Frankfort board places police sergeant on unpaid leave, authorizes K9 reassignments

FRANKFORT — The Frankfort Board of Public Works and Safety voted at a special meeting to place Sergeant Ethan Cuttingham on unpaid administrative leave after charges were filed in Boone County, and took related personnel steps in the police department.

Police Chief Shoemaker told the board that on June 12 he was notified that charges were filed in Boone County against Sergeant Ethan Cuttingham and submitted those charges for the record. "Charges were filed in the Boone County court for Sergeant Ethan Cuttingham," Shoemaker said, and recommended the board place the sergeant on administrative leave without pay.

Shoemaker said Indiana law allows the board to place an officer on paid or unpaid administrative leave once criminal charges are filed, and that any further disciplinary actions must be stayed until the criminal case is resolved. He told the board the city would continue to pay its portion of the officer's health insurance while the employee would remain responsible for the employee contribution.

The board approved resolution 26-04, which the city clerk presented as outlining the terms of unpaid administrative leave, including continued city payment of the employer portion of health insurance and a requirement that the officer return any city property during the pendency of the criminal case. The resolution passed on a roll-call vote with Mayor Sheets, Greg Miller and Jim Skinner recorded in favor.

Shoemaker also said the department is asking the board's permission to begin finding a new home and handler for police K9 TAZ. He told the board that K9 TAZ has been in boarding at a facility that specializes in police K9s since the incident and that it would be in the dog's best interest to reassign him. The board voted to authorize Chief Shoemaker to explore options for reassigning or rehoming K9 TAZ.

Because a sergeant position could remain vacant while the criminal process proceeds, the board also approved Shoemaker's recommendation that officers temporarily assigned as supervisors be paid officer-in-charge (OIC) pay for the duration of their assignment. Shoemaker said the department has funding for the temporary pay and that the practice would be used on a case-by-case basis.

Shoemaker confirmed the department's internal investigation is stayed while the criminal case proceeds. "Our reports are being prepared," he said, adding that the department will bring its internal case to the board when the criminal matter is complete.

The special meeting concluded after the board voted to adjourn.