Wood County Prosecuting Attorney Paul Dobson announced today that on Sunday, Feb. 2, Criminal Division Chief Assistant Thomas Matuszak resigned his position with the prosecutor’s office.
According to Dobson, he directed Matuszak on Sunday to stop communicating with other office staff regarding office matters. Matuszak took issue with Dobson’s directive and a text exchange occurred between the two.
Dobson said he offered Matuszak to call him or delay any more conversation until the next morning, however, Matuszak instead tendered his resignation.
Matuszak texted, “For the past eight years, I had assumed that we shared similar moral and spiritual compasses. But, given recent events, it appears to be time for you to appoint someone else to serve as the chief of your criminal division.”
Dobson said he still does not completely understand what Matuszak was referring to in that comment. However, based upon Matuszak’s statements and actions in this matter and his offer to step down, Dobson accepted the resignation.
“There was nothing inappropriate in the content of what Tom was saying to other staff members. In fact, it was about a work matter, which are sometimes addressed outside of work hours. But his persistence and tone became problematic,” Dobson said. “I was contacted by a staff member who asked me to step in. Tom and I both believe that staff members are entitled to enjoy a day off.”
“I tried to call him,” Dobson continued. “When I received no answer, I texted him directing him to stop communicating with the staff.”
Dobson stated that Matuszak responded to his text via text, and a dialogue ensued which resulted in the above comment and resignation.
Dobson stated that Matuszak’s responses to him clearly crossed the line. Nor did Matuszak follow the directive to stop texting co-workers.
“Tom’s words and actions became inappropriate and, frankly, insubordinate,” he said. “Those coupled with his offer to step down led me to conclude he no longer wanted to be a member of this office.”
“In my conversation with Tom since Sunday, it’s clear the stress of the position got to him and he made statements and took action that he regrets now,” Dobson said. “In fact, he has apologized for his conduct.”
Dobson went on to say, “Tom has been a valuable member of this office since he first came on board. I wish him all the best and hope he has the opportunity to take some well-earned time before he considers what is next in life for him.”
Matuszak joined the prosecutor’s office Sept. 6, 2011 as a senior assistant prosecutor where he remained until Sunday. His annual salary was $100,254.
