BY SHEILA McLAUGHLIN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
SOUTH LEBANON -- Two months after disbanding the police force, village officials are headed to court to defend themselves against a $2 million lawsuit.
Allegations of harassment, revenge and slander are at the heart of the complaint filed Friday by two former village officers who want their jobs back.
Bryan Wanless of South Lebanon and Joseph B. Mullins Sr. of Mason have sued the village in U.S. district court for back pay, benefits and reinstatement as deputy marshals.
The suit says they were wrongfully fired and alleges village officials maligned them and were negligent in supervising employees. The officers lost their jobs Aug. 24 when council dissolved the police force in what was called a cost-saving measure. The village signed a contract with the Warren County sheriff's office for about $190,000 annually, replacing the four-man force with four deputies.
Mr. Wanless said Tuesday he would not comment, on the advice of his lawyer, B. Randall Roach of Springboro. Mr. Roach claimed the department was disbanded by village leaders who were "motivated by politics."
The $2 million sought in damages is "proportionate to the damages done to my clients . . . in terms of the scandalous statements directed at them and the allegations of misconduct that are absolutely unfounded." Village officials denied the allegations.
"We went overboard to see that they were treated fairly. The lawsuit is frivolous," said Solicitor Jack Quinn. "The whole thing is kind of silly. It's pretty much of a stretch to say any of these laws apply to these guys. It's a stretch to say we hurt these guys in any way."
Mayor James Smith called the claims "unreal."
In their lawsuit, Mr. Wanless and Mr. Mullins said retaliation began in 1995. That's when Mr. Wanless, a seven-year veteran of the department, alleged that then-police Sgt. Pete Stemple had improperly removed or stolen weapons from the property room.
That occurred at the same time Mr. Stemple, son of the village tax commissioner, came under investigation for alleged sexual misconduct involving two female defendants. The women alleged that Mr. Stemple offered sexual favors in exchange for not filing criminal charges or for favorable treatment.
The lawsuit claims that Mr. Wanless and Mr. Mullins, an officer for three years, spearheaded an effort to have Mr. Stemple reassigned or fired. Council refused, saying no criminal charges were filed against Mr. Stemple in an investigation by the county sheriff and prosecutor.
The suit also alleges that village officials:
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- Tried to terminate the positions held by Mr. Wanless and Mr. Mullins by proposing to reduce the police department by two officers.
- Sent out a letter to residents about the officers and released information from Mr. Wanless' personnel file "to falsely insinuate that (he) was dangerous and violent."
