By Rich Cholodofsky
The Pittsburgh Tribune Review
JEANNETTE, Pa. — Randy Dubich will return to work at Jeannette’s fire department next week, but he may not be reinstated as chief.
Dubich, 54, was ordered Wednesday to serve 18 months on probation at the conclusion of a criminal case that alleged he fondled a woman who had gone to the fire station to apply for a job. He was charged last year with a misdemeanor count of indecent assault.
Defense attorney Michael DeRiso said Dubich is in negotiations with the city to return to work, possibly in a position other than chief of the department.
“He will be reinstated. I don’t know if he will be the chief, but he will begin working next week,” DeRiso said yesterday.
City Solicitor Scott Avolio said council will meet next week to discuss Dubich’s job status. Dubich was named department chief in February and earned $47,000 a year.
“The city will do its own independent investigation of the charges and investigation of the allegations,” Avolio said.
Dubich, a 16-year veteran of the department, was suspended with pay a day after the woman told police the chief grabbed her breast in a locked, darkened room at the fire station where she went to file a job application on Sept. 15.
He was placed on administrative leave without pay on Nov. 12.
The criminal case against Dubich will be closed in 18 months if he successfully completes his probation term, which includes the provision that he have no contact with the victim or her family.
To resolve the case, Dubich agreed to enter the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program, a program for first-time, nonviolent offenders. Dubich did not admit guilt, and his involvement in the program does not constitute a conviction. He can have his criminal record expunged after successful completion of the probation term.
DeRiso said Dubich denies the criminal allegation but agreed to the ARD deal to speed the process of his job reinstatement.
Assistant District Attorney Barbara Jollie said Dubich’s accuser signed off on the deal.
“I would not have agreed to it if she didn’t approve,” Jollie said.
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