By Doug Livingston
The Akron Beacon Journal
AKRON, Ohio — Two firefighters accused of creating pornographic material on city property are gone from the Akron Fire Department.
Provisional Fire Lt. Deann Eller retired, effective immediately, on Friday, according to a document released by the city.
Her partner, Lt. Arthur Dean, “has agreed to discipline for conduct unbecoming of a member of the Akron Fire Department,” city spokesman Ellen Lander Nischt said in a prepared statement. “Dean, who will remain on unpaid suspension pending final disciplinary action, is not eligible for continued service with the Akron Fire Department.”
City administrators earlier this week suspended Dean and Eller after receiving a tip that the pair of officers allegedly produced pornographic videos on city property, then posted it on the internet.
Attorney Brian Pierce, who is representing Eller and Dean, said Friday that neither he nor his clients are able to comment at this time.
Local 330 firefighter union President Steven Barker said Barker said Eller no longer facing disciplinary action because she is no longer an employee of the city. The same could not be said for Barker, who may take another position in a different department.
“I don’t know what his future holds, but he is on an indefinite suspension and facing possible disciplinary action,” Barker said.
Eller had nearly 18 years service. She and Dean were hired the same day in September 2000. Neither of their personnel records has a single blemish prior to this incident.
“The city has no other information to provide, as no disciplinary charges had been issued at the time of her voluntary resignation/retirement,” Nischt said.
Copyright 2018 The Akron Beacon Journal