Former North Braddock Police Officer Accuses Department Of Stealing And Tampering With Evidence
NORTH BRADDOCK (KDKA) -- A former North Braddock police officer is suing the borough, police department, acting police chief, borough council, and Mayor Tom Whyel.
30-year-old Ryan Johnston claims they violated his civil rights when they fired him earlier this year.
In the 29-page lawsuit, Johnston was a temporary part-time officer for North Braddock. He claims after just a month or so on the job, other officers told him evidence goes "easily missing" or is stolen.
The lawsuit says in January Johnston saw a coworker's video of the acting police chief Issac Daniele allegedly stealing evidence.
In April, Johnston alleges he was contacted by the FBI about evidence procedures. Over time, he alleges there were other instances with the acting chief.
Johnston took his concerns to the district attorney's office. When we asked the FBI and DA's office about an investigation into Daniele, they would not confirm or deny it.
The lawsuit goes on to accuse chief Daniele of illegally wiretapping Johnston by allegedly putting a ring doorbell in the evidence locker.
Then on June 4, Johnston was removed from duty with the chief claiming he had been "messing with the evidence."
Ultimately, he was fired at the June 18 council meeting. He has tried to appeal this decision after accusing the decision of happening behind closed doors.
Johnston's lawsuit claims he was fired unjustly for being a whistleblower about the chief alleged wrongdoings.
The North Braddock solicitor did not return our request for comment today.
