Firing decision delayed for Trumbull deputy accused of racist postings

WARREN

Sheriff Thomas Altiere is backing away from an earlier pledge to make a quick decision regarding the possible firing of a deputy accused of writing racist remarks on his Facebook page.

Altiere said earlier that Deputy Michael Geer’s disciplinary hearing was Thursday, and that he and his staff would provide the public today with the department’s decision on the job status. The sheriff indicated that Geer was likely to lose his job.

But today, the sheriff said the matter is now “in negotiations with the attorneys” for the sheriff’s office and for Geer, so a decision on discipline had not been made, and information about the investigation was not available.

Altiere said the investigation is complete, but when asked for a copy of the investigation conducted by Maj. Thomas Stewart, the sheriff said it consists of tape-recorded interviews, and they have not been transcribed.

He offered to let The Vindicator listen to the interviews at a later date.

Read more about the situation in Wednesday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.