Ohio Police Chief Dismissed After 'String of Incidents'

June 15, 2013
Following a string of incidents questioning the Celina police chief's professionalism, David Slusser has been dismissed from his position.

CELINA, Ohio -- Following a string of incidents questioning the Celina police chief's professionalism, David Slusser has been dismissed from his position.

In a hand-delivered letter dated Thursday that Celina Safety Service Director Thomas J. Hitchcock and Mayor Jeffrey S. Hazel co-signed, they highlighted the incidents that led to Slusser's dismissal.

"There is no dispute you took possession of prescribed medication related to a domestic violence complaint. ... You have given multiple stories regarding what you did with the medication," according to the letter.

The letter also read, "You have admitted that you, in fact, did alter the timesheets of employees so that specified public funds could be used to pay employees."

The three-page letter summarized several other incidents:

--Evidence from a 2004 criminal investigation that was found in his desk.

--A handgun Slusser kept for 12 years that was supposed to be used for a two-week trial.

--Laptops given to county staff that were supposed to be cleared, but contained sensitive police files and photos.

Slusser was scheduled to have a pre-disciplinary conference on June 12, but he waived his right to that conference in writing on June 11.

Copyright 2013 - The Lima News, Ohio

McClatchy-Tribune News Service

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