Lawyer: Dover police chief on tape making 'threat'

DOVER – Police Chief Harold "Butch" Valentine, who is facing disciplinary charges that could cost him 10 days pay, was caught on tape speaking to a department officer in a way that could be perceived as threatening, according to a special prosecutor hired by the town.

Disciplinary charges of conduct unbecoming a public employee arose against Valentine after 10-year town Officer Timothy Thiel filed a lawsuit in July against the department that claimed he was kicked out of the detective bureau after he "blew the whistle" on some fellow officers allegedly taking time off they had not earned.

Thiel also contended in his lawsuit that Valentine on July 8 called him into a closed-door meeting, attended by two lieutenants, and intimidated him and threatened him with physical harm if he tried to disrupt the department.

Thiel's allegation of being threatened was reviewed by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, which remanded the claim back to the town for handling. The town hired private attorney John O'Reilly to conduct an investigation. O'Reilly is the former Warren County prosecutor and former Morris County first assistant prosecutor.

O'Reilly said Thursday that he interviewed multiple witnesses, including Thiel, who had taped the July 8 session with the chief.

"Things got a little heated," O'Reilly said. He said that Valentine said words to the effect of how he would kick Thiel's (buttocks) and Thiel reacted, asking the chief if he were issuing a threat.

"In today's climate...you shouldn't give in to language like that," O'Reilly said.

He said that he recommended to the town that Valentine be brought up on disciplinary charges and if found guilty, be given a 10-day suspension. Town Administrator Don Travisano last week served Valentine with a preliminary notice of disciplinary action and the chief responded that he wants a hearing. Valentine has said the suspension would cost him about $5,000 pay.

Valentine's attorney, Marcy McMann, said the charges will be "vigorously" fought.

A preliminary date of Dec. 16 was slated for the hearing but the parties aren't ready so it will be rescheduled, O'Reilly said. He will act as special prosecutor on behalf of the town, he said, and added that he believes the town has hired retired Superior Court Judge Stephen F. Smith Jr. to act as neutral hearing officer.

Travisano has declined comment on the matter and Mayor James Dodd could not immediately be reached.

Staff Writer Peggy Wright: 973-267-1142; pwright@njpressmedia.com