PADDLING INVESTIGATION Grand jury hears Fowler chief

The police chief says he has nothing to hide.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Tears of relief were swelling in the eyes of part-time Fowler Township Police Chief James Martin moments after he finished testifying in front of a Trumbull County grand jury.
With his attorney and family members near him, Martin said he was relieved that he was able to explain his juvenile diversion program to grand jurors.
"I have nothing to hide," Martin said.
He declined to say exactly what he was asked during the closed-door proceedings. Martin spent nearly 2 1/2 hours testifying in front of the grand jury.
State and federal officials are investigating Martin's juvenile diversion program, which used corporal punishment as a means of discipline. The program was being operated out of the Fowler Township Police Department.
No criminal charges have been filed, but the grand jury will hear testimony that may result in criminal charges. Martin's attorney, Dominic Vitantonio, however, does not believe his client will be indicted.
"He has done nothing criminal," Vitantonio said. "Parents allowed him to paddle their children because they thought it would help, and he did help lots of children. This was not child abuse, these was properly administered spanks."
Unpaid suspension
Martin, who is also a full-time captain with the Howland Police Department, has been placed on unpaid suspension from both jobs.
An administrative hearing scheduled for Wednesday in Howland has been rescheduled until the grand jury finishes its proceedings, said Darlene St. George, township administrator.
Shortly after Martin finished testifying, an Ohio Bureau of Identification and Investigation agent was called to testify.
Vitantonio says he does not believe any other witnesses will be called to testify. He expects the grand jury will report next week.
Dave Toepfer, an assistant county prosecutor who is handling the grand jury session, could not be reached to comment.
This is the sixth time the grand jury has heard evidence in Martin's case. Several teenagers were called to testify last week.
Three teenagers have filed federal civil suits against Martin saying they were paddled as part of the diversion program.
sinkovich@vindy.com