Kelly Thomas case: Fullerton officers paychecks cut off

 
The paychecks for two Fullerton police officers charged in the death of a mentally ill homeless man will be cut off beginning Saturday.

Officer Manuel Ramos and Cpl. Jay Cicinelli, along with four other officers involved in the July 5 incident, have been on paid administrative leave. Ramos and Cicinelli are the only officers charged in Kelly Thomas' death.

Last week, city officials gave Ramos and Cicinelli notice that they would be placed on unpaid leave starting Oct. 8.

That announcement followed the Orange County district attorney's decision to charge Ramos with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter and Cicinelli with involuntary manslaughter and excessive use of force.

Kelly, a familiar figure in downtown Fullerton, was beaten and repeatedly stunned with a Taser until he lost consciousness, prosecutors say. He died days after his confrontation with officers.

Ramos and Cincinelli, who are both free on bail, were given until the end of business hours Friday to contest the decision to cut off their pay.

Neither did so, said department spokesman Sgt. Andrew Goodrich.

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-- Richard Winton

Photo: Orange County Dist. Atty. Tony Rackauckas announces at a news conference that charges have been filed against Fullerton Officer Manuel Ramos and Cpl. Jay Cicinelli. Credit: Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times