Youngstown cop fired in alleged beating of paraplegic back to work

YOUNGSTOWN — One of two police officers fired in the reported beating of a paralyzed man in 2010 is now back on the job.

Officer Jay Fletcher was fired in early June after an investigation into his role in the alleged beating of Willie Daniel, 36, of High Street, who is paralyzed from the waist down. An arbitrator has overturned Fletcher’s dismissal and he has returned to full duty.

Police Chief Jimmy Hughes said Fletcher will receive back pay for the time period he was off work fighting the termination. That back pay, Hughes said, will be less any unemployment compensation Fletcher received during that time.

Officer Robert Joliff was also fired. His termination, Hughes said, still stands, but the department is awaiting a ruling from a separate arbitrator in that case.

For the complete story, read Saturday's Vindicator and Vindy.com