Struthers police officer resigns

Granchie temporarily salvaged his pension but could still lose it.
By WILLIAM K. ALCORN
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
STRUTHERS -- City police Patrolman Thomas V. Granchie, accused of embezzling 4,800 from the Struthers Fraternal Order of Police, resigned Tuesday, thereby avoiding administrative charges brought against him by the city.
Granchie, who waived a predisciplinary hearing scheduled for 9 a.m., resigned, effective immediately, and 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. next Tuesday 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 Judge James R. Lanzo of municipal court 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.
Background
Granchie, a 25-year member of the police force, was charged after a formal police investigation, begun in December at the request of FOP Local 41. The probe revealed 18 electronic transfers from the FOP account, totaling 4,800, which Granchie was unable to explain to the satisfaction of FOP members. Granchie was secretary-treasurer for Local 41. Police said the investigation is continuing.
alcorn@vindy.com