BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) - A Connecticut judge has ordered Bridgeport police to reinstate an officer who was fired in 2007 after he was charged with assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
Bridgeport Superior Court Judge Richard Gilardi ruled Thursday that the city must rehire Douglas Bepko. The decision upholds a state arbitrator's ruling.
City Attorney Mark Anastasi says the city will appeal to the state Appellate Court.
Bepko, a 13-year veteran of the police force, was charged with felony possession of a firearm and several misdemeanors in November 2006 for allegedly choking his former girlfriend.
He entered a domestic violence program and the charges were reduced to a single misdemeanor count, which he claims is not a fireable offense.
Bepko's lawyer says his client is now entitled to back pay.
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Information from: Connecticut Post, http://www.connpost.com
Bridgeport Superior Court Judge Richard Gilardi ruled Thursday that the city must rehire Douglas Bepko. The decision upholds a state arbitrator's ruling.
City Attorney Mark Anastasi says the city will appeal to the state Appellate Court.
Bepko, a 13-year veteran of the police force, was charged with felony possession of a firearm and several misdemeanors in November 2006 for allegedly choking his former girlfriend.
He entered a domestic violence program and the charges were reduced to a single misdemeanor count, which he claims is not a fireable offense.
Bepko's lawyer says his client is now entitled to back pay.
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Information from: Connecticut Post, http://www.connpost.com
