58°DARE officer back to deputy duty after Facebook fuss
Sep 18
2010
Erie County’s DARE officer resigned from his position on Friday pending an investigation into party photos posted on Facebook.
Deputy Adam Klepper was tagged in photos from a party where several teens appear to be drinking beer. A 2010 Margaretta High School graduate posted the pictures Sept. 5 in an album labeled fall 2010.
Klepper served Margaretta and Berlin-Milan schools as a DARE officer since last year. He remains as a patrol officer.
Someone sent an anonymous e-mail to the Sheriff’s office on Wednesday to alert them to the photographs. The e-mailer said he or she found the pictures when checking his or her daughter’s Facebook account.
“Now I know this goes on all the time,” the tipster wrote. “However, sitting in the background of several of the pictures, behind the 18-year-olds that are holding beer cans in their hands drinking it up is our very own DARE officer Klepper.”
Klepper’s father, Tim Klepper, said his son only briefly stopped at the party, which was a celebration of an adult family member’s birthday. He said it’s clear in the photos that his son holds a coffee mug in his hand and that he didn’t participate in the activities.
“He’s an upstanding person,” he said. “He didn’t realize he was doing anything inappropriate... he’s a good kid and he does his job well.”
Capt. Paul Sigsworth said the department holds its employees to a high standard and has policies that prohibit behavior that could embarrass the department or individual deputies.
“The anonymous allegations we received are troubling, but we’ll have to investigate further to find out what the facts are,” he said.
Depending upon what the investigation turns up, it could lead to disciplinary action or referral to a prosecutor for review, Sigsworth said. He added that if underage drinking did occur at the party, Klepper could have violated department standards just by being there, even for a short amount of time, while off-duty.
Sheriff Terry Lyons, who recommended Klepper to DARE Ohio’s selection committee, said Klepper performed his DARE duties well in both school districts.
“I attended both schools’ graduations, and I have had nothing but compliments on his instruction and how it relates to the kids,” Lyons said.
The anonymous e-mailer wrote that he or she also alerted Margaretta Schools administrators, who said they were “taking care of it.”
But Margaretta superintendent Ed Kurt said no one on his staff received any complaints about Klepper before Sigsworth called Kurt on Wednesday to say that DARE was cancelled for Friday.
“He’s had great interaction with the kids. He’s been very positive with the teachers,” Kurt said. “We’re very happy so far with everything that’s gone on with the DARE programs.”
Klepper’s predecessor as DARE officer, Deputy Paul Defazio, will resume teaching DARE next week, Sigsworth said.
Klepper graduated from Margaretta High School in 1996 and has worked in law enforcement for several departments, starting with Castalia Police Department in 2001.
He became a sheriff’s deputy in 2004 and attended two weeks of DARE training in the spring of 2008.
According to the DARE application, the program requires that officers be “exemplary role models in both formal and informal situations” and have personal habits consistent with DARE.
Klepper wrote in his application that he understands that he is “always in the public eye, both on and off duty.
“I have always made myself understand that,” he added, “and I avoid anything that would bring a negative image on myself or to the Sheriff’s office.”
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12:47 AM
TuffNutts2011 says
Why is this thing still on the register wed site ??? lol how long do they leave things on here??? Register loves to bash cops for sure. Wait till they need something from SPD or Erie County. Thats gunna be a joke when they call those same guys whos lives they attempt to ruin for help. Sad thing is those guys will help them because they are truly good people who the register repeatedly attempts to bring down. I cant imagine how the people at this nice newspaper live with themselves.
01:30 AM
seeteshsnv says
fanbullet.com can get thousands of fans or followers to your page within few weeks. I purchased about few thousands of Facebook fans and started seeing tons of visitors coming from facebook to my site. Even, some of them turned out to be my regular customers. The fans that fanbullet delivered were 100% real.
02:03 AM
blockwatch says
Moderators have removed this comment because it contained libelous or defamatory statements. Discussion Guidelines05:48 PM
jackie is wack 2010 says
Moderators have removed this comment because it contained personal attacks. Discussion Guidelines05:48 PM
jackie is wack 2010 says
Moderators have removed this comment because it contained personal attacks. Discussion Guidelines02:36 PM
Sam says
Its legal to allow your own children to consume alcohol. Is it wise and the proper role of a parent?
