Jeannette Police Officer Accused of Falsifying Traffic Stop Reports Seeks Probationary Program
Jeannette, PA – A Jeannette police officer facing 18 misdemeanor counts of tampering with public records is seeking admission into a probationary program, hoping to avoid a conviction and potentially continue his career in law enforcement. Matthew S. Painter, 40, of Penn Township, waived his preliminary hearing on Wednesday, opting to explore the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program. This program, designed for first-time, nonviolent offenders, offers a path toward dismissal of charges and potential expungement of records upon successful completion of program requirements. Painter’s attorney, Patrick Thomassey, expressed optimism that the District Attorney’s office would consider this option, emphasizing Painter’s previously clean record and highlighting the potential for him to remain a police officer. Painter is currently on unpaid administrative leave.
The charges against Painter stem from an internal investigation initiated by Jeannette Police Chief Derek Manley, who reported inconsistencies in 18 of Painter’s traffic stop reports to Westmoreland County detectives in July. These reports, filed between June 18 and July 1, documented traffic stops where drivers were allegedly issued verbal warnings for various infractions. However, a thorough review of body-worn camera footage, patrol unit cameras, and GPS data revealed discrepancies, indicating that the reported traffic stops did not actually occur. Further investigation, including interviews with individuals listed in the reports, corroborated the findings, with three of them confirming they were not stopped by Jeannette police at the times and locations specified in Painter’s documentation.
Thomassey, Painter’s attorney, maintains his client’s innocence, suggesting there is more to the case than currently meets the eye. He lauded Painter’s history as a dedicated and trouble-free police officer, emphasizing his commitment to law enforcement. While acknowledging the seriousness of the charges, Thomassey expressed confidence in a positive resolution, hinting at unexplored aspects of the case that could shed light on the situation. He declined to elaborate further, maintaining a strategic silence while pursuing the ARD program as a viable solution.
The emergence of these allegations coincides with previously disclosed internal communications within the Jeannette Police Department, revealing pressure on officers to increase their documented traffic contacts. Emails obtained through a Right-to-Know Law request revealed that former Police Chief Donald Johnston Jr. informed officers in September 2023 of Mayor Curtis Antoniak’s desire for each officer to record at least 20 traffic contacts per month. This directive was reiterated and reinforced by Chief Manley in an email to officers in April, stressing strict enforcement of the quota. This revelation raises questions about the potential influence of performance pressures on officers’ actions and reporting practices within the department.
Painter’s history with the Jeannette Police Department began in 2021 after his departure from the Uniontown Police Department, where he served as a police dog handler. His canine partner briefly joined the Jeannette force, leading to a separate legal dispute between Painter and the city. In June, Painter filed a lawsuit alleging a violation of labor laws, claiming he was not adequately compensated for overtime hours spent caring for the dog. This lawsuit remains ongoing, adding another layer of complexity to Painter’s current predicament.
The unfolding situation surrounding Officer Painter raises concerns about the integrity of police reporting and the potential consequences of performance quotas. The investigation and subsequent charges highlight the importance of accurate and transparent documentation in law enforcement, ensuring public trust and accountability. The pursuit of the ARD program, while offering Painter a potential path to avoid conviction, underscores the complexities of balancing the need for justice with opportunities for rehabilitation and the potential impact on an individual’s career and future. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have significant implications for both Painter and the Jeannette Police Department, prompting further scrutiny of departmental policies and practices. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community awaits further details and a final resolution to this multifaceted case. The intersection of these various legal and professional challenges creates a complex narrative that warrants close attention as the situation develops.