Ernest Morales III is no longer the chief of the Metro Transit Police Department, the Metropolitan Council said in a brief statement Monday.

Morales had been on paid administrative leave since mid-August after an internal investigation into his conduct was launched following multiple complaints from employees.

The statement from the Met Council, which oversees Metro Transit and the Police Department, did not specify the manner in which Morales left his position, nor did it clarify the status of the internal investigation or its findings.

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Capt. Joseph Dotseth will take over as interim chief effective Monday, Dresen said.

The internal investigation began this spring over accusations that Morales created a hostile work environment and negative interactions with women, two sources with knowledge of the investigation previously told the Minnesota Star Tribune. That included allegations of bullying and intimidation.