Monroeville firefighter accused of involvement with 14-year-old

A Monroeville dispatcher and volunteer firefighter is accused of involvement with a 14-year-old girl during a fire training event in early March.

Gregory Allen Lauffer, 23, of Monroeville was charged with unlawful contact with a minor, a felony, and corruption of a minor and indecent assault, both misdemeanors.

Allegheny County Police, the investigating agency, said Lauffer “sent inappropriate texts, made inappropriate sexual comments and indecently assaulted the 14-year-old female victim” during a March 8 event at the Monroeville Fire Training Academy.

According to information provided by Allegheny County, the alleged victim told police Lauffer told her he was 17 or 18 years old, she couldn’t remember which, and asked her sexual questions. He allegedly grabbed her buttocks over her clothes and tried to kiss her mouth twice. He then allegedly squeezed her breasts.

The alleged victim said she left the area and later received a message on social media from Lauffer, who allegedly said he was going to the bathroom and wanted her to join him.

Three days after the alleged incident, Monroeville police received a “walk-in complaint,” Monroeville police Chief Doug Cole said. The chief said he immediately handed the case over to Allegheny County Police, whose detectives arrested Lauffer and filed charges.

County police said the dispatcher turned himself in April 1, also the day he was arraigned and released on a non-monetary bond.

Cole said Lauffer, who was hired as a dispatcher Jan. 30, 2017, was placed on paid leave immediately following the complaint. Lauffer serves as a volunteer firefighter for Monroeville Volunteer Fire Company No. 5. Cole said disciplinary action, if any, will take place after a hearing by the municipality’s review committee.

Cole said discipline could include termination.

Phil DiLucente is representing Lauffer. The attorney offered the following written statement:

“Mr. Lauffer was arraigned (last week) with me and the county police pursuant to the coronavirus procedures in place with the court. We are currently reviewing the complaint and will be prepared for the future preliminary hearing.”

Ben Rudd, fire chief at Monroeville Volunteer Fire Company No. 5, said Lauffer has been suspended indefinitely after serving for “a few years.”

“During his suspension he is not permitted on any calls, on any Monroeville Fire Department property, or to any fire department events,” he said in a prepared statement.

County police asked anyone with information to call the Allegheny County Police Tipline at 833-255-8477. Callers can remain anonymous.