On Nov. 21, Donald Maynard, a black firefighter-paramedic apprentice, said he found the racially charged items in an East Baltimore fire station, the Baltimore Sun reported Sunday.

But Saturday, city officials said Maynard, who was already suspended for performance-related issues, confessed he planted the rope and note himself. The officials said he may now face additional punishment.

The incident, which prompted federal investigation, was the latest in a series of incidents involving nooses.

"If the department upon investigation found Mr. Maynard's alleged claims to be factual, I would have acted swiftly and severely," said Baltimore Fire Chief William Goodwin Jr., who said last month he would step down at the end of the year after a series of scandals.

"I will do the same thing regarding Mr. Maynard's unfortunate act of misconduct."