NORWICH – Ten-year veteran of the Norwich Police Department Sergeant Justin Carpenter was terminated Tuesday, due to an ongoing investigation.

While the reason for termination was not yet made public, the resolution to terminate Carpenter followed an executive session at Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

All of the Aldermen were in favor of the resolution to terminate, and the motion was carried just prior to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Mayor Christine Carnrike was asked for comment Tuesday, and she said, “All I can say now is that there is an ongoing investigation.”

When asked if it was criminal in nature, Carnrike said, “An ongoing investigation.”

The resolution read that, “Carpenter’s termination followed a notice of discipline upon him by the police chief, as required by the applicable collective bargaining agreement.”

Carpenter’s attorney, F. Paul Battisti, commented on the matter Tuesday night.

“I represent Justin Carpenter, and unfortunately the only way to contest the forthcoming allegations is to either resign or have an arbitration hearing,” said Battisti. “My client is not going to resign.”

“He [Carpenter] is a good officer,” said Battisti. “He maintains he did nothing wrong.”

Battisti went on to explain that there is an agreement with the union that the only way to fight an allegation is to not accept a proposal forcing resignation.

“He [Carpenter] will grieve/appeal this,” said Battisti. He will move forward to become again a member of the Norwich Police Department. He denies any and all allegations.”

The charges have not been released, and Battisti said his client has not been served, and there is not a date set at this time for the arbitration hearing.

When contacted by The Evening Sun, Police Chief Rodney Marsh said there would be no comment from his office.

Mayor Carnike was contacted again early Wednesday morning, when she too said she could not comment further on the details of the investigation or what it entails.

Due to the lack of comments by the Norwich Police Chief and the Norwich Mayor, it is unclear when details regarding the reasoning behind the termination will be released.

Further information will appear in The Evening Sun when it is made available.