MANSFIELD — A 16-year veteran of the Mansfield Police Department resigned earlier this month amid an internal investigation.
David Minard had been with the department since May 1996.
“We received some information in the latter part of 2011 alleging misconduct involving Officer Minard,” police Chief Dino Sgambellone said. “I ordered an inquiry into the matter, which resulted in certain facts being discovered that were cause for great concern.”
Sgambellone declined to elaborate.
“Although I take his choice of conduct very seriously, I don’t feel it would be fair to him to go into detail of these allegations prior to any determination of misconduct by the prosecutor,” the chief said. “I can assure the public that the issue has been thoroughly investigated.”
The case has been sent to the prosecutor’s office. Minard has not been charged.
News Journal efforts to contact Minard were unsuccessful because a telephone number was not available.
Richland County First Assistant Prosecutor Brent Robinson declined to comment.
Sgambellone said the most disturbing aspect of the case was “an improper relationship that (Minard) developed.” The chief confronted Minard with the information Feb. 8.
“He was brought in and advised of various elements of the case, at which time he voluntarily submitted his resignation from the Mansfield Police Department,”
Sgambellone said. “I gave him the option of discussing the issue with legal counsel and the union, which he declined and subsequently resigned.”
Sgambellone said. “I gave him the option of discussing the issue with legal counsel and the union, which he declined and subsequently resigned.”
Since June 2010, Minard had been a K-9 officer, partnered with Tyson, a German shepherd. Sgambellone said the dog is being housed with another officer.
“I am in the process of evaluating whether we can retrain the dog with another handler,” he said.