Any professional should avoid any situation that could be misinterpreted by the public, especially if his job entails influencing our youth. In this particular case, Iam not passing judgement, I don't have all the facts, just my opinion.
07:37 AM
Rusty of Sandusky says
If some of the allegations that are coming out from the commenters are true and this was just a vindictive attack, then I will amend my earlier remarks congratulating the parent who spoke up. (I had and have no issues with the DARE officer). But without any of that information from the Register = I stand by my appreciation of a parent who is looking out for the well being of children - their own OR someone else's.
I also stand corrected on the legality of underage drinking with a parent or spouse - although I believe that is meant just for the situations that some in here have addressed = having a sip of wine at a special holiday meal or on another special occasion, which I've never personally had a problem with.
But there are so many young people who think it is okay to drink to the point of intoxication, without (and sometimes with) parental knowledge. They think that they need to do this in order to have a good time. Some to many (admittedly not ALL) are going to become alcoholic. Does that not matter to anyone? Why push them into a lifelong struggle when they have so much living yet to do?
02:20 PM
Mr. D says
For all of THE whiners, wussies, do gooders, snitches, witch hunters, vigilantes, mud slingers and any other names you agitating vermin go by, please read sections 4301.631 and 4301.69 of the Ohio Revised Code....Read thes sections in their ENTIRETY....These sections are explicit about what and where a parent or guardian can provide to their underage children in regards to alcohol....
Now after all of you yahooz, read the law and figure out how wrong you were about the actions of the Deputy, I would hope you all are adult and human enough to apologize to the Deputy here in the forum. There should be about 6 or 8 apologies comming forward. In the future please refrain from letting your RUMPUS REARENDI overload your MOUTHUS GIGANTI.
As for the persons who stood by the Deputy, pat yourselves on the back and enjoy the apologies from the YingYangs.
10:45 AM
Rabbi says
Whether or not a person supports officer Klepper is irrelevent to the fact that in order for him to be guilty of anything, one must acertain whether or not he knew underage drinking was going on. If this was a "small" family function as some bloggers have indicated, then it stands to reason that the opportunity for Klepper to have interacted with the teens is greatly increased. This means he may have been aware of the underage drinking.
Again- prove that he knew it. I would suggest that this was in all likely hood a case of "wrong place, wrong time."
09:34 AM
Logistics says
Wow!! This is a jealous ex going over the edge. Thinking she might wanna go get a life and leave him and the boys alone.
07:50 AM
Raoul Duke says
Moderators have removed this comment because it contained personal attacks. Discussion Guidelines12:30 AM
so..... says
BRAVO! BRAVO! BRAVO!!!!!!! NKX hit the nail on the head!!!!
11:57 PM
safecracker2 says
NKX..... WELL SAID!!!
Deputy Klepper and I have had dealings with eachother and I can say he has always been professional and polite. Sounds like the "wrong place at the wrong time" and someone chose to run with it. Why didn't the "tattle tale" file a complaint against the owner of the house where this took place?? Sounds like the ragster just trying to drum up bad publicity against law enforcement...again. This could have been anyone, but because he is a cop, he will be dragged through the mud. Good luck Deputy Klepper. I wish you much success in your long future with the department.
