Deputy sheriff fired after hospitalizing inmate

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

A deputy who worked in the Mahoning County jail has been fired after being accused of using excessive force that landed an inmate in the hospital.

Zachary Pasko, 29, was placed on administrative leave after the July 10 incident. Sheriff Jerry Greene announced the decision to fire him Monday.

“He got into a confrontation with an inmate,” the sheriff said. “It’s our position that he used excessive force.”

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation will continue to investigate the matter, which could result in criminal charges, Greene said.

Pasko previously was suspended for two weeks last year after getting into a fight at a Boardman bar in November.

A patron said Pasko punched his nose and mouth, leaving a small cut, according to a Boardman police report.

Township police arrested Pasko and charged him with misdemeanor assault.

He pleaded no contest in December in Mahoning County Area Court in Boardman.

Judge Joseph Houser found him guilty of disorderly conduct. The judge fined Pasko $100 and placed him on probation. He also had to pay $700 restitution, which was made in May, according to court records.

trumbull county

Meanwhile, two corrections officers in the Trumbull County jail were fired for use of excessive force on an inmate, according to 21-WFMJ TV, The Vindicator’s broadcast parter. Matthew Abbot and Christopher Zadroski were fired Wednesday.

Footage from Aug. 24 revealed that Abbot dragged an inmate across the floor, and Zadroski punched the same inmate while he was held down by four other corrections officers. Six other corrections officers were given varying suspensions for involvement in the incident.