Toledo police records clerk charged with misconduct in 'Joe The Plumber' info inquiry

10/28/2008
BLADE STAFF

A Toledo police records clerk has been charged with "gross misconduct" for allegedly making an improper inquiry for information regarding the man known as "Joe the Plumber," city officials said Tuesday afternoon.

Julie McConnell, a police employee since April, 1995, requested information Oct. 16 on Samuel Wurzelbacher, who gained national attention when he asked presidential candidate Barack Obama a question. Authorities said this was done for non-law enforcement purposes and was a violation of department policy and state policy governing law regarding the use of the Law Enforcement Automated Data System database.

A discipline hearing will be scheduled within the next 10 days to discuss the matter. Ms. McConnell is a member of AFSCME Local 7.