Off-duty officer charged with OVI

TIFFIN — An off-duty police officer was recently charged with Operating a Vehicle while Under the Influence (O.V.I.), following a single-vehicle traffic crash in the 200 block of Circular St. at approximately 10:07 p.m. March 16. Upon arrival, officers determined the vehicle had struck two parked vehicles along the roadway (with airbags deployed) and identified the driver as off-duty Tiffin Police Detective Shawn Vallery. Based on observations made at the scene, Vallery appeared to be impaired, said police Chief David Pauly. "I was immediately notified of the incident and directed the on-duty supervisor to request assistance from the Ohio State Highway Patrol to handle both the crash investigation and the suspected Operating a Vehicle Impaired offense," said Pauly. He said the decision was made to ensure a transparent, fair and unbiased investigation. Troopers were able to collect a breath sample from Vallery, finding a BAC level of .153, which is nearly double the legal limit of .08. Vallery is charged with O.V.I., a first-degree misdemeanor carrying 6 points according to O.R.C. 4511.19(A)(1)(A). Vallery, who is being represented by attorney Dean Henry, entered a plea of not-guilty with the Tiffin-Fostoria Municipal Court on March 20. On March 23, Henry filed an appeal of the Administrative License Suspension and a petition for driving privileges, which were later granted on April 1. A pre-trial date was set for 1 p.m. April 24, to be presided over by Judge Robert Hart. Additionally, a special assistant director of law, James Melle, was appointed by the prosecutor. "Maintaining the trust of our community requires that we hold ourselves to the highest standards and conduct ourselves above reproach, especially in situations involving our own personnel," Pauly said. Court proceedings have since concluded, along with the Tiffin Police Department's internal investigation, which determined that departmental policy was violated, and according to Pauly, "appropriate and significant disciplinary action has been taken." Pauly also made the following statement: "Officer Vallery is a valued member of both this department and the community we serve. He made a serious mistake and will face the consequences of that mistake, both internally and through the criminal justice system. Let me be clear: I do not condone his actions. However, I also recognize that people are fallible, and Shawn Vallery is no exception. What matters moving forward is accountability and growth. "Officer Vallery has acknowledged his actions and is willing to take the necessary corrective steps, both personally and professionally. "As chief, I unequivocally support any officer or employee of the Tiffin Police Department who takes responsibility for their conduct and demonstrates a genuine commitment to improvement. Officer Vallery has taken those steps, and I stand firmly with him as he works to be better." In closing, Pauly said the Tiffin Police Department will continue to hold its officers to a high standard of conduct, both on and off duty. "Transparency, accountability, and fairness remain essential to maintaining the trust of our community," he said.