East Beth files complaint against former police officer
EAST BETHLEHEM – The East Bethlehem Township commissioners filed a complaint against a former police officer for not returning his gear, while the officer claims he was harassed at work. The commissioners fired Officer James T. Phillips in September, according to a private criminal complaint filed with Magisterial District Judge William Pelkey.
The complaint further states that Phillips was to return his badge, a bulletproof vest and other personal municipal property. An estimated value of $200 to $2,000 for the equipment is quoted in the complaint that charges Phillips with theft by unlawful taking and possession of stolen property.
Phillips claims he never received a letter from the township with commissioner signatures, but only a letter from solicitor Brian Teslovich. According to the criminal complaint, the constable served Phillips in January with a letter requesting that the equipment be returned.
Phillips further claims that Commissioner Paul Battaglini wants to end his career as a police officer.
“They want to tarnish my name, keep me from being a police officer,” he added, noting that he plans to represent himself at a preliminary hearing scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday before Pelkey.
Phillips claims Battaglini harassed him while he worked in the township for about seven months. While Battaglini claims he told Phillips not to abuse his power as a police officer, he denies harassing the officer.
“He had a lot of altercations,” Battaglini said of Phillips before he was hired in the township.
“I didn’t want him to use his badge to pick on these people. In my opinion, he did,” said Battaglini.
Commissioner Mike Packrall noted that the equipment was purchased with grant money, and Commissioner Mark Giovanelli added that the township decided the best course of action was to pursue the matter legally.
Township police Sgt. John Miller claims Battaglini harassed him, too. He is pursuing a lawsuit, he said.