Man files suit for full reward
YOUNGSTOWN -- The man who aided in the capture of cop killer Martin Koliser Jr. in Florida is suing to receive the entire $40,000 reward that was split five ways.
Boardman attorney Albert A. Palombaro filed the civil lawsuit in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court on behalf of John Rizzotto. The defendants are the Youngstown Police Department and Crime Stoppers of Greater Youngstown, which distributed the reward.
The lawsuit, filed Aug. 11, lists an address for Rizzotto in Streetsboro. He lived in Clearwater, Fla., when Koliser was caught April 30, 2003, a day after he shot Youngstown patrolman Michael Hartzell to death and fled to Florida.
Koliser, sentenced to death, committed suicide in prison.
A committee of police officials determined that Rizzotto would get $10,000 of the $40,000 reward and the balance would be evenly split between four men who were employed by Independent Taxi. The cabbies witnessed the shooting and Rizzotto's efforts led to Koliser's capture at a Florida motel.
The reward was distributed a year ago.
The lawsuit asks for $30,000 plus interest and costs. As of Thursday, no hearing date had been set.
The lawsuit alleges that Rizzotto laid claim to the entire amount after performing all conditions of the reward offer. The cabbies provided information prior to the reward being offered, the lawsuit states.