TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The Terre Haute Fire Merit Commission held a meeting tonight to discuss the employment of fire fighter accused of sexual misconduct with a minor.
In June, Terre Haute firefighter, Shad Stanifer, was arrested on charges related to child sex crimes. His bail was set to $75,000.
Investigators say the 33-year-old touched and exchanged sexually explicit messages with a 14-year-old-girl.
After the arrest, Fire Chief Berry turned the information over to the merit board. Thursday, the board took action.
“I would move to suspend Mr. Stanifer retroactive to the suspension handed down by Fire Chief Berry. That the suspension continue pending the disposition of the criminal charges, which are pending against Mr. Stanifer, and that the suspension be without pay from said date,” said a member of the merit board.
The request passed unanimously.
The commission will revisit this matter after Stanifer’s trial has concluded.
Meanwhile, court documents show Stanifer posted a cash bond of $74,950 and was released on from the Vigo County Jail on July 7. He is next due in court for a review hearing on August 18 at 9 a.m.
His trial date is set for October 16th.
