Arnold hires former New Kensington police officer after charges withdrawn, expunged
Share this post:
It took several Arnold residents only minutes to raise questions about City Council’s approval of a new police officer hiring Tuesday.
Council voted, 4-1, to hire Joseph Martino II, 35, who previously worked as a police officer in New Kensington.
In October 2020, Pittsburgh police accused Martino of beating up his girlfriend after drinking at a bar. He was off duty at the time.
The Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office withdrew charges of unlawful restraint and simple assault that Pittsburgh police had filed against Martino. Those charges were expunged in September, said his attorney, Brittany Petricca.
According to court records, Martino pleaded guilty to two summary charges of disorderly conduct in April. No further penalty was assessed.
A representative of the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office did not respond to a request for comment.
Petricca said the victim, whom she described as heavily under the influence on the night of the incident, recanted her story. She was given immunity and therefore was not charged with perjury or false reports.
“Hopefully, this lays to rest any thoughts that they made an inappropriate hire with him,” Petricca said. “Mr. Martino is an outstanding citizen and a wonderful police officer.”
New Kensington hired Martino in February 2018. His last day of work there was Jan. 25, 2021, city clerk Dennis Scarpiniti said.
The specifics of his separation from New Kensington were not provided.
Arnold Councilman Phil McKinley cast the only vote against hiring Martino.
Mayor Joe Bia II did not respond to a request for comment about him and the majority of council being in favor of hiring Martino, who had been the only candidate for the open position with the city’s police department.
McKinley said council had access to Martino’s criminal record and employment history.
“I kind of figured if New Kensington didn’t hire him back, we probably didn’t want to hire him,” McKinley said. “I told them all I’m not putting my name on this.”
McKinley said Martino’s background could come up if he’s an arresting officer in a domestic violence case.
“His testimony in a courtroom could come into play,” he said. “If he’s on a domestic and he arrests a guy, what is the defense attorney going to ask him?”
Arnold police Chief Eric Doutt said he helped to conduct the background investigation on Martino, which council received through its Civil Service Commission.
“I’ve worked with him. I’ve found him to be a very good police officer. Personally, I don’t know what goes on in his personal life,” Doutt said. “Hopefully, the setback that he had, he’s overcome that.”
Martino will replace David Clouse, who retired July 1, Doutt said.
Doutt said Martino still needs to complete a psychological test and doctor’s physical before he can start work. Doutt said he hopes Martino can start Nov. 1.
The starting pay for a police officer in Arnold is $18.43 per hour, or $38,340 per year, Doutt said.
“Mayor and council hire and fire. My duty is to handle those officers who they hire,” he said. “Council hired him. I guess he’s fit to work.”