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GREENSBORO — Three police officers accused of sexual assault in December are subject to administrative punishment even though the district attorney has said he doesn't plan to prosecute, police said Saturday .

"They will be held accountable for their mistakes," Assistant Chief Ron Rogers said Saturday.

The police department's professional standards division will continue an administrative investigation into whether any officers violated the department's rules.

In December, a female police officer reported being sexually assaulted after she got into a vehicle with three on-duty police officers near the Four Seasons Town Centre.

Sgt. A.S. Wallace , officer J.O. LeGrand and officer C.S. Stevens have been on paid suspension since the criminal investigation began. Rogers said Saturday the officers will remain on paid suspension for the administrative investigation.

Deputy City Manager Bob Morgan said the city will be vigilant about correcting issues exposed by the six-month controversy.

"We will do a thorough investigation," Morgan said. "We stand ready to make a tough decision, the right decision, based on the facts."

Police Chief Tim Bellamy could not be reached for comment, and Rogers said the chief was out of town visiting relatives.

City Manager Mitchell Johnson also was out of town attending to family issues Saturday, Morgan said.

On Friday, Guilford County District Attorney Doug Henderson announced he would not recommend criminal charges against the police officers.

Henderson said in a written statement distributed Friday that his decision was influenced by the complainant being intoxicated or impaired, her delay in filing the complaint and seeking a medical examination, and the absence of supporting physical evidence.

But Henderson also said his recommendation did not clear the officers of wrongdoing.

"This recommendation should not be construed to mean that we believe the three on-duty police officers acted appropriately or did not violate department regulations. ..." the statement said.

Rogers said the police department will conduct the internal investigation as quickly as possible.

"Anything that (Chief Bellamy) is allowed to release legally, he will release," Rogers said.

Contact Sonja Elmquist at 373-7090 or sonja.elmquist@news-record.com