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Officer Placed On Leave While Allegation Investigated

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TBO.com

Published: November 12, 2008

Updated: 11/12/2008 07:32 pm

A Tarpon Springs police officer has been placed on paid administrative leave while authorities investigate whether he inappropriately touched a high school girl.

Cpl. Michael Kazouris, 35, was placed on administrative leave this morning. He has spent more than 11 years working as a school resource officer in Pinellas County schools.

A criminal investigation is ongoing.

Kazouris had worked at the high school on temporary duty since January filling in for another officer on maternity leave, officials said.

Police would not elaborate on the allegations except to say they involve accusations of inappropriate contact with a 17-year-old girl who attends Tarpon High School. They say the girl is not the source of the complaint.

Officers learned of the accusation two days ago and took immediate action, Templeton spokeswoman Barb Templeton said today.

When the investigation is complete, the chief's office will assign a command staff member to review the investigation and decide whether department policy was violated, the department says. An internal investigation will begin if policies were violated.

Kazouris had an unblemished record and a personnel file with many commendations. He began working for Tarpon Springs police in 2004. Before working at the high school, he had served as a school resource officer for three elementary schools in the Tarpon Springs area and had the children at Tarpon Springs Fundamental Elementary School sign a "Pledge of Respect" certificate.

In 2007, his supervisors nominated Kazouris for Florida School Resource Officer of the Year, and this year he shared that honor with the entire team of officers at the Tarpon Springs Police Department.

In his personnel file, local funeral director Thomas Dobies commended Kazouris for his handling of a death investigation and wrote, "I have known Corporal Kazouris since he was a young man and feel he is an asset to your department and truly dedicated to his position with the Tarpon Springs Police Department."

Another Tarpon Springs officer was also placed on administrative leave with pay today because of an unrelated incident, the department said.

Officers confirmed an internal investigation on John Spatz, 33, is ongoing. The department wouldn't release any details, but Templeton said the incident involving Spatz doesn't involve a criminal act.

Officers will review the facts of the cases and take appropriate action, police said.

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