Plum demotes son of former chief

PLUM: Borough officials said they had their reasons for demoting Mark Focareta, son of former Plum Police Chief Terry Focareta.

But they remain mum about the specifics behind their action Monday night to return Mark Focareta back to the patrol division just hours before the expiration of his one-year probation as Plum Police Department's detective specializing in investigating crimes by juveniles.

"Council was given some facts and dealt with them accordingly," said Councilman Paul Dern Jr., chairman of the public safety committee.

Dern declined to elaborate.

Councilman Jeff Russo, chairman of the personnel committee, said the recommendation to return Focareta to patrol was made by police Sgt. Matthew Feldmeier, acting supervisor in charge.

Feldmeier was unavailable for comment on Wednesday and Thursday about the reason for his recommendation and the future of the position vacated by Focareta.

Russo said he notified Focareta in writing of council's action. The notification was made on Tuesday, Russo said.

As for the reasons, Russo said, "He (Mark Focareta) has the option to look in his personnel file."

Russo said Focareta could discuss the reasons if he chooses.

Focareta, 30, was hired as a borough police officer in 1998.

He had no comment Thursday, but after council's action Monday night, Focareta said, "The reasons for my demotion should be apparent to the citizens."

Resident Eleanor DeMichiei, who attended Monday's meeting, accused council of "continuing your vendetta against the Focareta family" with the demotion of Mark Focareta.

Council in January fired Terry Focareta, who had been chief for almost 10 years.

Terry Focareta, in a federal whistle-blower lawsuit filed four days after his firing, names as defendants Mayor John Schmeck and the seven members of council.

Officials said Terry Focareta was fired for his handling of the hiring of a police officer candidate last year.

Council in August fired police officer Paul Saxon. Saxon is the officer whose hiring led to the former chief's firing.

Terry Focareta contends he was fired in retaliation for investigating Schmeck and family members of several councilmen.

Russo, who refused to call council's action with regard to Mark Focareta's position a demotion, said the job change will mean a 5 percent pay cut.

As a detective, Mark Focareta's annual salary was $53,397. With the 5 percent pay cut, his salary would be $50,727.