Friday, July 11, 2008 8:01 PM CDT
Suspended Cumberland deputy says investigation 'ruffled a lot of feathers'
By NATHANIEL WEST, Staff Writer
nwest@jg-tc.com
TOLEDO — A Cumberland County sheriff’s deputy on Friday said he was suspended for two weeks possibly in response to his investigation of a recently fired Toledo police officer.
“It all had to do with an investigation involving a city police officer,” Deputy Steven Carr said. “That’s what the sheriff was so upset about, because it ruffled a lot of feathers.”
Carr, who has already served the suspension of 10 working days without pay and is now back on duty, also said he is taking the matter to an arbitrator after the Cumberland County Board this week did not reverse the suspension.
Carr said he could not release certain details, including the name of the Toledo police officer he investigated or the nature of the probe. However, the Toledo Village Board on Monday voted 4-1 to fire police officer Andrew Schabbing, according to the village clerk’s office.
The cause of the dismissal was discussed only in closed session, said the clerk’s office.
Carr said he gave his report from the investigation to State’s Attorney Barry Schaefer, who forwarded it to the appellate prosecutor’s office. Schaefer could not be reached for comment Friday. Carr said he is not aware of any criminal charges resulting from his investigation.
“I handled it like any investigation,” said Carr.
He also said a Fraternal Order of Police union official incorrectly reported last week that Carr was suspended for “violating office policy.”
“I didn’t violate any policy,” said Carr, adding that his investigation “is where it all came from.”
Sheriff Steve Ozier previously said he could not comment on the suspension because it involved a personnel matter.
FOP field representative Chick Burns earlier this week said the county board and the sheriff discussed the suspension in an executive session Tuesday, but only came to an impasse.
Carr said it could take at least six months before an arbitrator issues a decision.
Carr also confirmed the county board chairman who previously said there were “no grounds” for the suspension is also his grandfather, Bob Swearingen.
“It’s kind of put him in a bad spot,” said Carr. “It’s a small town — you’re bound to be related to somebody.”
At Monday’s village board meeting, board members Larry Stults, Leon Hanley, Michael Walker and Linda Brewer voted in favor of dismissing Schabbing. John Beck cast the only dissenting vote, while Charles Finney was absent, according to the village clerk’s office.
Contact Nathaniel West at nwest@jg-tc.com or 238-6860.
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cc wrote on Jul 12, 2008 8:48 AM:
1. It all had to do with an investigation involving a city police officer, Deputy Steven Carr said. Thats what the sheriff was so upset about, because it ruffled a lot of feathers.- I think the issue here is that Cumberland County continues to have more and more underage drinking, and drug related crimes, but the police are worried about getting treated fairly? Sounds like serving and protecting the people is not a top priority in the county.
2. I didnt violate any policy, said Carr, He broke a promise with people in that county. He took an oath to serve and protect, it sounds like he watches too much Law and Order.
3. Its kind of put him in a bad spot, said Carr. Its a small town youre bound to be related to somebody.- In any county, if a family member was on the board and an issue went to a meeting/vote about a family member, that the family member on the board would take themselves out of the meetings and votes. Swearingen has no place to voice family opinions in an elected position. HE should have been asked to stay out of the proceedings regarding this issue. IS Cumberland County that off touch with how business operates? "