YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - May 17, 2010 - Youngstown police officers Robert Jolliff and Jay Fletcher are facing internal charges following allegations of excessive force filed by a paraplegic man.

Willie Daniel, of Youngstown, filed a complaint against Jolliff in February saying the officer punched and dragged him following a traffic crash. Daniel was charged with OVI, which is a ciolation for driving while intoxicated.

Jolliff faces several charges including excessive force, conduct unbecoming of an officer and neglect of duty. Fletcher faces rule violations for not acting when he saw Jolliff dragging Daniel by the arm.

Police Chief Jimmy Hughes said after reviewing the investigation it was determined to file only internal charges, not criminal charges against the officer.

"Excessive force was used," he said.

Hughes noted the level of injuries sustained by Daniel was one of the reasons criminal charges were not filed.
Daniel was not seriously injured.

Disciplinary hearings for the two officers are expected to take place next week.

According to the internal report, a third officer, Aaron Coleman, who was also at the scene, told internal affairs officers that he did witness Joliff strike Daniel several times.

Mayor Jay Williams said he expects all city police officers to uphold the law and report a violation if they witness one.

"We certainly appreciate those that uphold the internal regulations," said Williams.

The internal report states Jolliff denied hitting Daniel. He was given a polygraph, and the test showed he was deceptive on several questions, the internal reports state.