Investigation of Girard police officer complete

GIRARD, Ohio - We could know more on Wednesday about the future of a Girard city police officer.

Girard Police Chief Jeff Palmer tells 21 News that criminal and internal investigations into officer Larry Neely have been completed.

Neely has been on paid administrative leave since authorities began looking into reports of underage drinking parties held at his home.

According to a police report, the department received tips over an approximately three week period, that people under the legal drinking age were gathering on Saturday nights to drink alcohol and smoke marijuana in the garage of the Mosier Road home owned by Neely.

The report says that the juveniles would park their cars on nearby streets, and walk to the location in order to avoid bringing attention to the residence.

During a recent Saturday night, police observed people parking their vehicles parking on nearby Iowa Avenue and walking to Neely's garage.

Police say when they approached, they could detect a strong odor of marijuana outside the garage.

Inside they found several juveniles and some 18-year-olds in a recreation room that is part of the garage. They also found several beer cans on a ping pong table.

The chief is meeting with a prosecutor to review possible misdemeanor charges.

Officer Neely's contract would entitle him to a pre-disciplinary hearing if he is charged.