Fremont police officer put on leave
FREMONT -- A city police officer has been placed on paid administrative leave while the department investigates undisclosed allegations of misconduct, Chief Tim Wiersma reported today.
Officer Mike Dohanos, hired as an officer in 1991, was given a letter placing him on leave Friday, though Wiersma said he did not return to work after an incident on Feb. 28.
The letter, one of the first duties of Marc Glotzbecker as safety-service director, states that Dohanos is being investigated for violations of city personnel policy concerning workplace violence and threatening, intimidating or physically abusing an employee, a group III offense in the city policy.
The letter, one of the first duties of Marc Glotzbecker as safety-service director, states that Dohanos is being investigated for violations of city personnel policy concerning workplace violence and threatening, intimidating or physically abusing an employee, a group III offense in the city policy.
"We're investigating to see what really has happened," Wiersma said. "It was definitely a personnel issue."
Dohanos is the only employee being investigated, Wiersma said, but he said Sgt. Tony Emrich and Officer Devin Howard also are involved.
The letter says Dohanos is to have no contact with the Fremont police department, except to talk to a union representative other than Howard. The letter also states that Dohanos is not to be on department property unless he is filing a report or picking up a paycheck.
The letter says Dohanos is to have no contact with the Fremont police department, except to talk to a union representative other than Howard. The letter also states that Dohanos is not to be on department property unless he is filing a report or picking up a paycheck.
A series of events involving the officers was reported Tuesday, though Wiersma said it is unclear if the allegations are criminal in nature.
"A criminal investigation is also being completed and a 'Fitness for Duty' evaluation will also be scheduled for you in the future," the letter states.
"A criminal investigation is also being completed and a 'Fitness for Duty' evaluation will also be scheduled for you in the future," the letter states.
The chief declined to comment further on the nature of the allegations.
Wiersma said Fremont Law Director Jim Melle is looking into the matter to determine if the allegations contain any actions that would constitute a crime.
Melle was not available for comment Friday.
There is a potential victim in the case, Wiersma said, though he said the term would not be appropriate if no criminal offense is identified. Other than the three officers, no citizens were involved, he said.
For the time being, Fremont Detective Dean Bliss will be conducting an internal investigation into the matter, Wiersma said.
The decision to place Dohanos on paid leave, he said, was made Friday by Glotzbecker, appointed to the post by city council Thursday.
"I'm saddened that there is a situation that we felt needed to have administrative action taken," Wiersma said.
He said there have been departmental disciplinary issues in the past involving Dohanos.