In a news conference Thursday evening, Erie Mayor Joe Schember announced the immediate firing of Sgt. Jeff Annunziata of the Erie Bureau of Police.
In raised voice and visibly upset, the Mayor cited an email by Annunziata to members of the media containing “racist and derogatory statements and assertions.” The Mayor said that he will not tolerate racism and discrimination, and asserted that Sgt. Annunizata violated his oath, which includes conducting duties “without partiality, malice or ill-will.”
GoErie.com is reporting that Annunziata sent an email Monday evening to four reporters at the Erie Times-News and to the Mayor. In the email published by the website, Annunziata references nation-wide protests, funding of the Black Lives Matters movement, and Antifa. He also questioned the lack of protest over the killing of police officers.
