TRUMBULL COUNTY Sheriff wants to take disciplinary action against two employees

A deputy denies sleeping while providing security at Southington High School.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Trumbull County's sheriff is recommending that two employees be disciplined, one for allegations of sleeping on duty and the other for failing to promote the department's values.
Sheriff Thomas Altiere said Friday he is recommending that Latrese Morgan receive 10 days off without pay. The sheriff said an official with his department saw her sleeping when she was supposed to provide security at Southington High School.
Morgan was off duty. The security was performed as a side job, Altiere said.
"Even though she was not on duty for us, she was in uniform and using our cruiser, which is allowed when people are doing side jobs," the sheriff said.
A hearing will be held in the next few weeks, the sheriff said.
"This is absolutely untrue," said Atty. Gil Rucker, one of Morgan's attorneys. "This is an example of racist conduct by the sheriff's department in an attempt to cover up their blatant theft of her promotion, which she is presently fighting."
The sheriff denied that allegation.
"When someone makes an allegation about one of our employees I have to look into it," Altiere said. "This is why we have disciplinary hearings, and Latrese will have a hearing. If it is found that she was not sleeping, then there will be no discipline."
Legal action considered
Rucker said his client is considering taking legal action against the department. He noted that Southington school officials will testify that Morgan was awake while performing her duties.
"He should spend his time investigating county corruption instead of harassing a hard-working black female who is trying to advance herself," Rucker said.
Morgan was suspended in April for 60 days after admitting she drove her county-issued car to Baltimore for a vacation.
Jail cook suspended
The sheriff also ordered that the jail cook, Crystal Lapinski, be given five days unpaid leave for failing to promote the department's values.
Lapinski agreed to the suspension, Altiere said.
Lapinski was disciplined because she was arrested earlier this week by Johnston Township police, the sheriff said. She faces charges of assault, obstructing official business, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.
Lapinski pleaded innocent to the charges earlier this week in Central District Court. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for later this week, court officials said.