10:29 PM
NKX says
This is sad that anyone is even acknowledging this article let alone those who are arguing it. Even if you do not know Officer Klepper personally, people should have some knowledge of his career before bashing him, including this paper. Where are any of the headlines or people even bringing up this Officer/man for the amounts of arrests he has made pulling un-nameble amounts of drugs off the streets.. the number of DUI arrests he has made pulling drunk drivers off the roads before someone is hurt. The women he has saved from being beaten or killed by their husbands, or vice versa. The sad amount of suicide, murder calls he has been on or the fatal accidents, being the officer that has to tell someone's loved ones that their son, daughter, parent, has passed. Or more relating to this headline, D.A.R.E. How many children has he taught about the effects of DRUGS and ALCOHOL. People, it is inevitable that the children of this generation are going to try or become addicted to a drug or become an alcoholic. Sadly, that is how it is these days. To have 100 officers in a town of 5,000 it's still not going to stop it. No matter how much a child learns about it, most will try it & a handful or more become addicted. These D.A.R.E. officers can't prevent that. They are to teach them of it, with knowing in the back of their minds most of their students will try it no matter what. Basically they are to teach them to drink responsibly. Face it parents, most of your children are going to start drinking in junior high, very sad but true. Deputy Klepper, I'm sure most of the parents of the children he has taught in D.A.R.E. will agree, does not just walk into his classes going through the motions. Deputy Klepper connects with these kids outside of the cop/teacher level. He brings himself to their level when he is teaching them, relating to their generation, their personalities. That is why these children look up to him & enjoy being in his D.A.R.E. classes. This is what teaches a child. However, this is not gonna stop your child from drinking or trying a drug. BUT when you have someone who has made an impact on you... they will stop for a moment and remember that. Will it stop them from continuing to take that drink continuously or looking for that next high... Maybe, maybe not. It depends on how the child was raised at home.. NOT by who is teaching them at school. And most times, the kids who turn into what most parents don't want... are those who live their perfect family lives. I personally don't think Deputy Klepper is in the wrong. It was a family function, with those over 18 years of age... Which is NOT illegal unless public or driving. Just because he is a Sheriff and a D.A.R.E. officer does not mean he can't be around alcohol. Seems like some people forget, ALCOHOL is LEGAL. People are acting as if this was an illegal substance with a group of 15 year old children! Deputy Klepper was not even drinking. And face it parents, your kids are going to try it. You should be thankful that an officer like Deputy Klepper was the D.A.R.E. Officer who has taught your children because he can make that kind of impact that children need growing up in this generation. I see alot of people on her saying this article was turned in due to a parent and those saying a personal vendetta. Doesn't matter, this article should have never been ran without facts let alone an annonymous emailer whether he was in the wrong or not. I feel Deputy Klepper has been unfairly treated by all.
09:25 PM
Mrs. Jones says
Moderators have removed this comment because it contained profanity. Discussion Guidelines08:50 PM
Lucky2BeEmploye... says
Did you ever serve?? I have served so I know I have the right to speak my mind. OTHERS have served which allows YOU the right to speak yours !!! I have been a vocal advocate for many years of EVERYONE being able to serve. I have written numerous letters to the DoD among other departments inquiring as to why those, with the very disqualifying disabilities that you have described, cannot serve in some capability such as office personnel, etc. I have never received a reply, Your argument lacks substance. There are those that cannot or chose to not serve in the military. Do you then also think that they should be given benefits earned by those serving in the military?? NO !! When you choose to lay your life down in support of our country as these young men and women have chosen to do - THEY should be given recognition and benefits above and beyond those that have not taken that risk.
08:48 PM
so..... says
you know this really grinds my gears.....this is all coming about because a petty COWARD, who has a PERSONAL issue with adam has decided to use a public forum, again, to try and ruin him. yes he may be held to a higher standard but geesh....hes supposed to police his own family for behavior happening in her OWN home,yes HER OWN HOME.she works to pay for it herself. come on!!! if you do this to him then you need to hold ALL the police officers to this same standard. i have seen for myself officers in the same situation doing exactly what adam has done. this should have been investigated COMPLETELY before anything was released to the register. but because some people have insiders on the register, they can side step this.
adam is a good person, a good father, and a good officer. shame on you Miss tipster... you should have handled this like an adult.
08:24 PM
SamAdams says
Okay, first of all, anyone dumb enough to think Che Guevara is a cool icon is probably too dumb to understand what he reads, either. But I'll try anyway in the unlikely event Adam Knight is merely deluded:
Azure Ray posted a link to the relevant Ohio law. Please read it before you come back and continue making a fool of yourself. (While you're gone, you might consider finding an icon that DOESN'T glamorize a Marxist terrorist, but I won't hold my breath.)
07:48 PM
Adam Knight says
And underage drinking isn't breaking the law?
07:44 PM
Azure Ray says
Adam Knight - no laws were broken. As a DARE officer, he should be there to keep kids away from doing anything illegal, especially drugs. As a DARE officer, he is to uphold the law. No law was broken in his presence. Period.
07:37 PM
Adam Knight says
Regardless of circumstance, he was a D.A.R.E Officer and should've acted like one. That means not allowing underage drinking.
