Can detective discuss controversy?

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - A Buffalo Police detective is willing to tell News 4 about his role in the City Hall controversy involving Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and former basketball star Leonard Stokes. But the mayor calls the shots, and so far, the detective can't get permission.

Buffalo Police Detective Sergeant Thomas Donovan wants to talk about the Leonard Stokes incident. Sources tell News 4 Donovan is the one who transported Stokes to Mayor Byron Brown's office January 8th 2007 after Stokes was detained for possessing a stolen handicapped parking permit.

Here's what the mayor said Thursday.

Mayor Brown said, "No officer has come forward. Have you seen a single officer come forward and say anything?"

But Sgt. Donovan tells News 4 he'd be willing to talk if he gets approval from top police brass. They have said no, citing department policy involving an on-going investigation.

News 4's Luke Moretti asked, "There is a detective on the Buffalo Police Department who does want to come forward and tell all. But the police department won't let him. Do you think that's right?"

Mayor Brown said, "Well, there's an investigation going on. It's police department policy I guess. And I support the police department's policies."

Moretti said, "He's the guy who brought Stokes here to the mayor's office."

Buffalo Council President David Franczyk said, "That's pretty heavy. That's pretty interesting. I think that could clear up a lot. And I think that person should be allowed to speak."

Stokes, the former basketball star and owner of the failed One Sunset restaurant, was ticketed for having a stolen permit in 2007, along with more than a dozen other people. He paid the fine and associated fees along with everyone else caught with the stolen permits. But Stokes, sources say, was the only one transported by police to the mayor's office.

Did he receive preferential treatment from City Hall?

Erie County District Attorney Frank Sedita said, "It would appear that Mr. Stokes did not receive preferential treatment because he was treated in the exact same manner that a dozen or 13 or 14 other citizens who didn't know the mayor were treated."

News 4 has also learned from sources that FBI agents have already talked to Sgt. Donovan. Meanwhile, News 4's Luke Moretti asked the mayor again Friday if he met with Stokes in his office on the day in question. He responded by saying, "it's the subject of an investigation, and that authorities will be reviewing it."