A Warren city employee accused of stealing a lawnmower that was in a city garage remains on the job.

Dennis Griffing, 57, is an equipment operator in the operations department. His firing will go into effect if he is convicted of petty theft. 

If Griffing is not convicted, the city will revisit the issue to determine appropriate discipline, which could still include his firing.

These stipulations are the result of an agreement between Griffing, AFSCME Local 74 and the city.

Warren Public Service and Safety Director Enzo Cantalamessa said the settlement was made "to avoid the possibility of back pay and/or arbitration costs."

Cantalamessa said that he is not on leave for those same reasons.

Law Director Greg Hicks questioned the deal saying "I don't understand the reasoning behind this type of deal, selling citizens short allowing a thief to continue working."

"I think it's ridiculous. I think it's a slap to the face of taxpayers," said Hicks. "They use the system to allow this individual to work and get taxpayer money when he has stolen from his employer, the city and the citizens of Warren. Any other business, if you steal from them, do you think you'd still be working there?" 

On June 15, Griffing pleaded not guilty to the petty theft charge.

Hicks said that Griffing admitted to police that he took a brand new lawnmower from the operations department garage.

Police had recovered a large cache of stolen goods, including this mower that was still in the box.

When the rightful owner was going to pick up the mower, the piece of equipment turned up missing.

Griffing's next court appearance is scheduled for July 25.

If Griffing was fired before he could retire, he would get no pension.  If he's found guilty after he retires, he still gets it.