Hope this one doesn't have enough "Personal content" for ya.
07:00 PM
katelih says
In your case, I think your parents were/are responsible ,but there are a lot of parents who are drunks and maybe wouldnt mind having their kids be "drinking buddies" with them. Hell, I know a mother who actually allowed her son to get drunk with her. From what I understand they were both sloppy drunk. It was in their own home, so I guess it is okay? I am just wondering, what if he had alcohol poisoning, and needed medical attention, is it still okay, since his mother gave him the alcohol?
07:12 PM
katelih says
How young can a child be for a parent to start boozing their kid up? Does anyone know? (this is a general question. I am not referring to this article)
06:18 PM
TonyTone says
Lucky2BeEmploye... I commend your son...BUT...even if I did agree w/ your silly commemt about amending underage drinking laws to allow 18-20 yr. old military personnel to drink, what about the 18-20 yr. olds that would gladly serve their country but through no fault of their own (medical or other issues) are not able to. Your comment seems one sided and could offend many. Please look at the whole picture before posting and shut the heck up.06:10 PM
big_d says
I find it strange that at least SOME of the parents of today who oppose drinking before 21, were themselves allowed to drink beer before the age of 21. Whats up with that? BTW, if you are allowed to vote, fight, etc., you ought to be allowed to drink a beer, at least. When I was a child, I was allowed the occasional sip of beer from my fathers glass, and as we got older we occasionally had some wine with a Sunday meal, because he understood that what is forbidden becomes all the more desired, and wanted us to be responsible when were old enough to drink. Yes I did get drunk and sick once, (on whiskey) and he said it was a good thing, because I then understood what my limits were. Never happened again, and in the couple of decades since it happened, never drank liquor again. I really do believe that by raising the stakes so high (penalties), that when teens finally do it, they go all out. .05:54 PM
phsforever says
Moderators have removed this comment because it contained personal information. Discussion Guidelines04:52 PM
first of duh month says
How is it a personal attack by sarcastically saying that laws should be changed to accommodate cops & that some of these characters act like they're above the law?
04:52 PM
Evilten says
Moderators have removed this comment because it contained personal attacks and libelous or defamatory statements. Discussion Guidelines03:18 PM
SamAdams says
Come on, people! Stop making excused for the family OR the deputy! Azure Ray had the good sense to post the reference that PROVES an underage person can drink alcoholic beverages in the presence of a parent (as happened here) or spouse.
The family wasn't doing anything wrong, even under the black-and-white of the law. What was Deputy Klepper supposed to do? Arrest somebody for...uhm...what would have been the charge again? Oh, yeah, there CAN'T BE ONE because the law in Ohio doesn't provide for there to be one.
Looks like the people at the party were within the law, and so was the Deputy. The issue of the family tattle-tale also involves somebody acting within the law, though if any moral judgment is to be passed here, mine falls right on HIM (or her).
03:07 PM
mumstheword says
Officer Klepper I hope everything works out for you, what i know of you, you are a GREAT officer, a GREAT DARE officer, GREAT individual, and a GREAT family man. I have seen your work with the students and found that you did an impeciable job and that the kids really did look up to you. Unfortunatley when situations like this arise there are the people out there that have to act like "Whack jobs" and try to throw you under the bus to make their lives look better. Hopefully the people that did this to you get what is coming to them (i have a feeling it isn't the first time they tried to get your job). Keep your faith.
02:26 PM
first of duh month says
Moderators have removed this comment because it contained personal attacks. Discussion Guidelines02:16 PM
Adam Knight says
Moderators have removed this comment because it contained personal information. Discussion Guidelines12:46 PM
katelih says
Azure Ray, You are absolutely right. I went to the link you provided and it's written right there in black and white. I have to admit , I am shocked ! I hope there is a minimum age to legally drink with a parent . As far as this particular incident with Deputy Adam Klepper, I have no comment. I haven't seen the pictures nor do I know anything about him. However, it seems he has a lot of people backing him.
12:25 PM
SamAdams says
Let me first be entirely clear on one point: I do not like DARE. I don't like it because it models itself after the Nazi Brownshirts program which encouraged participants to monitor and report back on their own families. But even if you think that part of DARE is okay (some people are dumb enough to be cool with that), DARE has been shown—repeatedly—not to work.
