Fries and Moss not at Ethics Commission meeting Friday

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) Sheriff Ken Fries and County Councilman Paul Moss did not attend the Ethics Commission meeting on Friday.

The Commission will be asking Fries and Moss each to send a written response to the ethics allegations within 30 days of Friday, July 20.

The ethics complaint was filed by Philip Pease, a former county employee, and claims that the ethics code was broken on the night of June 2 during a traffic stop in which County Councilman Paul Moss  was pulled over. Pease claimed that the code was broken when Sheriff Fries "interacted with the Sheriff Officers on scene, which was unnecessary and unwarranted."

Read the entire complaint summary

Councilman Moss told NewsChannel 15 that when he was pulled over, "I got a little frustrated. I had some upset people in my car. And that's when I called Sheriff Fries, which I regret doing at this point because I certainly feel bad that he has been dragged into this. I don't believe that he has done anything wrong. I didn't ask for any favors. The only thing I asked if he could expedite the process."

A public hearing will be held on Friday, Sept. 7 during which the allegations and the responses will be reviewed.

Councilman Moss sent the following letter at 12:17 p.m. on Friday to be read to the Commission:

I appreciate the time and effort the members of the Ethics Commission devote to serving this community on a volunteer basis. Given all the available information related to the complaint you are reviewing today - filed by a former County employee - it is my hope the Commission will recognize it is without merit.

I have reviewed the complaint and it appears that the primary issue of concern is my ability to impact the Sheriff's budget via my role on the County Council. As one of seven members of Council I have limited influence over department budgets within County government. However, in order to avoid any perception of impropriety, I will abstain from the upcoming budget vote as it pertains to the Sheriff's department. I do this reluctantly - my record of serving taxpayer interest by working to reduce the cost of government is well known.

This is an unfortunate situation that is based on a great deal of erroneous information and supposition, and I regret my role in it. I look forward to continuing my efforts to protect the interests of Allen County taxpayers.