Erik Bergstrom

FAWN TWP, Allegheny County — A former Saxonburg police officer who quit after being suspended now works for the township.

The township last week hired Erik Bergstrom as a part-time police officer at a rate of $10.30 an hour.

Township Supervisor Dave Montanari, board chairman, said in an interview Tuesday Fawn officials verified Bergstrom's references before he was hired.

Saxonburg did not provide a recommendation, just confirmed his employment with the borough.

Fawn Township also contacted the Butler County district attorney's office to ensure Bergstrom doesn't face any criminal allegations.

"They couldn't produce anything," Montanari said. "We found no grounds to discriminate against this guy."

Montanari said the township needs officers to maintain adequate police protection.

Along with two full-time officers, the township now has five part-timers.

Montanari said Bergstrom will work as needed.

Bergstrom was suspended without pay in May after Saxonburg Mayor Brian Antoszyk alleged the officer-in-charge committed various infractions, including the alteration of a criminal complaint filed by another officer.

The borough hearing process was interrupted in August when new evidence against Bergstrom was presented to his attorney.

Although Antoszyk would not divulge what the new evidence was, he did confirm the borough paid to restore the erased hard drive of Bergstrom's work computer.

Bergstrom subsequently quit in October. Council made the resignation effective May 6, the date he previously was suspended without pay.

Montanari, who also serves as the board's police liaison, stressed Bergstrom must follow department procedures.

"We have zero tolerance for anything," Montanari said. "I keep a close eye on these guys."