Clifford police weapons purchase investigated
Published: September 16, 2009
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share thisTwo Clifford Twp. police officers are accused of unauthorized purchases of at least $3,500 in weapons and ammunition, including a handgun that was allegedly resold to a third party.
Township Supervisor John Regan said former Police Chief Donald Carroll and Patrolman Lance Penzone submitted several purchase orders to Jerry's Sport Center in Forest City in late 2008 for two bolt-action rifles, a scope, a handgun, ammunition and other items. Each purchase order was billed to the township Police Department, but Regan said neither he nor other township officials knew about the purchases.
"These weapons were bought like they were to be used for the township," Regan said. "To me, that's a big deal."
The officers, however, claim Regan authorized the purchase of the rifles and scope last year.
"As long as we paid for it, Regan had given us the OK to buy these through the department," Patrolman Carroll said. "These were all officer purchases for equipment used in the line of duty."
Patrolman Carroll, who was demoted in February, believes the allegations are being made in retaliation for a lawsuit he filed against the township Aug. 31 regarding his demotion.
On Aug. 3, recently hired Chief Paul Nardozzi said he received a bill addressed to the township Police Department from Jerry's for a scope that cost more than $900. After notifying township supervisors, the chief began investigating.
Chief Nardozzi said he contacted Jerry's and received about 20 purchase orders for weapons, ammunition and accessories. All the purchase orders were authorized by then-Chief Carroll through a township police account. Chief Nardozzi and Mr. Regan are not yet sure exactly how the purchases were paid for, though the chief said it does not appear municipal funds were used for the purchases.
"It appears the items were purchased for personal use through the township to avoid paying sales tax and the federal excise tax," Chief Nardozzi said. "I've turned all the invoices over to the Department of Revenue."
Patrolman Carroll's lawsuit against the township alleges he was never given a written explanation regarding his demotion, which is required under the state's Police Tenure Act. He also claims the township did not grant his request for a hearing about the demotion.
Township solicitor Joseph McGraw said Patrolman Carroll was only the acting police chief for two years, so they do not have to follow the state's Police Tenure Act.
"Our position is he was never demoted," McGraw said. "Therefore, he has no right to a hearing."
McGraw had no comment on the alleged unauthorized purchases, saying he knew nothing about what federal authorities are doing with the information the township turned over.
