The Greenburgh Town Board ruled Friday a police officer who was cleared of criminal charges in a dominatrix scandal will have to turn in his badge for violating policies.

Officer Erik Ward was dismissed effective immediately in a decision that was pending for more than one year. The board found Ward violated three Greenburgh Police Department policies. They include failure to comply with procedures governing informants, failure to report information of a police nature to a superior and conduct that brings discredit upon the department. The officer said in a statement he is disappointed by the decision, adding he will keep fighting and he is a good person.

Ward was acquitted of charges in December 2006 stemming from a January 2006 incident. Dominatrix Gina Pane claimed Ward promised to get a marijuana charge thrown out if she performed a sex act. Pane claims she complied, but later felt violated. She plans to sue the department and says she feels vindicated by the town board's decision.

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