Four Warren cops disciplined for covering up absences

WARREN — Sgt. Emanuel Nites of the Warren Police Department will be reduced in rank from sergeant to patrolman and suspended for 10 days.

Three of his superiors will get between five and 20 days off without pay for Nites coaching and watching basketball games involving his children while on the clock.

Acting Police Chief Tim Bowers handed down the punishment in letters dated July 31 to Sgt. Nites, Sgt. Michael Albanese, Sgt. Dan Mason and Lt. Eric Merkel. The letters were released this morning.

The letters say Nites’ reduction in rank will take effect Aug. 8, while Albanese will suspended for five days, Mason will be suspended for 20 days and Merkel will be suspended for 10 days.

No date was indicated for the suspension of Nites, Albanese, and Merkel to take place, but the suspended days will be deducted from Mason’s accrued time off, Mason’s letter says.

Bowers found Nites guilty of absence without leave, failing to report at the beginning of his work shift, and conducting private business while on duty for attending 14 basketball games in January, February and March while on duty.

His supervisers were all guilty of falsifying documents for covering up Nites’ absences.

Sgt. Jeff Cole, internal affairs officer, said the games were in Niles, Windham, Girard, Solon, Howland and Warren Township.