Dear Friends of LakewoodAlive - many of you are aware of the unimaginable experience that Chas and Patti Geiger have lived through during the past two weeks.
Throughout their lives, Chas and Patti have been widely known as model citizens and public servants. Seeing someone so beloved and so well respected falsely and publicly accused of wrongdoing has been a shattering experience for the Geiger family and the Lakewood community.
Below is a news release confirming police acknowledgement of Chas' innocence.
Please join us in a shared effort to maintain the stellar reputation so well-earned by three generations of Geigers in Lakewood. Please forward this news to your friends and neighbors.
We love you and are proud of you, Chas and Patti!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 17, 2011
CONTACT:William “Bud” Doyle
216-363-6025
CLEVELAND POLICE DROP CHARGES AGAINST GEIGER
(Cleveland)A series of charges brought by Cleveland Police against Lakewood businessman and former Lakewood Board of Education President Charles Geiger have been dropped, according to police sources.
“The investigating detective informed me that, after further study of video tape evidence, they have concluded that there was a faulty identification of Geiger and that any further proceedings against him are going nowhere, “said Geiger’s attorney, William “Bud” Doyle.
“The car in question was not Geiger’s car.”
Police indicated they were continuing the investigation in another direction and that they had sent the video evidence in question to NASA for possible further enhancement.
Geiger, who owns several retail stores in the area, is well-known community supporter serving the Lakewood Board of Education for 22 years, and also serves on the Lakewood Hospital Foundation Board and the Board of LakewoodAlive.
FACTS
Cleveland Police have dropped all charges against W. Charles Geiger.
A faulty identification of Geiger was the basis for the charges; the police, after detailed examination of videotape evidence, have concluded that the car involved in the incident was not Geiger’s car.
The investigating detective in the case informed Geiger’s attorney, William Doyle, that all charges are dropped and that the department will continue to search for the car and the individual involved in the incident.
It is sad that a man of his character and reputation and his family had to go through the nightmare they have lived through for the last two weeks. It is inexcusable and that in addition to public apologies (verbal and printed) some sort of compensation would be appropriate.
I have known Chas Geiger and his family for many, many years. They represent what makes our city good. I am saddened that a ridiculous case of mistaken identity could not have been settled before this ever hit the newspaper. We need people like Chas and Patti Geiger; people who are always willing to help anyone. Shame on the Cleveland Police Department for putting such wonderful people through such a nightmare. They are probably much more forgiving than I will ever be.
