Villa Rica Police chief disciplined for misconduct
VILLA RICA, GA (CBS ATLANTA) -
CBS Atlanta News has learned that Villa Rica Police Chief Michael Mansour has been disciplined for his actions pertaining to a flag football game for charity, which occurred in 2008.
In a sworn deposition three months ago, Mansour said that the game was an "off-duty" event between the cities of Villa Rica and Temple to benefit the Special Olympics.
But it turned out that Mansour allowed two of his on-duty officers to play in the game, which created a staffing problem for Cpl. Herbert Carlton Hicks, who was in charge of the shift that evening.
When asked about it, Hicks said he was upset.
"I was left with me and two young officers on the street," he said.
So CBS Atlanta News questioned the city attorney about the incident, since the chief declined to comment.
"I think everybody looking back on it would agree it was a bad decision and a bad idea," said Villa Rica Attorney David Mecklin.
To make matters worse, both of the on-duty officers that participated in the game were injured while playing.
"I had an evulsion of a hamstring which meant that my entire hamstring just came off," said former Villa Rica Police Officer Jean Astree.
Hicks said under oath that he was instructed by the chief to fill out the injured officers' time sheets incorrectly.
"I contacted the chief on the LINK phone and asked him what he wanted me to do, and he said, 'Put down that they worked six hours and took vacation or sick time for six hours,'" Hicks said.
Mecklin said it wasn't an attempt to falsify the time sheet.
"I don't think so. I think when an officer is out for a doctor's appointment for an injury that could be construed as being sick time. I haven't seen any intent to falsify anything," Mecklin said.
Mansour was then asked during the deposition if he informed Villa Rica's city council that the officers were injured while participating in an on-duty activity.
"Yes, because they were allowed to take off work to play in the game. They were considered on-duty, because I did not make them take vacation time or sick leave to play, they were considered on-duty," Mansour said. "So, because of that, they were able to claim workman's comp, and I was disciplined for that."
Mansour was disciplined with a written reprimand.