A former police officer found guilty of corruption in Troy, New York is expected to receive "lifetime health insurance" thanks to a police union contract that the city council was not told about for 18 months.
The Times Union reported that former officer Brian Gross would be eligible for the health insurance even though he resigned from the department in disgrace after pleading guilty to tipping off drug dealers to a raid.
Under a plea deal, Gross was sentenced to 100 hours of community service, and agreed to never work in law enforcement again. He was also ordered to pay $5,500 restitution.
A deal with the Troy Police Benevolent Association which was signed by Mayor Lou Rosamilia lowers the years of service required for lifetime health benefits from 20 years to 10 years. Although the agreement was signed on June 13, 2014, it was not put on the city council agenda until the Times-Union filed a Freedom of Information request.
"It's similar to a golden parachute disgraced CEOs get. I would not support special treatment for police officers who have done despicable actions," Democratic Councilman Robert Doherty explained. "No one ever told me and I'm head of public safety."
Police union president Sgt. Thomas Hoffman argued that the city council did not have to approve the agreement because it had already been signed by the mayor, making Gross eligible for health coverage.
Hoffman insisted that the city council was given a copy of the agreement and "maybe they misplaced it."
The city council is expected to discuss the contract during a Dec. 17 meeting.
