He
is supposed to uphold the law, but a Medina cop is facing two counts of
official misconduct. Medina Police say they arrested one of their own after a
two week investigation. Police say the officer tipped someone off about a raid
and refused to arrest him.
The
department says it was all based on a personal relationship the officer had
with the suspect’s sister. Court papers say he told a woman he was in a
relationship with that her brother was the focus of an investigation. The
suspect was wanted for a violation of drug court.
Samantha
Palmer said, “He always seemed like a good guy. He’s got a couple boys. He was
a good father. Just a family man pretty much.”
Palmer says she has known Scott Merritt for years. Police say the 31-year-old has worked for the Medina Police Department for three years, but now he is accused of misusing the information he had access to.
Palmer says she has known Scott Merritt for years. Police say the 31-year-old has worked for the Medina Police Department for three years, but now he is accused of misusing the information he had access to.
According
to court paperwork, Merritt tipped off a woman that he was in a relationship
with that Medina Police had plans to execute a search warrant of her brother’s
home. The court paperwork says Officer Merritt told the woman after she said
she would “do something” in return for the information.
Aileen
Yates, who works in Medina, said, “It was shocking. I feel police officers are
to be held to a high standard. They should hold themselves to a higher standard
than a regular citizen and I just didn't expect that to happen.”
According to court paperwork News10NBC obtained, Officer Merritt is also accused of seeing the suspect, knowing there were three warrants out for his arrest and not arresting him.
According to court paperwork News10NBC obtained, Officer Merritt is also accused of seeing the suspect, knowing there were three warrants out for his arrest and not arresting him.
The
paperwork says on March 11 just after 10:30pm, Merritt spotted the suspect
leaving his home on West Avenue. It explains he didn’t arrest the man because
of Merritt’s ongoing relationship with his sister. The community says a police
officer should show bias to anyone.
Palmer
said, “He pretty much didn’t follow the rules. The protocol I guess.”
Aileen
Yates works at the bar next to the police station. She says the news is a
complete shock and should not reflect the Medina Police Department as a whole.
Yates
said, “All the cops in our town are absolutely fabulous guys. They are nice,
they are sweet. They bring me coffee. It's definitely an honor to work close to
them everyday.”
Merritt
is now facing two misdemeanor counts of official misconduct for the
allegations. As surprised as people were to hear the news they say the law is
the law and police aren’t above it.
Palmer
said, “They have a job to serve and protect the people of Medina and obvious
you're not doing it by tipping them off.”
Merritt was arraigned
on the charges and released. He is expected to be back in court May 3 at
6:00pm. Merritt is currently on paid suspension.