Lt. Matt Gordon of the Coatesville police department was placed on administrative leave Thursday, it has been learned.

Gordon, a 19-year veteran of the city police department was informed Thursday that city Police Chief William Matthews had put him on administrative leave. It is unknown why Matthews ordered the administrative leave. Matthews failed to respond to telephone voice mail messages for a comment. Lt. Julius Canale also failed to return telephone calls.

Placing Gordon on administrative leave is again likely to spark concerns that he is being targeted by city officials.

Meanwhile, Gordon's placement on administrative leave comes at a time the city police department is down three officers. Reportedly, three other police officers are expected to leave by the end of this month for jobs with other police departments.

Gordon is a recent graduate of the FBI Academy. Former Police Chief Dominick Bellizzie recommended either Gordon on Canale as his replacement. Bellizzie resigned as city police chief out of fear that he was being targeted for dismissal. Canale served as acting police chief until Matthews was hired.

According to law enforcement sources, Matthews still remains uncertified as a police officer in Pennsylvania and is prohibited from making arrests or carrying a weapon.