Lawyers: Go after higher-ups in probe

The lawyers are seeking proof about their client's employee classification.
& lt;a href=mailto:sinkovich@vindy.com & gt;By PEGGY SINKOVICH & lt;/a & gt;
and STEPHEN SIFF
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Rather than pick on Trumbull County maintenance director Tony Delmont, prosecutors should go after officials higher up the chain of command, Delmont's lawyers say.
"For some unknown reason, your office has determined to throw the lowest person on the totem pole under the bus," Attys. Daniel P. Thomas and Daniel A. Thomas stated in an Oct. 14 letter to Prosecutor Dennis Watkins and the county commissioners.
In the letter, the lawyers questioned why commissioners planned to hold a predisciplinary hearing for their client, who was suspended without pay following an indictment involving theft in office and money laundering. A county grand jury indicted Delmont last month. He has pleaded innocent.
Prosecutors say Delmont bilked taxpayers out of $400,000 over a period of two and a half years by allowing vendors to overcharge the county, in exchange for bribes.
Aware of spending
"Since all three commissioners signed checks and approved the invoices for the 'alleged' over-price products to purchase by the county, and further due to the fact that one commissioner has already admitted knowledge of same conduct, the commissioners should remove themselves from any adjudication regarding Mr. Delmont," the letter from Delmont's attorneys states.
Commissioner James Tsagaris said earlier this month he was aware of excessive spending in the county maintenance department but was afraid to do anything about it.
The lawyers also suggested that the predisciplinary hearing could present a conflict of interest for the Trumbull County Prosecutor's office, because it also represents county commissioners in civil matters.
Prosecutor Dennis Watkins declined to comment.
"If we conclude that we will go forward with this matter at the 'pre-disciplinary hearing,' then we will call several witnesses, including the board of county commissioners, other officeholders, and any and all individuals we deem necessary for Mr. Delmont's defense," the letter said.
Seeking proof
Delmont's attorneys also wanted proof that their client is categorized as an "unclassified" employee -- that is, subject to termination at the will of the commissioners -- and an explanation of the legal basis of the hearing, scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday.
Prosecutors have said they expect to grant Delmont immunity from criminal prosecution based on any statements made in a hearing, so he could be punished for insubordination if he refuses to speak.
Commissioner Joseph J. Angelo Jr. said that, to his knowledge, the hearing will go forward as planned.
& lt;a href=mailto:sinkovich@vindy.com & gt;sinkovich@vindy.com & lt;/a & gt; & lt;a href=mailto:siff@vindy.com & gt;siff@vindy.com & lt;/a & gt;