officers on what was presented as a tour, without informing the officers the scenario was a training exercise. Separately, the investigator found that Ingram allegedly instructed Butler to provide false information to his wife regarding an invitation to a Boise State football game.
Most of the investigator’s report remains sealed by court order, and the summary released does not elaborate on other details or the full scope of the investigation.
Settlement and Legal Timeline
The city of Caldwell, Police Chief Ingram, and former Mayor Jarom Wagoner reached a settlement agreement with Butler in May 2025 for $1.5 million. That settlement resolved the federal civil rights lawsuit without admission of liability.
The release of the investigator’s findings marks the first public disclosure of official conclusions in what has been an otherwise confidential matter. The vast majority of investigative materials remain sealed, limiting the public record available for review.
Impact on Caldwell Law Enforcement
Ingram assumed the Caldwell police chief position in 2022 after a 17-year career with the Los Angeles Police Department. His tenure in Caldwell has now been marked by this internal investigation and the resulting settlement, which represents a significant financial and reputational consequence for the department and the city.
The investigation was initiated after Butler reported the allegations to city officials early in 2024. The city then retained Plass to conduct an independent review, which concluded within weeks of the complaint being filed.
What Comes Next
With the magistrate judge’s order releasing the executive summary, additional details may emerge through ongoing discovery in related legal proceedings or further court orders. The settlement agreement has not been made fully public, and the extent to which additional investigative findings will be disclosed remains dependent on future judicial decisions.
The case has drawn attention to internal accountability mechanisms within the Caldwell Police Department and raises questions about oversight of leadership conduct. Residents and city officials continue to monitor developments as this matter progresses through the courts.
For more on law enforcement matters in the Treasure Valley, see the Caldwell Swatting Hoax investigation and related Nampa police arrest.