Matter of Jason Longton Jr. v. Village of Corinth

Petitioner Jason Longton Jr. brought about this Article 78 proceeding to review the determination of the Village of Corinth Board of Trustees terminating his employment as a police officer. Petitioner began working as a police officer in 2003. In 2004, he was charged with violating multiple department rules and suspended. The most serious charge was insubordination involving his investigation of an individual after receiving a direct order by the Chief of Police not to do so. Following a hearing, petitioner’s employment was terminated but the determination was later annulled due to an issue with improper stenographic transcription. A second hearing resulted in a recommendation for termination which the Board of Trustees enforced. Petitioner then commenced this appeal.

In August 2004, petitioner quarreled with a restaurateur, Trevor Downie, during a traffic stop. Downie complaints about petitioner’s conduct were then forwarded to the Chief of Police. Petitioner then confronted Downie at his restaurant resulting in Downie threatening a lawsuit against the Village of Corinth. Further altercations between petitioner and Downie led to the Chief of Police ordering petitioner to stop any investigation or contact with Downie. Petitioner ignored the orders and continued investigating Downie secretly.

Petitioner argued that the penalty of termination was excessive. The Court feels that petitioner, being an employee of short duration, deliberately disobeying the orders of the Chief of Police constitutes conduct at odds with the strict discipline necessary to perform the duties of a police officer and therefore the penalty was not shocking.

Accordingly, the Court confirmed the determination, without costs and dismissed the petition.