Lucas Co.deputy held in jail where he worked

13-year veteran accused of giving gun to a felon

5/22/2013

Lucas County sheriff’s deputy was arrested Tuesday amid allegations that he gave a gun to a felon and then threatened the man, who was a paid informant for the department.

Paul Little 40, of 2932 Lambert Dr., who has worked for the department for 13 years, also is accused of falsifying a police report.

He is held in the Lucas County jail in an individual cell with a guard posted outside the door because of safety concerns. Mr. Little formerly worked inside the jail.

He is held on charges of unlawful transactions in weapons, falsification, and intimidation of a witness.

Mr. Little is accused of giving an informant a 9mm Smith and Wesson gun. The gun was not a department-issued gun. But the informant, as a felon, is not legally permitted to possess a firearm.

Internal Affairs Capt. Donald Atkinson late Tuesday said he could not comment on the case because the investigation is ongoing.

Mr. Little’s brother, David , 36, of the same address, also was charged Tuesday with intimidation of a witness in connection with the case. Court documents allege that David Little also threatened the informant over his assistance with the sheriff’s office into a marijuana trafficking investigation. He was not being held in the county jail as of late Tuesday.

Paul Little was under surveillance by the Toledo Police Vice Unit during the investigation.

He is to be arraigned today in Toledo Municipal Court and is to have an internal affairs review-board hearing possibly on Tuesday, Capt. Atkinson said.

At that time, a recommendation about the future of his status as a deputy will be made to Lucas County Sheriff John Tharp. The sheriff can accept or reject the recommendation.

Sheriff Tharp declined comment.

Staff writer Taylor Dungjen contributed to this report. 

Contact Kelly McLendon at: kmclendon@theblade.com or 419-724-6522, or on Twitter @KMcBlade.