SCOTT TWP. - Scott Township Chief of Police James Romano has been suspended with pay after supervisors learned law enforcement agencies are investigating him, township solicitor Richard Fanucci confirmed today.
He would not comment on the nature of the investigation by the state attorney general's office and the Lackawanna County district attorney's office.
"It wouldn't be appropriate," Mr. Fanucci said.
Efforts to reach District Attorney Andy Jarbola were unsuccessful. The attorney general's office declined to comment.
Lt. Jared Ganz has been named acting officer-in-charge. David Makala, the supervisor in charge of police, enacted the change Monday night. Lt. Ganz is the highest-ranking officer after Chief Romano.
"The township will be conducting their own investigation," Mr. Makala said.
Chief Romano has served as the township's police chief since 2005, after his predecessor, Dennis Davison, retired. Chief Romano's suspension will last until the investigation is concluded.
"His badge and gun are turned in," Supervisor Michael Giannetta said.
Scott Twp. supervisors next meet on Thursday at 7 p.m. in the township municipal building.
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