Cop Fired After Traffic Stops Allegedly Turn Sexual

NewNet5 ^

[esryle]

FAIRLAWN, Ohio -- An 13-year-veteran of the Fairlawn Police Department was terminated Tuesday after an investigation of traffic stops involving women were discovered to be of a sexual nature.

Fairlawn Mayor William Roth Jr. said that a six-week investigation was conducted before Officer Richard Jacobs (pictured, left) was fired. The investigation reportedly uncovered numerous violations of the City of Fairlawn Police Department's rules of conduct.

The investigation began on April 21, 2004, after a written complaint was filed by a city resident regarding a traffic stop two days earlier.

The woman said she was allegedly stopped for speeding, but submitted to a field sobriety test for drunken driving. She said she was handcuffed and put in the rear seat of a cruiser and asked three times what would she be willing to do to get out of the ticket, Roth said.

Another incident allegedly happened on Dec. 24, 2003, officials said. In this incident, the complainant said Jacobs allegedly attempted to convince her to engage in sexual activity with him. The woman said she was allowed to continue home without incident.

The investigation also revealed that Jacobs abused his authority to access information from the Law Enforcement Data System. Officials said he could not indicate a law enforcement purpose for the queries.

The case was reviewed by the Summit County Prosecutor's Office for possible criminal conduct, but charges will not be filed because of insufficient evidence.

Police Chief Kenneth Walsh said Jacobs denies any wrongdoing and has filed for an arbitration hearing to fight his firing.

[Junior]

I understand what you're saying, and you're right to an extent. However, when people in my line of work abuse their positions, no one dies.

[vetvetdoug]

When my wife committed suicide the officers were very respectful of me and my late wife even though the scene had to be thoroughly examined for foul play. The officers called in two police women to stay with my daughter and keep her away from the scene until my aunt showed up to take her somewhere else that night. Over the next two months the police would routinely stop by to see how I was doing and ask if they could help in any way. In the absolute worst night of my life the police were a source of moral and physical help. LE has a few bad eggs but I have been associated with a stellar group. FYI I grew up knowing Buford Pusser and thought him to be a really good fellow to look up to. Buford died on my birthday in 1974.

[I_dmc]

The fireworks one was great!

[Darksheare]

Yeah!
Zapping each other with the roman candles and then 'oops' goes the truck.