Covington suit set for trial in less than a week

A case that involved two lawsuits concerning the investigation and subsequent termination of Covington Township police officer William Morgan of Gouldsboro, will find its way to federal court in Wilkes-Barre on July 15.

First, Morgan was accused of attempts to interfere in another officers investigation of a "verbal altercation" between Morgan's ex-girlfriend, Jill Mailen and a security guard, Carla Sodano.

Second, Morgan entered the apartment of his most recent ex-girlfriend, Jamie Villian, possibly without permission.

On Aug. 16, 2007, Sgt. Bernard Klocko suggested to the Covington Twp. Board of Supervisors that Morgan's actions "were part of a larger pattern of inefficient performance of duties."

Morgan was put on administrative leave and eventually terminated on Jan. 15, 2008. Later that day, Morgan filed a complaint alleging that the township fired him in retaliation because he, through counsel, invoked his right to a public hearing.

This first lawsuit, which focused on the criminal investigation against Morgan, went to trial in April 2009 and returned a verdict in favor of the township. During the first case being litigated, a second lawsuit was filed by Morgan that argued the issues of his termination.

Covington Twp. has filed a motion to dismiss the second lawsuit, but it was denied, as the claims relating to Morgan's termination were not presented at the first trial.