Attorney claims firing of Warren's assistant prosecutor was 'retaliatory and politically motivated'
The attorney for former Warren assistant prosecutor Nick Graham is claiming the decision to fire Nick Graham by Law Director Enzo Canatalamessa was "retaliatory and politically motivated."
Graham's attorney David Betras in a letter sent out Monday, Sept. 19, said that Graham's termination is also from Cantalamessa's wife, Dawn, failed run for Trumbull County Common Pleas judge from the May primary.
Warren City Law Director Enzo Cantalamessa fired Assistant Prosecutor Nick Graham on Sept. 2. Graham was on approved sick leave from Aug. 1 through Aug. 14 but was placed on unpaid administrative in mid-August, following an incident at Graham's house. Cantalamessa, at the time, said that Graham was placed on unpaid leave during an investigation. The nature of the investigation has not been disclosed.
On Aug. 6, the son of Nick Graham was among the individuals who called 911 after a brawl broke out in front of Graham's home. Johnny Graham, 19, told a Trumbull County 911 dispatcher he needed help immediately at his family's home.
Betras disputes Cantalamessa's claim that his decision to first place Graham on unpaid administrative leave and then fired him was related to an incident that occurred at Graham's home during a birthday party for his son.
Betras contends Graham, a 22-year veteran prosecutor was terminated because Graham refused to support Cantalamessa's wife for Trumbull Common Pleas Court Judge.
21 News reached out to Warren City Prosecutor's Office Cantalamessa for comment on Tuesday, but he was in a meeting.
Betras said he will pursue all legal remedies on behalf of the former assistant city prosecutor.
