Legal opinion sought on validity of Salem cop’s college degree

SALEM — City Auditor James Armeni said he will ask for a legal opinion on whether a patrolman’s college degree is valid.

The request will go to Law Director C. Brooke Zellers.

Armeni said today the city’s contract with the police department provides extra pay for officers with a bachelor’s degree.

Patrolman Austin French dropped out of the race for Columbiana County sheriff this week after city officials said he couldn’t run because he is a classified worker.

Nancy Cope, the secretary for the county Republican Party, also filed a formal challenge at the county elections board, questioning his degree.

French was running as an independent candidate against both a Republican and Democrat. Sheriff candidates must have supervisory experience or a two-year college degree.

French has been receiving 12 cents more an hour because he obtained a bachelor of science degree in 1995 from LaSalle University in Mandeville, La.

The following year, the school’s owner was indicted for fraud and eventually sentenced to five years in a federal prison.

For the complete story, see Friday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.