Akron, Ohio News Release...

MAYOR NAMES FORMER PROSECUTOR TO REVIEW IRVINE CASE

Mayor Don Plusquellic announced today that the City of Akron will hire Frederic L. Zuch to review the internal affairs investigation of the city's chief of police. The mayor announced, at a news conference May 8, Law Director Max Rothal would research the possibility of hiring an outside person or agency to review the procedures of the investigation into allegations of domestic violence against Chief Edward Irvine.

Mayor Plusquellic asked for the independent review to ensure the integrity of the investigation, which concluded earlier this year and found no evidence of wrongdoing by Chief Irvine. "While I stand behind our investigators and the results of their probe, I believe it is important that our citizens know that we've left no stone unturned in this process," said Plusquellic. "Conversely, should this review bring new facts or new evidence to light, that will be pursued vigorously."

Through 30 years of public service, Fred Zuch set an exceptional standard of professionalism. He worked as an Akron police officer, a city prosecutor and a county prosecutor. He retired in May of 1997 after 16 years as the chief of the criminal division in the Summit County prosecutor's office, having worked for prosecutors Lynn Slaby and Maureen O'Connor.

Working directly with Fred Zuch in the review and investigation process will be the office of Summit County Sheriff Richard Warren. The process will conclude when both Mr. Zuch and Sheriff Warren agree all relevant and reasonable areas of the inquiry have been completed. The written recommendation that will be made at the end of the review will come from Fred Zuch.

As part of the process, Zuch will, if necessary, and based on his discretion, re-interview anyone previously interviewed in the investigation. He may also interview persons who were not part of the internal affairs investigation. At the completion of the process, Mr. Zuch will set forth his recommendation as to whether the case should or should not be prosecuted. If the recommendation is for prosecution, Law Director Max Rothal will appoint a special prosecutor.

Zuch will begin his work immediately.

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