A Northwest Fire/Rescue District captain convicted of stabbing a man to death more than 20 years ago is on paid administrative leave months after officials began investigating his past.

Robert A. Montijo, who was hired by the district in 1992, was convicted of negligent homicide in 1987 and spent three years in prison. After being released, he found work with Rural/Metro Fire Department before applying to the fire district.

Earlier this year, Montijo, 44, got a new title and a pay raise after the district began an investigation to determine whether Montijo failed to disclose his felony conviction.

That initial investigation abruptly ended during an employee appeal hearing, although district officials won't say why it ended.

In an interview this week Chief Jeff Piechura said Montijo was under investigation and had been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome.

Piechura wouldn't say whether the investigation is a continuation of the earlier investigation or a new matter. He also wouldn't say when Montijo was placed on leave.

The investigation should be resolved in the next week, Piechura said.