TRUMBULL COUNTY Officials interview teens in probe

Trustees placed the chief on an unpaid indefinite suspension.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HOWLAND -- While federal and state investigators continue to investigate the Fowler Township police chief, Howland officials say they have contacted some teenagers in their community who were sent to the juvenile diversion program in Fowler.
Police Chief Jim Martin, who also was a captain in Howland, may have directly contacted Howland teenagers and sent them to his juvenile diversion program in Fowler, said Howland Chief Paul Monroe.
"The Howland Township police department did not send anyone to the program in Fowler," Monroe said, noting the township has its own juvenile diversion program. "We had not heard of that program in Fowler."
Monroe said he talked to a few Howland Township juveniles who had taken part in the Fowler program.
Investigation
One of the teenagers sent to the program was a Howland High School senior who had been in trouble at school. School officials referred the teen to the township police officer assigned to the building. The teen said he was instructed to call Martin, according to Atty. Sarah Kovoor, who represents the boy.
Monroe said the officer assigned to the school reported directly to Martin, who was the day-turn supervisor.
Kovoor noted the teenager met with Martin once a week for several months. Each time the teen met with Martin, he was paddled, Kovoor said.
According to a letter in Martin's personnel file, an FBI agent contacted Monroe on March 1.
"Special Agent Ronald Helmick of the Federal Bureau of Investigation spoke with me concerning possible criminal charges and civil rights violations, which may be brought against you," Monroe's letter states.
"The FBI's investigation stems from the use of corporal punishment administered to juveniles by you, while employed by the Fowler Township Police Department."
Prosecutor Dennis Watkins said FBI and state Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation agents are investigating the matter.
Township equipment
Monroe's letter further states that Martin was listing the cellular telephone number issued to him by Howland on letterhead from the Fowler Police Department. Monroe said that is an abuse of township equipment.
Martin was placed on unpaid suspension Monday. Monroe is recommending that the 32-year veteran be fired. A disciplinary hearing is set for April 28.
Meanwhile, Fowler trustees met Thursday morning and voted unanimously to place Martin on an indefinite, unpaid leave. Martin, who was paid $650 a month, was the township's chief for the past six years.
Trustees said since a criminal investigation is being conducted, they could not answer any questions concerning Martin, including if a background check on Martin was performed before he was hired.
Trustees will oversee the operations of the part-time department until the investigation is completed.
The township will no longer have the juvenile diversion program set up by Martin, trustees added.
sinkovich@vindy.com