Watch extended interview with one of the alleged tazing victim
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BELLEVILLE, Ill. - Accused repeatedly of using excessive force, police officer Jeff Vernatti will be fired when he returns from military leave next month, this city's police chief told me in his office today.

Vernatti is accused of using a Taser on a suspect who was already handcuffed during an incident at a West Main St. convenience store, and a department investigation led to the decision.

"That force that was used was not appropriate," Chief Bill Clay told me.

I've learned Vernatti has a history of excessive force complaints.

Bryan Schmittling says Vernatti shocked him with a Taser at least four times after a traffic accident in 2004.

"I thought I was going to get medical help, and the next thing I'm being Tasered," Schmittling told me at his house today. "He threw me to the ground, and Tasered me three more times after that. I ended up in the police station. I was there for a little over two hours, and then I went to the hospital on my own."

Last month, I broke the story about Adam Weinstein of St. Charles.

He has filed a lawsuit against Vernatti for assaulting him only because Weinstein was wearing a t-shirt with the word "POLICE" on it.

Vernatti has not been charged with a crime.

Until today, the police department has declined to comment about complaints against Vernatti.

Now, the police chief is commenting, and he's discussing his punishment.

"You have to do these things," the chief told me. "Yes, I hate to do it. But you know what, I didn't put myself in this predicament or Jeff Vernatti in that predicament. He put himself there. So we have to deal with that."

The chief also told me a sergeant has been demoted to patrol officer, and three other officers were suspended without pay because of this month's Taser incident.

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