CAPE MAY – Police Capt. Robert Sheehan’s disciplinary hearing in Cape May has concluded with a recommended suspension.
Retired Superior Court Judge Richard Williams’ recommended decision regarding the administrative charges brought by the city states that the city demonstrated by a preponderance of the evidence that Capt. Robert Sheehan should be disciplined for Administrative Misconduct. The city released the document May 31 and stated it would have no further comment as it was a personnel matter.
The hearing into the charges was held over a three-day period with the first in February to last in May. Williams’ decision, in a 20-page document, is only a recommendation to City Manager Bruce MacLeod who will make a final determination if discipline is imposed and what that discipline will be.
Williams concluded his findings with a recommended four-day suspension. The city had sought 16 days when it brought the charges. MacLeod will decide if he accepts the recommendation or imposes a longer suspension.
The case is the latest development in a long-running battle between Sheehan and city officials that dates to the city council’s decision to remove him as chief of police in March 2015 one day before his probationary period ended.
The administrative charges stem from an alleged failure by Sheehan to meet the guidelines for firearms qualification in 2009. The infraction was brought to the attention of city officials after a retired officer, Rusty Chew, gained access to documents through an Open Public Records Act request. He urged the County Prosecutor’s Office to bring criminal charges against Sheehan and two now-retired command officers in the department, Lt. Clarence Lear and Chief Diane Sorantino.
Sheehan has an open lawsuit against the city related to his demotion to the rank of captain when council did not make his promotion to chief permanent.
Check the Herald website, www.capemaycountyherald.com, for the hearing’s results.
To contact Vince Conti, email vconti@cmcherald.com.
Wildwood – So Liberals here on spout off, here's a REAL question for you.
Do you think it's appropriate for BLM to call for "Burning down the city" and "Black Vigilantes" because…
