MUNCIE, Ind. — A Delaware County judge has ordered the Muncie Police Department to reinstate two city officers fired in February over their alleged dealings with cocaine.
The officers — Lance Clay and Jonathan Powell — had filed a legal challenge of the proceedings that led to their dismissals.
Delaware Circuit Court 4 Judge John Feick on Friday issued a ruling that ordered the MPD to “immediately reinstate officers Clay and Powell to their prior positions within the Muncie Police Department.”
In a Monday statement, Police Chief Nate Sloan said his department is “currently examining our options and will pursue all legal recourse including an appeal of the ruling.”
Police contract requires treatment option before dismissal
Feick ruled that under the terms of the local Fraternal Order of Police Lodge’s contract with the city, first-time offenders had an option to “enter a mandatory substance abuse treatment program” and then be able to retain their jobs.
