With a unanimous 7 to 0 vote, the council decided to fire Sergeant Matt Starr effective immediately. Starr was suspended without pay and is out on bail while facing felony charges that include theft by deception.
Starr is accused of stealing thousands of dollars from the city of Altoona as well as local businesses. The criminal complaint alleges that Starr was using the money to gamble where he had a reported net loss of more than $50,000.
The response from council on the decision to make the firing was the same as it has been since the initial arrest. Councilman Dave Butterbaugh said, “Well, it’s a personnel matter so we’re not able to discuss it at this time.”
With Starr officially off the force, the department hopes they can now move past this situation. Altoona Police Chief Janice Freehling said,”Hopefully we will be able to move on from this at this point.”
The police report also alleges that Starr was approving his own overtime for hours that he spent at the casino. An internal investigation was launched into the way officer’s report there hours.
Chief Freehling explained, “We have made some changes. All overtime and timesheets are approved by the Deputy Chief or myself.”
Even though Starr has been fired he can still appeal the council’s decision if he chooses. Starr’s formal arraignment is scheduled for Friday, June 23rd.