That being said, it's my understanding that parents can, indeed, serve drinks to their own children. You can't give alcohol to somebody else's kids, but if you're there, and the kid involved is your own, you can. (If that's wrong, somebody better correct some area schools' drug/alcohol education programs because that's what's being taught according to two older teens I know.) And if THAT'S true, then the fact Deputy Klepper took no action at this particular family event is exactly what he SHOULD have done.
I don't really care if Klepper did or didn't drink (he wasn't on duty, was he?). And I don't really care that he didn't stay long (what difference does that make?). The crux of his current problem is whether or not he should have done something about someone under 21 having a drink. And the only relevant question is whether or not he was obligated by the law to do so. Well? WAS he?
11:44 AM
Azure Ray says
Rusty of Sandusky - you are wrong: "as for anyone under 21 drinking - in a family setting or not = ILLEGAL." If you are with a parent or a spouse of age, you can drink. If this was a family function, I bet there was nothing wrong with what was going on. If you are raising heck about this, I am sorry that you feel that this is such a pressing issue in society.
http://www.units.muohio.edu/saf/oxfordoffcampus/ohioDrinkingLaws.pdf
09:12 AM
columbus avenue says
Children of Republicans acting like children of Republicans...
08:06 AM
Salvatore says
Oy Ragister!!!! Leave Adam alone. He is a good boy. Instead of ruining people's lives over such trivial matters, do some investigative reporting like the Plain Dealer is doing. How about reporting on sex offenders employed by the Ragister? How about reporting on that ferry business that got all that free tax payer money and failed to pay taxes? Now that would be a good series story and investigative reporting.
09:49 PM
Rusty of Sandusky says
@ pjgrondin
You missed my point. I was simply stating that the kids who are drinking ARE NOT the kids who have voluntarily chosen to enlist in the military, so the typical argument "old enough to die = old enough to drink" holds no water. It's just a false argument.
As for condoning teenage drinking: no it wasn't explicity said, but it is inherent in most of the postings on here. Just because we consider 18 year old adults in some respects, doesn't mean that it should be applied across the board in all situations and circumstances. I don't believe kids are "coddled" up until 18 and "hammered" between 18 and 20 as you say, but I respect your opinion in saying so. I know that what you say DOES happen in some cases = just don't think that it can be generalized completely.
The system isn't perfect, but I truly believe that the drinking laws are meant to save lives and keep young people out of trouble and are not intended to keep young people from having fun. (No you didn't say that, I'm just saying it myself).
09:31 PM
Rusty of Sandusky says
No, Dr. Seuss - I was not the squealer, but still congratulate the parent who did. Underage drinking is illegal P-E-R-I-O-D. End of discussion.
I have no opinion on the DARE officer or his 'punishment' but as for anyone under 21 drinking - in a family setting or not = ILLEGAL. Until the law is changed (and we can argue whether it should or should not be changed) - it sends the WRONG message to young people that it is okay to break the law or to make exceptions to it.
06:24 PM
uninvolved says
i think it is funny that lots of people posted not to judge adam because he was not at fault or we dont know the whole story and it was all taken out of context. there is always more than one side to a story. and while it is great that all of u seem believe him to b innocent until proven guilty....you have not given the same to others involved. some have been very quick to judge and place guilt or blame on the tipster or the parent throwing the party or whomever else u can.maybe u should consider that none of u know all of the story about anyone involved. so if u r going say dont b too quick to judge then that should apply to all. as for adam....i dont know if he is guilty or not...and i will not comment to that.but i understand y he is being held to a high standard..because of his job. because it was clearly stated that he would b on his application...and because he acknowledged that fact directly. if he knew he was going to b held to that standard the he should also understand y people r questioning it. he is in the public eye and that brings with it scrutiny. his job titles require him to b aware of himself his actions and how he is being precieved and how is representing those offices held....if he didnt want it to b that way he could have chosen a different field. he may very well b a good dad or a good police officer but that does not make him exempt from a lapse of judgement either.
06:13 PM
MINE says
This story is rediculous. I can't see why this man is even in any trouble. Seems if you are in LE or any type of public servant....all you ever get is "picked on". What a shame. Hope all goes well for Mr. Klepper.
