MANSFIELD — The Mansfield Police Department has parted ways with patrolman Freeman Nixon after a months-long investigation into his violations of departmental regulations, public policies of the city and the police department’s code of ethics, according to law director Jon Spon.
“This matter does not involve any issues pertaining to the matter in which (Lt.) Sarah (Napier-Mosier) carried out duties to the public,” Spon said. “Only whether or not Freeman Nixon conducted himself appropriately within the department. There were no issues to undermine the safety of the public.”
In January, Nixon and his supervisor Sarah Napier-Mosier were placed on paid administrative leave, Spon said.
“It was an unusual situation,” he said.
According to Spon, Nixon’s personnel file has several charges against department policy and and ethical violations.
Nixon was written up for insubordination by a supervisoron June 13, 2018. The charge was later changed to unauthorized use of city equipment by Lori Cope, safety services director for the city.
On Aug. 17, 2018, Sarah Mosier-Napier, Nixon’s supervisor, showed Nixon a photo she has received in a text message of Nixon. The photo, Spon confirmed contained a photo of Nixon with an altered “sexually explicit” image.
Napier-Mosier has been briefed on the city’s sexual harassment policy and the department’s rules and regulations.
Spon added this is still an open investigation, and he could not give all of the details of Freeman’s termination.
Napier-Mosier is back with the department, Spon confirmed. Nixon, who was officially terminated by Cope, is expected to file a grievance and have an arbitration hearing about the justification of his termination.
“It’s unfortunate to ever lose an employee, an officer, and we hope for the best outcome,” Cope said. “We anticipate a grievance will be filed as the usual procedure and I will address that when it comes across my desk.”
In 2017, Nixon earned a gold medal at the Ohio Police and Fire games. He was hired on July 28, 2015.
