Town of Morristown announces termination of Deputy Marshall Wright

The Town of Morristown has terminated Deputy Town Marshall Thomas Wright.

Wright was suspended from Oct. 13-17 following an investigation of him entering Town Hall on Oct. 5 and discharging a firearm that resulted in property damage.

Town of Morristown Secretary Elaine Goble-Carlton first informed Town Marshall Brad Trittipo of damage to her door caused by Wright. An investigation found damage caused by a bullet impact originating in the Town Hall meeting room from an approximately .223 diameter hole that had been repaired on the west wall of the meeting room.

Materials also were located in the men’s restroom indicating patching activities had occurred to repair the hole in the west wall of the women’s restroom.

An additional hole was located inside the Clerk Treasurer’s restroom behind a picture leaning against the wall. That hole was not repaired.

Access to the building control system determined Wright's first entry into Town Hall at 3:18 p.m. on Oct. 5, a Saturday. He reentered Town Hall at 7:31 p.m. and made several entries between 7:37 p.m. and 9:18 p.m. He entered the Clerk Treasurer’s office at 9:49 p.m.

On Oct. 7, Trittipo emailed Wright and requested an explanation of the incident. No response was received by Oct. 12 and Wright was suspended the following day.

Despite the suspension being final, Trittipo continued investigating the incident and on Nov. 19 requested the Safety Board of Morristown review Wright’s conduct for alleged violations of Morristown Police Department’s 2012 Standard Operating Procedures.

On Dec. 18, the Safety Board, comprised off all five members of the Town Council, met in executive session. Trittipo presented the results of his investigation. Wright (photo) was in attendance at the meeting.

Trittipo reviewed the incident in detail and showed video taken from one of the cameras in Wright’s police vehicle showing him inside the Town Hall and showing the firearm discharge.

Photographic evidence also was presented with a detailed breakdown and inspection of Wright’s rifle.

Wright was given the opportunity to speak, cross-examine witnesses and present any evidence he felt pertinent to the matter. He did not present any documentary evidence or call any witnesses other than pose questions to Trittipo.

During his comments, Wright admitted the facts of the incident and acknowledged that he did not report the incident in a timely fashion or utilize proper protocol. He did state that after the incident he left on vacation, which apparently was a cruise.

Wright did not offer any explanation as to why he did not report the incident, complete an incident report, or fully explain the nature of the incident after its occurrence.

The fact that Wright attempted to patch the bullet holes left board members concerned about an attempt to cover up the incident. It was also expressed that Wright displayed a lack integrity and judgment.

The executive session was adjourned and a public meeting was then convened to take final action regarding the information received.

The Town Council was advised by counsel that it could take no further action and impose no further disciplinary measures; impose an additional suspension with or without pay; or terminate Wright.

Town Council member Larry Tracy moved to terminate Wright. The motion was seconded by council member Tammy Davis.

The motion passed 4-1 with Kristi Langkabel providing the lone dissenting vote. Dave Benefiel and Ralph Henderson also voted in favor of the motion to terminate.

Wright will continue to be suspended with pay until Dec. 31 when his termination will become official.

The specific findings of fact were uploaded today to the Town of Morristown’s website (morristown.in.gov) and to the town’s Facebook page.

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