05:02 PM
Lucky2BeEmploye... says
Age 18 is by law.. an adult. If an 18 year old commits a crime.. he or she is not tried in JUVENILE Court. but would be tried in adult court. My son is in the military doing his part to protect our country. I am sick and tired of people taking a verbal stand against the comment "old enough to serve & die for our country they should be allowed to drink". My son enlisted at age 17 (end of his senior year of high school) in the delayed entry program which allowed him to participate in drills with the recruiting officer and other similar recruits. The laws should be changed to include if you have proof of military enlistment upon you, then it would be permissible for the military man/woman to have alcohol before the age of 21. If you have never served in the military... either sign up for active duty or shut the heck up!!!! As for Officer Klepper, karma will come full circle and slam the jerk who is dead set on ruining your life. This person must be jealous of you reaching your life goal of becoming a police officer or maybe they are just miserable in their own life... misery loves company. I hope that Sheriff Lyons reinstates you to the DARE program.
04:13 PM
RV says
Adam didn't put the party on, he didn't provide any alcohol, nor was he drinking. So he should be punished? Total BS. I am good friends with the family and have attended many get togethers with them. There was never any wrong doing except fin and love between friends and family. Reinstate Adam!!!!!
03:20 PM
phsforever says
i was actually at this so called "underage party" and it makes me mad that its even being referred to as that. it was a family cookout where people OF LEGAL AGE were having a few beers. adam wasn't drinking because he didn't feel good. he was hospitalized the next day with kidney stones. so everything bad thats being said about him is ridiculous and completely untrue. i could name you about 3 cops from the sbc area that actually DRINK and PARTY with underagers. so why don't you direct your attention to them and leave this poor innocent man alone. whoever sent these pictures in should be ashamed of themselves, you're tearing up a family and ruining the career that adam worked so hard to get. not to mention the "tipster" tried to bring adam's EIGHT YEAR OLD niece into the mix. how could anyone be so cruel and immature. and to the comment about adam hanging out with younger girls... thats funny because he has a girlfriend and shes his age? so its strange that your making these allegations. this is a ridiculous story and should never have been printed. why doesn;t this tipster stop being such a coward and own up to his/her MISTAKE. adams an awesome person, a dedicated sheriff, a wonderful father, and a good friend. i just wish people would get lives and leave us alone.
02:09 PM
Buckeyefan1 says
Just to add to my previous comment for those of you who haven't seen the photos being mentioned, I have seen the pictures on Facebook. Deputy Klepper is the background of the photos sitting in a chair, not partaking in any of the photos, activities and not drinking. And from what you can see in them, this was strictly a family function, not an underage drinking party or party in any sense. I find it hard to believe how these are even being used against him in any aspect.
01:47 PM
Buckeyefan1 says
Moderators have removed this comment because it contained libelous or defamatory statements. Discussion Guidelines01:14 PM
Pundit says
Moderators have removed this comment because it contained libelous or defamatory statements. Discussion Guidelines12:53 PM
pjgrondin says
@ Rusty
No one said they were in the military or forced to be in the military. And no one said anything about condoning 'teenaged drinking'. But I do condone "adult drinking" And at 18 they are 'Adults' according to most definitions, and old enough to be in the military without parental consent. We expect them to make adult decisions at 18. Then we turn around and treat them like they don't have a clue. We coddle kids on one hand before they turn 18. Then we hammer them between the ages of 18 through 20.
Anyone who gets behind the wheel of a car, no matter what age, can KILL innocent victims. A far more serious problem than drinking behind the wheel is texting while driving. That happens all the time with kids as young as 16 at all hours of the day.
The laws for drinking between the ages of 18 and 21 are ridiculous. They do nothing to address drinking and driving. But they do add a significant burden on the court system and costs to taxpayers. They should be changed.
12:22 PM
Dr. Seuss says
Rusty is probably the squealer. Explain to me how ANYONE can possibly control what goes on a family function, or any function for that matter? You can't possibly see what goes on every place at every minute of a party or large gathering. I say it's crap like this that will force our finest to stay home and be hermits because they can't risk being photographed just having a presence at a celebration of any kind. RIDICULES!
12:03 PM
Jackson9 says
Moderators have removed this comment because it contained libelous or defamatory statements. Discussion Guidelines