A trial board has handed down the final punishment for two Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers found guilty of workplace misconduct.
On Wednesday, officers Rick Gutowski and James Runkles – two of the five officers named in a misconduct investigation within the OCPD – elected to challenge recommended disciplinary measures to a three-member board chaired by an administrative law judge.
As a result of guilty pleas both officers tendered on multiple charges, the board handed down punishments that ranged from letters of reprimand to loss of pay and restrictions on promotions. In Runkles’ case, he will be demoted from lieutenant to sergeant.
“Lieutenant, you came very close to losing your job here,” Judge Victor Butanis told Runkles at the conclusion of Wednesday’s hearing. “It was razor thin.”
Last April, the Worcester County Police Accountability Board received a citizen complaint detailing relations of a sexual nature between one female officer and four co-workers. In his written statement, the complainant shared several instances in which his ex-girlfriend had conducted the alleged affairs with the four officers, both on and off duty.
Named in the public document were officers Megan McHugh, Corey Vincent, Daniel Jacobs, Gutowski and Runkles.
As a result, the OCPD last May suspended three of the officers and launched an internal investigation, the results of which were forwarded to the Worcester County Administrative Charging Committee, a five-member group tasked with reviewing the investigation and recommending any disciplinary action. And last fall, the committee handed down its ruling.
Initiated by female OCPD officer. What punishment did she receive?
Read it again, resigned or retired just like the other officers involved
I heard tell that’s why the previous Chief hauled azz and resigned from OCPD
they should all be fired. if they would do this what else would they do? trust can never be restored.
I predict future lawsuits against the department and OC do to the inability of these so called kops unable to conduct themselves properly when dealing with the public! SHAME on you OC!
Does anybody really know why Earl Campbell was ousted from OCPD ?
What’s wrong with adults engaging in consensual sex?
On the job?????????????