Matuszak Resigns from Prosecutor’s Office

A Wood County assistant prosecuting attorney has abruptly resigned.
According to a statement released by Wood County Prosecutor Paul Dobson on Thursday afternoon, Tom
Matuszak is no longer with the office.
Dobson said Matuszak, who was the criminal division chief assistant, resigned on Sunday.
Dobson said he directed Matuszak on Sunday to stop communicating with other office staff regarding office
matters. Matuszak took issue with Dobson’s directive and a text exchange occurred between the two,
according to the press release.
Dobson said he offered to call Matuszak or delay any more conversation until the next morning. However,
Matuszak instead resigned.
Matuszak texted, “For the last eight years, I had assumed that we shared similar moral and spiritual
compasses, but given recent events it appears to be time for you to appoint someone else to serve.”
Dobson said he still does not completely understand what Matuszak as referring to in that comment.
However, based upon Matuszak’s statement and actions in this matter, and his offer to step down, Dobson
accepted the resignation.
“There was nothing inappropriate in the content of what Tom was saying to other staff members. In fact,
it was about a work matter, which are sometimes addressed outside of work hours,” Dobson said in the
statement.
“But his persistence and tone became problematic. I was contacted by a staff member who asked me to step
in. Tom and I both believe that staff members are entitled to enjoy a day off.”
Dobson said that he tried to call Matuszak.
“When I received no answer, I texted him directing him to stop communicating with the staff,” Dobson said
in the statement.
A dialogue ensued which resulted in the above comment and resignation, he said.
“Matuszak’s responses … clearly crossed the line,” the statement said.
“Tom’s words and actions became inappropriate and, frankly, insubordinate,” Dobson said. “Those, coupled
with his offer to step down led me to conclude he no longer wanted to be a member of this office.”
Dobson said he has talked with Matuszak since the Sunday incident.
“It’s clear the stress of the position got to him and he made statements and took action that he regrets
now,” Dobson said. “In fact, he has apologized for his conduct.”
Matuszak, who earned $100,254 annually, joined the prosecutor’s office Sept. 6, 2011 as a senior
assistant prosecutor. In March 2015, he was promoted to chief assistant.
“Tom has been a valuable member of this office since he first came on board. I wish him all the best and
hope he has the opportunity to take some well-earned time before he considers what is next in life for
him,” Dobson said.
Matuszak, contacted by phone on Wednesday, declined to comment.
Phone messages were also left with Dobson on Wednesday and Thursday. This statement was released late
Thursday.