Police: Dispatcher Charged with Misuse of Sick Time

A Southington police dispatcher accused of misusing sick time is already facing larceny charges and could face further disciplinary action pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

Lt. Michael Baribault said Stephen Chapman turned himself in to the department Thursday morning after learning that detectives had obtained a warrant for his arrest.

Chapman, of 45 Park St. in Plainville, was booked on one charge of second-degree larceny and released after posting a $500 non-surety bond. He is due in Bristol Superior Court for arraignment on July 8.

According to details of the criminal investigation, Chapman had used sick time as an employee of the Southington Police Department between August 2008 and April 2013 to respond to incidents in Plainville where he is a volunteer firefighter, Baribault said.

"The warrant application indicates that on six different occasions between August of 2008 and April of 2013, Mr. Chapman called in sick for his dispatcher duties and subsequently responded to eight Plainville Fire Department calls for service during the same time frame he was on paid sick leave," Baribault said in a press release.

The misuse of sick time allowed Chapman to make additional money as he was compensated for his fire responses in Plainville, the police investigation found.

Chapman in currently on paid administrative leave from the department and could face additional disciplinary action including termination pending an active internal investigation, Baribault said.

The paid leave is required during the investigation, per department policy.

Make sure to like Southington Patch on Facebook and follow on Twitter for breaking news, daily updates and more!