Ousted YSU Police Chief had 'clean' record for 27 years
A review of Youngstown State University Police Chief John Beshara's 27 year record with the university shows no disciplinary action, other than the most recent letter informing him that he had been relieved of his duties amid an investigation into his management of the campus police department.
A review of Youngstown State University Police Chief John Beshara's 27 year record with the university shows no disciplinary action, other than the most recent letter informing him that he had been relieved of his duties amid an investigation into his management of the campus police department.
Responding to a public records request from 21 News, the university forwarded the 109 page personnel file dating back to 1989 when Beshara was hired as an intermittent campus police officer, including his appointment to the position of chief in 2012.
The file contains copies of numerous certificates acknowledging Beshara's completion of various law enforcement training programs such as for the administration of the opiate antidote Narcan, crisis intervention, counter terrorism awareness, open records law, and ethics.
Also included is a letter from former YSU Police Department Director Robert Robinson commending Beshara for pride and proficiency in performing his duties as an intermittent campus police officer during the 1989 football season.
The most recent entry in the file is an April 28, 2016 letter notifying Beshara that his contract as campus police chief would not be renewed when it expires at the end of June.
The letter from Associate Vice-President of University Relations, Shannon Tirone, advised Beshara that he had been placed on administrative leave due to what was described as an on-going investigation into fiscal and operation as matters and/or misuses of management authority.
The letter informed Beshara that he may be subject to disciplinary action, which could include termination of employment.
The letter gave no further details about the investigation, and university officials have declined further comment.
Beshara is being allowed to retain his title, $86,700 annual salary and benefits until June 30, but he as been relieved of any duties, including teaching classes at the University Police Academy.
The letter also advises Beshara that he is prohibited from communicating with any university employee without prior approval by university officials.
He was ordered to surrender his badge, service weapon, cell phone and keys to his Jeep and any university buildings.
Police Lieutenant Shawn Varso has been appointed to serve as acting chief .
