The legal director of Dyfed-Powys Police has been suspended pending an investigation into payments made to a barristers' chambers where her then husband worked.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission received a referral from Dyfed-Powys Police about the conduct of Samantha Gainard.
The payments are alleged to have been made on behalf of the force for legal services over a number of years.
Ms Gainard, 41, is already the subject of another investigation over an alleged affair with the force’s deputy chief constable, Carl Langley.
An IPCC spokesman said an investigation was underway following a referral from Dyfed-Powys Police.
"The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has an investigation under way into allegations against the Head of Legal Services at Dyfed-Powys Police, Samantha Gainard.
"The allegations relate to payments made by Dyfed-Powys Police for legal services over a number of years to a barristers' chambers where her then husband worked.
The IPCC is investigating what role Ms Gainard had in instructing the chambers, in signing off any invoices, and whether she declared any potential conflict of interest related to transactions when required, in line with force policies and procedures."
Disciplinary action
Last November the force confirmed both Ms Gainard and married Mr Langley, 48, were facing disciplinary action over allegations their relationship may have detrimentally affected their work.
Mr Langley, who was appointed to his role at Dyfed-Powys Police in March 2014, was “temporarily” redeployed into a Wales-wide role.
News of the investigation into an affair came just over a week after it was alleged Mr Langley claimed £55,000 in expenses when he made the move to the Welsh force in March 2012.
He had already been handed a £14,000 pay rise – bringing his salary to £104,455 and total pay package to £190,614.
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The investigation into the alleged affair is examining any “consequences or otherwise” on internal force matters, a force spokesman said.
Separate allegations to alleged affair
The force confirmed Ms Gainard’s suspension on Monday, clarifying that it was in relation to the financial matters and not the alleged relationship with Mr Langley.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission received a referral from Dyfed-Powys Police about the affair, but determined the case was suitable to be investigated locally.
The force has appointed West Mercia’s head, Chief Constable David Shaw, to handle that matter.
In a previous statement, Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Dyfed Powys Police received allegations of misconduct concerning Deputy Chief Constable Langley and Director of Legal Services Samantha Gainard, which were referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
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“An investigation has commenced, and is being conducted by Chief Constable David Shaw of West Mercia Police.
“Part of the investigation concerns the consequences or otherwise of a former relationship on internal force matters. It is not appropriate to comment any further due to the ongoing investigation.”
UPDATE: The IPCC later confirmed they had "found no case to answer for misconduct" and cleared Ms Gainard of any alleged wrongdoing.
