Judge hears arguments in off-duty deputy’s dismissal

A visiting judge is expected to decide within the next two weeks an appeal by Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich of the Civil Service Commission’s decision regarding Detective Joseph Mastel, who exposed himself to a young woman last year.

Colville-based Superior Court Judge Rebecca Baker said she probably knows how she will rule, but she wanted more time to research her decision.

Knezovich fired Mastel last June after the off-duty detective exposed himself to a barista at an Airway Heights coffee business.

Then last January, the commission changed Mastel’s firing to a yearlong suspension until he was eligible for retirement on July 3. That decision created controversy and prompted the Spokane County commissioners to shake up the Civil Service Commission.

Deputy Prosecutor Steven Kinn, arguing the case for Knezovich, told Baker the sheriff believes the commission exceeded its authority by allowing Mastel to collect a portion of his 914 hours of unused sick time.

Deputy Prosecutor Ron Arkills, who argued on behalf of the commission, told Baker the commission agreed that Mastel’s actions were a serious breach of public trust. But Arkills said the commission was well within its authority to alter Knezovich’s decision.

“Based on Mastel’s service record, it allows him to retire with a suspension on his record rather than a termination … and he would not carry the stigma of the termination. It would give Mr. Mastel a better chance at future employment,” Arkills said. “The commission believes he earned this through his service record.”