Five Canton city firefighters were handed suspensions today for alleged shift trading.

NewsChannel 5 reports the suspensions range from 60 days to a couple of weeks.

Canton Fire Chief John Whitlatch told NewsChannel 5 the alleged shift trades happened between October 2011 and December 2011.       

The announcement of the suspension comes a little more than two months after an audit of the Cleveland Division of Fire revealed widespread abuse of sick time and shift trades. That audit suggested as many as 200 firefighters may have abused the system for years.

It's not clear yet whether Canton's investigation was prompted by the publicity of Cleveland's audit.

The woman accused of posing as a fake veterinarian appeared in court Monday for her arraignment.

35-year-old Brandi Tomko faced her accusers in Summit County Commons Pleas Court after she was accused of pretending to be a vet at the now-closed C&D Animal Hospital on Brittain Road in Akron according to NewsChannel 5.

Tomko is charged with animal cruelty, identity fraud, and practicing without a license, even though she had no formal veterinary training.

The news station says a small group of protesters had gathered outside the courthouse asking for tougher laws on those who are convicted of animal cruelty. However, they were not allowed inside the courthouse.

Kenny Reymann, who says Tomko is responsible for his dog's death. says he hopes she'll be brought to justice.

Reymann's dog  "Charlie" spent three nights at the hospital and died the morning after he picked him up. One cat was put down after Tomko attempted to de-claw it.

Akron Police are saying Tomko drew blood, wrote prescriptions for animals and performed surgeries She allegedly bought heroin with money from the clinic.

Brandi Tomko is currently in the Summit County Jail. Her next court appearance is  scheduled for April 30.

On the Web www.newsnet5.com.

Massillion police are turning to social media to try and catch a suspected TV thief.

News Channel 5 reports a woman walked out of a Walmart store this past Saturday with a 40-inch plasma TV worth nearly $600 and didn't pay for it.

Police say the woman was stopped by a greeter at the door, but then ran.

Anyone with information can call Massillon police, or leave a message on the department's Facebook page.
 

On the Web www.newsnet5.com