“I’m hoping they will re-evaluate the situation and make a decision that benefits both the community, the police force and Ken by keeping him in the position he has excelled in the community for so many years.”
Parson, who was not able to be reached for comment Tuesday, was a patrol officer for six years before becoming a full-time detective about four years ago, according to Scaccia.
In an April 2010 interview, Parson credited his interrogation skills with helping to secure a confession from three suspects involved in the gang rape of a 12-year-old girl in Lemon Twp.
Scaccia said he had not heard any reason for Parson’s new assignment that makes sense, “unless they simply don’t like the fact that he’s stuttering and it makes them uncomfortable.”
City Manager William Brock said Parson’s stuttering is not an issue. He said the reassignment, which won’t affect his pay, was because the detective position was meant to be temporary.
While the Americans with Disabilities Act does not list all impairments that are covered, an Ohio court has ruled that stuttering is protected under the ADA in a case involving hiring discrimination.
Employers are required to make reasonable accommodation, unless it results in undue hardship, according to the Act, but it is not clear how or whether it would apply in Parson’s case.
Brock said no formal complaint has been filed, but Scaccia did not rule out a lawsuit, saying Tuesday he “would envision one may be coming.”
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