Deputy files grievance against sheriff's office

PORT CLINTON — A suspended deputy is fighting his punishment for allegedly threatening a fellow police officer. Ottawa County Deputy Jayson Hale allegedly threatened a Carroll Township police officer during a June domestic call to his home.Police were called to Hale's home after his wife threatened to hurt herself. The couple were arguing when an officer arrived at their home, and Hale began threatening the officer, according to a police report.The officer left, but returned with Carroll Township Chief Jody Hatfield and another officer. The call ended with no charges being filed.He was suspended for three days without pay and demoted from the detective bureau."This is neither progressive discipline nor discipline for just cause as required by the collective bargaining agreement between the parties," Hale said in a grievance filed against the sheriff's office.He requested the sheriff cancel the suspension and return his promotion to detective. He also requested any record of the incident be removed from his personnel file. Hale was suspended and reprimanded in the past for alleged abuse and misconduct.For instance, he was was removed from the K-9 unit in 2012 after allegations arose that he was abusing K-9 Nero. He was also suspended for three days without pay in 2012 for being late for work. "Appropriate discipline was issued," Sheriff Steve Levorchick said in response to the grievance. "This grievance has no merit."Hale wasn't initially charged after a June domestic call to his home, but it's possible the report could be sent to the prosecutor's office for review. Hatfield said they have up to six months to forward the report after the initial incident. Reach reporter Patrick Pfanner at pfanner@sanduskyregister.com. Follow him on Twitter @PatPfanner and at Facebook.com/PatPfanner.Deputy Jason Hale