web1_JackDavis-SemWIN.jpg

Wyoming Seminary wrestling stuns Blair Academy

web1_BASKETBALL.jpg

Aufiero leads barrage of 3-point field goals as Nanticoke Area girls basketball team moves to 10-0

<p>WILKES-BARRE &#8212; The FBI is investigating an incident of police brutality alleged against a city police officer.</p><p>According to Police Chief Marcella Lendacky, the incident, which took place in a cell, was caught on surveillance tape. She said it was her duty to investigate it.</p><p>Lendacky said that although no complaint was filed by the target of the alleged incident of police brutality, she felt following through with the investigation would mitigate future liability and was &#8220;simply the right thing to do.&#8221;</p><p>According to Lendacky, she brought the surveillance tape to the attention of Luzerne County District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis, who then contacted the FBI.</p><p>Lendacky has been under attack by the police union over the last several months after allegations that she has created a &#8220;toxic work environment&#8221; for those who work under her.</p><p>Lendacky said many of the complaints are a result of her commitment to &#8220;do things the right way.&#8221;</p><p>For example, Lendacky said, her review of the surveillance tapes and following through with investigation was consistent with policies of the department.</p><p>&#8220;Any liability that bringing the incident to the attention of the District Attorney and subsequently the FBI is minimal when compared with the liability of not reporting it,&#8221; she said.</p><p>Mayor Tony George said reporting the incident to higher authorities was an appropriate part of the administrative process.</p><p>&#8220;Its now in the hands of the FBI, as it should be,&#8221; he said. &#8220;We will need to wait for the completion of their investigation.&#8221;</p><p>Neither Lendacky nor George identified the officer under investigation or the alleged victim.</p><style>
.neFileBlock {
	margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.neFileBlock p {
	margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px;
}
.neFileBlock .neFile {
	border-bottom: 1px dotted #aaa;
	padding-bottom: 5px;
	padding-top: 10px;
}
.neFileBlock .neCaption {
	font-size: 85%;
}
</style>
<div class='neFileBlock'>
<div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/web1_Marcella-Lendacky-1.jpg">
<div class="neCaption">Lendacky </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo0>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/web1_Marcella-Lendacky-1.jpg</photo0><caption0>Lendacky </caption0><photoCredit0></photoCredit0></div><div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/web1_Tony-George-1.jpg">
<div class="neCaption">George </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo1>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/web1_Tony-George-1.jpg</photo1><caption1>George </caption1><photoCredit1></photoCredit1></div><div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/web1_Wilkes-Barre-City-Police-4.jpg">
<div class="neCaption"></div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo2>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/web1_Wilkes-Barre-City-Police-4.jpg</photo2><caption2></caption2><photoCredit2></photoCredit2></div></div>
<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>By Geri Gibbons</p><p>ggibbons@www.timesleader.com</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Reach Geri Gibbons at 570-991-6117 or on Twitter @TLGGibbons.</p></shirttailMeta></div>

FBI investigation alleged police brutality by Wilkes-Barre officer