Published: July 01, 2008 05:09 pm            

Lowe hopes to see end of saga soon

If certain criteria meet with his satisfaction, an embattled Mount Hope police officer who endured a two-year legal saga could be patrolling the city’s streets again in the near future.

Thomas C. Lowe, 42, of Fayetteville, said Thursday that Mayor Michael Martin and Mount Hope’s city council have offered to restore him as a full-time police officer. The offer, which includes two years’ back pay, was made via certified mail Wednesday, Lowe noted.

According to Lowe, his attorney, John Wooton, is in negotiations with the city over several issues. “I want to make sure this can’t happen to another officer,” Lowe declared, adding he wants to have cameras installed in city police cruisers.

Lowe also expects the town to pick up the tab for his legal expenses, stating such action is required by state law. He also filed a grievance eight months ago against his supervisor, Sgt. Mark Shropshire, that he said has not been addressed by the city.

Should he accept the job offer, Lowe explained, he would first take two months’ sick leave. “I want to let some things settle down in the city. Let me get my head on straight. I’ve been through a lot. I don’t want to jump back in the saddle so fast,” he said.

Lowe has quarrels with the methodology of the previous investigations against him by both the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department and State Police. Regarding the former, Lowe sent a letter to Sheriff Bill Laird last week requesting an internal investigation of one of Laird’s deputies.

According to the letter, Lowe alleged Cpl. Jack Brown conducted an investigation “with total disregard” for his agency’s guidelines and procedures. Lowe claimed Brown’s testimony in court “was clearly untrue and a conflict of his past statements to his supervisor.”

Lowe believes Brown called Angela Smith — one of Lowe’s alleged victims — “every day for years while on duty.” In the letter, Lowe admits the situation is “unpleasing and difficult.”

“I have stood idle for two years and 13 days to allow my case to be heard by the court and the people of Fayette County,” he wrote.

Laird acknowledged Thursday he had received Lowe’s written complaint. “I have undertaken action to begin an investigation into that complaint for purposes of addressing his (Lowe’s) concerns. I do that any time anyone complains. It is something that will take a little bit of time.”

The letter was carbon-copied to Fayette County Circuit Judge John Hatcher, Fayette Prosecutor Carl Harris, Mount Hope Police Chief Mitch Canterbury and Martin.

A message left for Martin at his office was not returned Thursday.



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Lowe was acquitted June 12 of two counts of daytime burglary, which eradicated what was once an eight-count indictment against him and ended a two-year legal battle.

In a bench trial, Hatcher found Lowe not guilty on both counts.

Lowe’s case consisted of a labyrinth of legal twists and turns since he was arrested by State Police in May 2006.

A bench trial in Hatcher’s courtroom last Oct. 3 resulted in Lowe’s acquittal on charges of extortion and attempt to commit a felony — bribery in an official capacity.

Lowe has remained on unpaid administrative leave by the city of Mount Hope, where he had served as a police officer since September 2001.

Four sex-related charges, all involving the same woman, were dismissed by Hatcher last July.

— E-mail:

mhill@register-herald.com

        

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