Ex-officer requests jury trial

PITTSFIELD – Former police Officer Daryl Whitley has requested a jury trial in connection with a domestic assault charge.

In a Nov. 8 court hearing, Whitley entered a not guilty plea to the assault and has since filed motions to suppress any statements he made during his arrest. He claims he was not read his Miranda rights, or constitutional rights to remain silent, and statements he made to the arresting officer were made involuntarily.

Even though Whitley was a full-time police officer at the time of his arrest and reportedly aware of the Miranda requirement, if the arresting officer failed to verbally notify Whitley, the defendant’s statements cannot be used in court.

A hearing about the suppression issue is scheduled for Jan. 29 in Skowhegan District Court. A jury trial would be held in Somerset County Superior Court at a later date.

Whitley was arrested Sept. 8 by Maine State Police Trooper Bruce Scott after an alleged altercation with his girlfriend.

Although not on duty at the time of the alleged incident, Whitley was a full-time officer with Pittsfield Police Department and was terminated after the incident.

He had been a reserve officer with Pittsfield from 1981 to 1987 and had been hired full time four months before the alleged incident. Because he was considered a probationary employee at the time of his arrest, Town Manager D. Dwight Dogherty said he could be terminated without cause.

If found guilty, Whitley’s career in law enforcement would be over. Federal guidelines state that anyone convicted of a crime involving violence can no longer possess a gun.