YOUNGSTOWN Jury: Man impersonated officer

Three 'constables' will be sentenced this month and another in December.
By PATRICIA MEADE
VINDICATOR CRIME REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- So-called constables who dress like police have tried their impersonation cases "every which way but loose" and lost, a city prosecutor says.
"They've tried it to a judge, and now a jury," Dana C. Guarnieri said. "I hope they get the message. The message is clear."
Wednesday, a municipal court jury found Anthony P. Taylor, 41, of Hudson Avenue, guilty of impersonating a police officer. Judge Elizabeth A. Kobly will sentence him Dec. 27.
He faces up to 30 days in jail and a $250 fine.
More sentencing
Later this month, Judge Kobly will sentence Ethel M. Smith and Carole J. Dubose on convictions of impersonating a police officer. The judge will also sentence Curtis M. Bryant Jr. on a conviction of providing security without a license.
All are from Youngstown and employed by Ohio State Police Constable Service at 1355 Logan Ave., operated by La-Roi Dock.
Dock contends that his incorporation with the state gives his employees police powers.
Taylor and the others were charged after police spotted them providing security in parking lots at South Side bars in July. Their constable gear included badges, hats and patches.
Constables, who were once appointed by county judges for townships, have no police powers in the city.
After the verdict Wednesday, the prosecutor and Struthers attorney James E. Lanzo spoke to jurors. Lanzo represented Taylor.
One juror found it "scary" that the constables believe they are police officers.
Bryant, a defense witness at Taylor's trial, had testified "We are police officers." He said Dock is the appointing authority.
A juror asked Lanzo why he put Bryant on the stand. Lanzo said his argument was that his client's actions and attire did not violate the law.
Patrolman Frank Rutherford had testified that Taylor's appearance gave the impression that he was a police officer.
"This is apparently not going to go away," Detective Sgt. Brad Blackburn said after court Wednesday. "These are very determined individuals. "I'm very glad [Taylor] was found guilty by a jury of his peers."
meade@vindy.com