The internal investigation centers around accusations that former police chief Dennis Puskarcik took items from the evidence locker.
March 15, 2019
CAMPBELL, Ohio –
A Campbell police officer has been placed on administrative leave after an internal investigation into what officials say were “unfounded” allegations against the former chief.
According to a report, Patrolman Melissa Williams has been placed on a ten-day unpaid leave, effective March 12th.
The internal investigation centers around accusations that former police chief Dennis Puskarcik took items from the evidence locker.
Puskarcik was the subject of an internal investigation by the Campbell Police Department after he was accused of mishandling property from the department.
Puskarcik has since been cleared of all criminal wrongdoing within the investigation and has not been criminally charged.
On January 7, Puskarcik resigned from the Campbell Police Department.
During the investigation into the allegations against Puscarcik, officials say they determined they needed to have a second internal investigation into Williams’ actions.
A disciplinary letter to Williams says that was found to have disseminated information, maintained a “failure of good behavior, conduct unbecoming of an officer, and misfeasance.”
According to Williams’ disciplinary letter, officials say she told another woman, not a police officer, that she felt Puscarcik was “stealing.”
Officials allege that Williams had two conversations with the outside person before filing a written report about her suspicions.
Following Puscarcik’s resignation from the department, Williams also allegedly had another conversation in which she reportedly made a statement about him receiving “felony charges.”
The disciplinary letter says that those conversations violate department policy on confidential matters.
In addition to the administrative leave, Williams has been ordered to undergo any retraining felt necessary by the acting chief of police.
