Middletown, NY – City of Middletown Police Detective Frederick Slanovec has pleaded guilty to Disorderly Conduct in connection with an off-duty incident that occurred on May 6, 2023, at the Olde Erie Restaurant in Middletown. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office, in collaboration with the City of Middletown Police Department, conducted an investigation into the incident, which involved allegations of Detective Slanovec slapping a fourteen-year-old boy without provocation.
During the investigation, it was determined that Detective Slanovec had been consuming alcohol prior to and during the confrontation with the minor.
The minor did not sustain any injuries that would have warranted assault charges.
Detective Slanovec, who the City of Middletown Police Department has suspended since the incident, entered a guilty plea as part of a written plea agreement with the District Attorney’s Office.
In the agreement, Detective Slanovec admitted to making inappropriate statements to the fourteen-year-old boy, falsely claiming that he had placed the boy’s father in prison and threatening to arrest the boy in the future, despite having no reasonable cause to do so.
Additionally, Detective Slanovec admitted to striking the minor on the face with an open hand and pushing his head against a wall.
He also acknowledged consuming alcoholic beverages prior to the encounter and driving away from the restaurant.
As part of the plea disposition, Detective Slanovec has been ordered to undergo one year of alcohol abuse treatment and refrain from consuming any alcoholic beverages during this period.
The City of Middletown Court and District Attorney’s Office will receive regular reports every 60 days to ensure compliance with the alcohol treatment. A permanent Order of Protection has been issued on behalf of the boy and his family.
Importantly, Detective Slanovec, who is still suspended and facing administrative charges related to his employment with the City of Middletown Police Department, has agreed to waive any sealing of the record. This means that his admissions can be used not only in the ongoing administrative proceedings but can also be disclosed to potential future employers.
The resolution of this case underscores the commitment of the Orange County District Attorney’s Office and the City of Middletown Police Department to ensuring accountability and maintaining public trust. The consequences imposed on Detective Slanovec serve as a reminder that inappropriate behavior and abuse of authority will not be tolerated within the law enforcement community.