Today’s Atlantic City Press reveals that Hammonton’s Police Chief Frank Ingemi has filed a lawsuit against Mayor John DiDonato and Councilman Rocky Colasurdo for for retaliating against him “when he would not play into their political scheme to get the public to approve moving town hall.”

The article explains it best:

DiDonato and Colasurdo filed a complaint on behalf of the town against Ingemi in 2006. They accused the chief of willful disobedience, harassing and threatening the mayor and refusing to abide by Town Council’s order to wear his police uniform while on duty. DiDonato and Colasurdo also alleged that Ingemi made a ticket issued to Councilwoman Christine Massarelli “go away.”

After several days of hearings, retired Judge Richard Williams, acting as a hearing officer, heard from several witnesses, including Ingemi, DiDonato and Colasurdo. Williams ruled that the chief did nothing wrong.

The only problem was it caused distress for the chief, who after many years in the department with an otherwise unblemished record had to defend himself in public hearings, Murray said.

Hammonton Police Chief Frank Ingemi was cleared of all charges brought against him by Councilman Rock Colosurdo and Mayor John DiDonato.

Hammonton News has already published a story on their website:

In his decision, which was reached after three days of testimony, Williams said, “Hammonton has failed to demonstrate, by a preponderance of the credible evidence, any basis for disciplinary actions in respect of (the remaining) charges. As a result all such charges are dismissed.”

Chief Ingemi’s attorney will attempt to recoup all legal fees, as quote in the News’ report:

Barbone said he hoped to file an application on behalf of Ingemi to recoup his legal costs in the matter, which Barbone estimated to be upwards of $16,000.

Chief Ingemi’s discplinary hearing has ended after a day of testimony for the defense. Witnesses included Chief Ingemi, Republican Councilman James Bertino, and others.

Lawyers for both sides have until March 12th to submit written closing statements. At that point, the judge will rule on the case.

update: Here’s the Atlantic City Press’ story on the final day of the hearing.

According to an article in today’s Hammonton Gazette, two of the charges against the chief have been dropped, while two remain.  The uniform charge and charge about commenting to the Atlantic City Press were dismissed.

The hearing will continue 10 am on Friday.

The Hammonton Democrats’ website is reporting that the Chief’s hearing will continue at Town Hall on Friday, March 2nd.  The prosecution has rested, and the defense will begin.  The Chief is reportedly slated to testify in his own defense.

Reliable sources have informed MyHammonton.com that the Chief’s disciplinary hearing will continue.  A new date has been set, but not publicly noticed yet.  We’ll let you know as soon as we get word.

Monday’s packed-house hearing at Town Hall brought testimony from the Mayor.  He testified that he feared for his life, has to lock his car and home, and that the chief said he’d put something in his car.  He also testified he never told county prosecutors or state police about the incident.

At the end of the testimony, the judge said he’d have a conference call on Wednesday and notify the public of any changes or the date that the defense will bring its case.

Here’s the Press’ take on the hearing.  Channel 40 also did a report, but there’s not much red meat there.

Summary so far(newest updates at top of the list):
-Story in the Atlantic City Press this morning.
-Channel 40 had a report tonight. (its worth noting that this report screwed up every name in Hammonton it reported on, even messing up the name Hammonton once. )
-The hearing will resume next Monday at 9:30am.
-Concilman Colosurdo testified.
-Captain Jones testified.
-The hearing is open to the public.
-The judge has denied one of the three motions to dismiss the case, and reserved decision on the other two based on witness testimony and further investigation into case history.

(more…)

According to this post by the Hammonton Democrats, a phone vote was held today to close Chief Ingemi’s disciplinary hearing, which was initially open to the public.  Here’s a snippet of the post:

A phone vote was taken of the Mayor & Council today. Mr Bertino was unavailable because he was attending the Chamber of Commerce forum. The remaining Republican members voted to have the hearing open to the public. The HF representatives, as I am sure you can guess, all voted for closed session. The first question that leaps to mind is, how could the Mayor and Councilman Colasurdo vote on this issue since they are the ones who brought the charges against the Chief? They have recused from every vote concerning this issue so far, and rightfully so. Now they decide to vote when it takes away the rights of the Chief.

For the last year every aspect of every meeting has been videotaped and put on a virtual endless loop on local television.  In addition, the Mayor has taken airtime to hold his own “meetings” directly with the public, putting that on loop as well.  The Chief had a right to a public hearing, and requested it be held that way.  MyHammonton hopes the public won’t remain shut out of this hearing.

update: As initially reported by the Democrats, MyHammonton has confirmed that a phone poll was held, with Republicans voting to KEEP the hearing public, as requested by Chief Ingemi, who was given the option in a signed letter from Mayor DiDonato and Councilman Rocky Colosurdo.

As we’ve been told from sources, the hearing has been closed to the public, although Republican councilmen noted that Mayor DiDonato and Councilman Colosurdo should not have been able to vote on the hearing, as they are the ones filing the complaint.

update 2: Questions still remain as to if the vote was legally binding, or a poll of councilpersons’ take on the issue.  Who would decide to keep the hearing open or closed?  Can someone pressing charges be able to control the venue and its degree of openness?  If we learn anything new, we’ll let you know.

Mayor John DiDonato and Councilman Rock Colasurdo will make their case against the chief on February 12, 2006, according to The Hammonton News.  And get this: it’s open to the public.

If you plan on attending, you’d better get there early, The Vine guarantees all the wood benches will be full.

The Vine ”has received this exlusive footage of the town’s legal strategy for the hearing:” 

(kidding of course)