Struthers Policeman Thomas Granchie resigns

STRUTHERS — City police Patrolman Thomas V. Granchie, accused of embezzling $4,800 from the Struthers Fraternal Order of Police, resigned today, thereby avoiding administrative charges brought against him by the city.

Granchie, who waived a predisciplinary hearing scheduled for 9 a.m. and resigned, effective immediately, also, at least for the time being, salvaged his police pension, said Safety-Service Director John Sveda.

Granchie, now free of the administrative charges, which included violating the canons of police ethics and the Struthers police code of conduct, still faces a felony theft charge.

His preliminary hearing on the theft charge is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. May 1 in Municipal Court before Judge William Kobelak, a retired judge from Ashtabula County. Judge Kobelak was appointed by the Ohio Supreme Court to handle the case after Struthers Municipal Court Judge James R. Lanzo recused himself, citing his close association with the city police department.

Granchie could still lose his police pension if he is found guilty of a felony, Sveda said.

For the complete story, see Wednesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com.