Ledger Transcript
NEW IPSWICH, N.H. — The Select Board issued a warning to Fire Chief David Leel following a state police investigation that found town-owned computers were used to view pornographic sites.
On Tuesday, the Select Board read aloud a letter that had been sent to Leel, 59, warning him that future misuse of town computers within his department may result in administrative action. The town is not pursuing any disciplinary action other than the letter, according to Select Board Chair George Lawrence. Lawrence said the letter serves as a “first and final notice of warning” and states that the board will consider disciplinary action through the state court system in the event of further infractions.
Leel, who has been involved in firefighting since he was a teenager and chief for the past nine years, was placed on unpaid leave in March, after members of the Fire Department reported alleged misconduct to the Select Board. Leel was on leave for two months, but returned in July, on advice of legal counsel. Because Leel is an elected official, the town must petition Superior Court in order to remove him from his post. At that time, he was reimbursed for his missed pay. Leel receives a $10,000 yearly stipend for his services as fire chief, paid in weekly installments.
Full story: Leel put on notice after porn probe