Sandusky officer suspended after arrest

SANDUSKY — A Sandusky police officer arrested last month on felonies received a 30-day suspension.Erie County sheriff's deputies arrested Officer Ken Gautschi, 46, on Fox Road Sept. 23 on felonies after he allegedly drove while intoxicated, improperly transported a gun in his car and struck a deputy's cruiser.Sandusky police had a disciplinary hearing for Gautschi Wednesday, Chief John Orzech said.KENNETH B GAUTSCHIA written settlement agreement from the hearing states the following:• Gautschi will be suspended 30 days, and 20 of those days will be unpaid.• Gautschi will lose 10 vacation/personal days.• Gautschi must see a behavioral health professional. Gautschi agreed to sign a release to have administrators monitor his compliance.• Gautschi must perform 40 hours of unpaid community service within a year.• Gautschi and union representatives will not challenge the discipline.The agreement also states Gautschi could face further discipline, including the possibility of termination, if he is indicted or convicted on felonies, or if he doesn't comply with the terms of the agreement. He's charged with felony vandalism and improperly handing a firearm in a vehicle.Gautschi pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in Sandusky Municipal Court and has a preliminary hearing set for Oct. 24, according to a court docket.Gautschi is a 19-year veteran with the department and is paid about $61,000 per year, Orzech previously told the Register.Read: Cop charged with felonies has disciplinary recordVisit our Sandusky police hub for more storiesReach reporter Brandon Addeo at brandonaddeo@sanduskyregister.com, follow him on Twitter @BrandonAddeo and follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegisterKen Gautschi