Derrick Foxworth, right, who had recently been appointed Portland police chief, is backed by then-Portland Mayor Vera Katz at a news conference in Portland, Sept. 2, 2003. Foxworth is facing a city investigation after allegations of “misconduct” were made against him, Portland Mayor Tom Potter said Tuesday. Foxworth will remain in his job while the allegations are investigated by the city’s human resources bureau, Potter said in a brief statement. AP Photo

PORTLAND (AP) - Portland Police Chief Derrick Foxworth is facing a city investigation after allegations of misconduct were made against him, Portland Mayor Tom Potter said Tuesday.

Foxworth will remain in his job while the allegations are investigated by the city's human resources bureau, Potter said in a brief statement.

KGW-TV reported that a legal notice filed by a police bureau desk clerk accuses Foxworth of a “sexual impropriety.”

The city would not release further details, citing privacy rules that apply in personnel matters. Potter said he has been aware of the allegations since mid-March.

The Oregonian newspaper, citing an unnamed source, said the allegations at least partly involve graphic e-mails Foxworth sent to the desk clerk before he became chief. The source said the document, which alerts the city of a possible lawsuit, alleges that Foxworth and the woman had a sexual relationship.

Foxworth was out of the office late Tuesday and did not return a phone message seeking an interview. He did issue a statement: “Since I am the subject of a tort claim, I cannot comment on it or the allegations raised by Ms. Oswalt.”

Foxworth was referring to Angela Oswalt, 46, who has worked as a desk clerk at the North precinct since 1997, said her co-worker, Ray Jones.

Jones said Oswalt left work early Tuesday, citing union business.