East Haven chief reinstated - WFSB 3 Connecticut
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A Connecticut police chief who was suspended while the FBI investigates claims that his officers harassed Hispanic residents has been reappointed to the job by a new mayor.
East Haven Mayor Joseph Maturo says Leonard Gallo returned to work Tuesday after a year and a half on paid administrative leave.
Maturo said he does not believe the profiling allegations "rose to the level of just cause to get rid of a police chief."
Maturo ousted Mayor April Capone earlier this month. Capone had lost a vote of confidence by police that she said was motivated by union officials who wanted her to publicly state there had been no wrongdoing by police.
In addition to the criminal probe by the FBI, the Justice Department has opened a civil rights investigation.
"It is astounding that Mayor Maturo has chosen to reinstate a police chief who presided over an institution that created a culture of impunity for harassment and abuse of Latinos," said Fr. James Manship, Pastor of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.
Copyright 2011 WFSB. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved.
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