Investigation clears Zelienople officers
ZELIENOPLE — The investigation into actions by borough police officers, including Chief Jim Miller, found no misconduct, according to borough officials.
Two unnamed borough police officers and Miller were investigated for verbal misconduct on resident Lisa Brown, 57.
Because the investigations did not support Brown’s claims, there will be no disciplinary action against the two officers, Miller said.
Also there will be no action against Miller, who would not comment on the investigation.
Brown said in her complaints submitted to the borough that the two officers pulled her over on the night of April 9 in her driveway on Main Street for a broken headlight.
Brown said she was falsely accused of driving under the influence and subjected to testing. She also said one of the officers used profane language.
Brown said when she tried submitting her complaint later to the police department, she was subjected to an abusive tirade by Miller.
She submitted another complaint to the borough in April demanding an apology.
While Miller was in charge of investigating the initial incident, Mayor Tom Oliverio was in charge of the Miller investigation.
Oliverio said in a previous interview this was the first complaint he has had in the past 20 years.
The mayor declined to comment on these investigations.
The Butler Eagle is filing a Right-to-Know request to view the letters sent to Brown disputing her claims.
A video recording of Miller and Brown was used in the borough’s investigation.
However Brown said the video used was not from the time of the alleged incident with Miller. She was at the police station multiple times to speak with police.
“I was there twice before I turned in the formal complaint,” she said.
Brown, who may move away from the borough, said that she has installed a camera in her truck.
“It’s an ill feeling to install a camera because you have no trust in the law enforcement.” Brown said. “It’s sickening. I’m shocked this goes on.”
