Post by WaTcHeR on Nov 4, 2006 12:51:53 GMT -5
11.04.2006 - CUYAHOGA FALLS - A Falls police officer has been indicted by a Summit County grand jury on charges of felonious assault and four misdemeanors in connection with an assault on his former girlfriend this summer after a night of heavy drinking.
Officer Jeffrey P. Meek, 44, who is free on a personal recognizance bond and continues to work in the police department, was arrested Oct. 2 after an investigation by Summit County sheriff's detectives.
Police Chief John Conley said Meek has not been placed on administrative leave and continues to work on internal duties in the department's property and evidence room, but he is not permitted to carry a gun or use a patrol car.
``I chose to do that, as opposed to have him sitting at home on taxpayer dollars,'' the chief said. ``I'd rather have him coming in and being productive for us.''
The indictment, filed Monday, also charged Meek with domestic violence, aggravated trespassing, menacing and disorderly conduct, all misdemeanors.
Meek would not be able to carry a gun if he is convicted of either the felony or the domestic violence charge, according to Ohio law, and thus his police career would be over.
His lawyer, George G. Keith, declined to comment about any aspect of the case.
According to court records, his former girlfriend, Kathleen M. Moore, 34, was granted a temporary protection order against the officer. One of the order's conditions is that the sheriff retains Meek's firearms until the case is resolved.
Moore testified in a municipal court hearing last month that the attack occurred on the night of Aug. 7 at her home.
She said she and Meek had stopped for drinks at three restaurants and bars in the Falls as they were contemplating splitting up.
Under questioning by the judge, Moore said she had consumed seven to 10 drinks that night and that it was fair to say that Meek had just as many.
When they returned to Moore's Pierce Avenue residence, there was a struggle on the back porch as she was looking for a door key, and Meek punched her in the face, she said.
Moore said she was treated at a hospital for a fractured right eye socket, hemorrhaging, a broken nose, a deviated septum and blurred vision.
Meek is to be arraigned at 8 a.m. Wednesday in Summit County Common Pleas Court before Magistrate John H. Shoemaker.
www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/living/community/15928839.htm
Officer Jeffrey P. Meek, 44, who is free on a personal recognizance bond and continues to work in the police department, was arrested Oct. 2 after an investigation by Summit County sheriff's detectives.
Police Chief John Conley said Meek has not been placed on administrative leave and continues to work on internal duties in the department's property and evidence room, but he is not permitted to carry a gun or use a patrol car.
``I chose to do that, as opposed to have him sitting at home on taxpayer dollars,'' the chief said. ``I'd rather have him coming in and being productive for us.''
The indictment, filed Monday, also charged Meek with domestic violence, aggravated trespassing, menacing and disorderly conduct, all misdemeanors.
Meek would not be able to carry a gun if he is convicted of either the felony or the domestic violence charge, according to Ohio law, and thus his police career would be over.
His lawyer, George G. Keith, declined to comment about any aspect of the case.
According to court records, his former girlfriend, Kathleen M. Moore, 34, was granted a temporary protection order against the officer. One of the order's conditions is that the sheriff retains Meek's firearms until the case is resolved.
Moore testified in a municipal court hearing last month that the attack occurred on the night of Aug. 7 at her home.
She said she and Meek had stopped for drinks at three restaurants and bars in the Falls as they were contemplating splitting up.
Under questioning by the judge, Moore said she had consumed seven to 10 drinks that night and that it was fair to say that Meek had just as many.
When they returned to Moore's Pierce Avenue residence, there was a struggle on the back porch as she was looking for a door key, and Meek punched her in the face, she said.
Moore said she was treated at a hospital for a fractured right eye socket, hemorrhaging, a broken nose, a deviated septum and blurred vision.
Meek is to be arraigned at 8 a.m. Wednesday in Summit County Common Pleas Court before Magistrate John H. Shoemaker.
www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/living/community/15928839.htm