Friday, October 24, 2003
A group of police officers sat outside to support the chief.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- City officials are remaining tight-lipped about whether the police chief will face disciplinary action.
Walking out of an hour-long predisciplinary meeting Monday afternoon for Chief John Mandopoulos, Mayor Hank Angelo and Safety-service Director Fred Harris declined to comment on the hearing or possible outcome.
The mayor also would not say what type of discipline Mandopoulos faces.
"There was a court reporter present during the hearing, and I have asked for a copy of the transcript," Angelo said. "I want to review the transcript before making any decision."
Mandopoulos could not be reached.
The chief can appeal any discipline to the city's civil service commission.
Monday's hearing was held behind closed doors in city hall. More than a dozen police officers lined the halls to support the chief.
"I've been with the department for 22 years, and I support the chief," said Lt. Thomas Skoczylas.
Mandopoulos has been administratively charged with gross neglect of duty, gross dereliction of duty and conduct unbecoming an officer.
The Warren Coalition, consisting of leaders of local minority organizations, has asked for the chief's ouster.
Allegations
The coalition's request stems from the chief's actions during a stop this spring at 77 Soul nightclub.
A videotape shows the chief and Patrolman Manny Nites sticking their faces up to a video camera and making fun of the cameraman.
The club's owner has said the police were harassing the cameraman, a friend of the owner. The chief has said he was joking.
The mayor attached a letter from Atty. Stephen T. Bolton, who represents WFMJ TV Channel 21. The letter states the chief confronted a television reporter in an attempt to intimidate or threaten her.
Bolton's letter says that on Aug. 1, Mandopoulos had a conversation with Michelle Nicks, a TV 21 reporter, about several issues, including the 77 Soul videotape.
The letter says the chief told Nicks he was going to give the home addresses of all local reporters to drug dealers and was going to get area labor unions to organize a boycott of businesses that advertise with The Vindicator and WFMJ.
The chief has denied the allegations.
sinkovich@vindy.com