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YSU police chief relieved of duty
By Denise Dick
YOUNGSTOWN
John Beshara will retain the title and salary of Youngstown State University police chief through June 30, but he’s been relieved of his duties.
A copy of a letter delivered Thursday to Beshara by Shannon Tirone, associate vice president for university relations, informs Beshara that his contract, which expires June 30, will not be renewed.
The Vindicator obtained the letter by filing a public-records request.
“Due to an ongoing investigation into fiscal and operational matters and/or misuse of management authority you are also being immediately placed on paid administrative leave until the conclusion of the investigation, at which time you may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment,” the April 28 letter said. “You will be notified of the outcome of the investigation and the status of your administrative leave.”
Beshara couldn’t be reached.
Beshara had to turn in the keys to his university Jeep and to university buildings and vehicles, his YSU cellphone, the university owned-Smith & Wesson and Glock firearms and his YSU service badge.
Lt. Shawn Varso has been appointed acting chief.
Tirone’s letter says Beshara will retain his title and salary “for the duration of your notice period with the university; however you are immediately relieved of any and all duties directly or indirectly associated with your position.”
He’s also directed to stop participation in classes at the University Police Academy.
The salary this year is $86,700.
The letter also confirms a Thursday conversation when Tirone informed Beshara that his contract would not be renewed. It conforms with the required 60-day notification.
During his administrative leave, Beshara is “not to be present in any nonpublic area of the campus [including the recreation center] without” Tirone’s approval.
“You are not to be in communication by any means, verbal or electronically, with any university employee other than me” without her approval.
His email has been disabled.
“Representing yourself as a university police officer or chief of police in any capacity to anyone is prohibited,” the letter said.
Before being appointed YSU chief in February 2012, Beshara worked at the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office for 23 years, ascending to captain rank.