Cleveland Public Power employee tells council he was assaulted by supervisor, seeks investigation

James Bentley told Cleveland City Council that he had been physically assaulted twice by his supervisor, identified in the comments as Don Klepple, and that although Klepple was arrested and dismissed, he was subsequently rehired.

"I was physically assaulted twice by my supervisor, Don Klepple," Bentley told the council. He said a witness was present, that he filed a police report at the 3rd District and subsequently received a five-day suspension. Bentley said the rehiring and disciplinary response created PTSD, that he believes he is being targeted and retaliated against for reporting workplace violence, and he asked the council for "immediate enforcement of my safety measures to be taken, protection from further retaliation, a formal investigation into these incidents and disciplinary actions."

Bentley said he has worked for the City of Cleveland for over 29 years with a strong record and no prior disciplinary issues, that he had previously reported problems about Klepple going back several years and that multiple complaints against Klepple exist. He asked the council to ensure public agencies and their leadership are held accountable and to require transparency in how complaints are handled.

Council did not announce an immediate action on Bentley's request during the public-comment period; he concluded by asking for someone to reach out to him.

Next steps: Bentley's statement was recorded as public comment; council staff or appropriate departments would need to follow up to confirm whether a new investigation or protective measures will be initiated.