Domestic violence case dropped against ex-officer

12/22/2001

FOSTORIA -- A special prosecutor has dropped charges against a former Fostoria police officer who resigned from his job on Wednesday just before his disciplinary hearing was scheduled to begin.

Prosecutor Robert Beutler of Findlay filed a motion Thursday in Fostoria Municipal Court seeking to dismiss all charges against James Kieffer, 35, and his wife, Carla. They had been charged with domestic violence. Mr. Kieffer faced an additional charge of obstructing official business and Mrs. Kieffer faced a charge of falsification.

The charges stemmed from an Oct. 13 incident outside a local bowling alley where police were called to break up a fight between the Kieffers. Police originally charged her with domestic violence, but later dropped the charge after determining he was at fault.

When Mr. Beutler began investigating the case, he determined they both were involved and charged them accordingly. But Mr. Beutler said the charges were dropped this week because the couple has reunited and won't testify against each other. He said other witnesses have refused to testify.

Mr. Kieffer was placed on administrative leave with pay in October. Mayor John Davoli said the city doesn't plan to rehire Mr. Kieffer, even though the charges have been dropped. The officer has worked for the department for five years.