Thursday, September 04, 2008

Detective Vince Felber threatened with suspension

Akron Police Detective Vince Felber, son of retired BJ printer Frank Felber, faces a possible 90-day working suspension for writing a book on the Cindy George case once it was closed.

"We will obviously appeal and Vince Felber won't serve the suspension since there's an appeal pending," says FOP Lodge 7 President Paul Hlynsky, "and we intend to take this all the way and prevail." Hlynsky adds the Akron Police Department violated Felber's First Amendment right.

Hlynsky explains why they will appeal the 90 day working suspension

While the appeals process goes through, which could take one year, Felber can work for the Akron Police Department, but not in the detective buruea. Hlynsky says transferring Felber, a 16-year veteran of the detective bureau, is a disservice to Akron residents, "Vince is one of the best detectives in the bureau."

Felber's book, "Perfect Beauty" details his investigation of the Cindy George, Jeff Zack and John Zaffino love triangle firsthand.

The police department thinks the book crosses the line of police work, calling it conduct unbecoming of an officer, but the union disagrees.

The disciplinary action was handed down Thursday by Chief Mike Matulavich.

Hlynsky plans to file the appeal Friday.

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