One of City Hall’s top music officials has been placed on administrative leave pending the completion of a City Auditor investigation, a city spokesman confirmed Wednesday.

Don Pitts, head of the city’s music and entertainment division, has been off the job since Jan. 13. He is an important figure in the city’s efforts to bolster and protect its music and arts scene from rising rents that have led to the closure of some venues.

City spokesman David Green confirmed that Pitts was placed on leave, but could not comment on how long it would last or what allegations he faces.

The investigation, Green said, is being conducted by the City Auditor’s office, which answers directly to City Council and operates independently of the City Manager’s office.

The City Auditor’s office would not comment on the matter or even confirm the probe, said Nathan Wiebe, the chief of investigations in the Auditor’s Office.