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Fullerton Chief: Ramos, Cicinelli To Be Placed On Unpaid Leave

FULLERTON (CBS) — The two officers charged in the beating death of a homeless man will soon be placed on unpaid administrative leave, according to the acting chief of the Fullerton Police Department.

Acting Chief of Police Kevin Hamilton released a statement Thursday stating, "I intend to place Officer Manuel Ramos and Corporal Jay Cicinelli on unpaid administrative leave, effective
October 8, 2011."

Ramos and Cicinelli are facing several felony charges in the July beating death of Kelly Thomas, 37. Officials say four other officers were also involved in the beating but have not been charged.

Ramos, 37, is facing second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter charges. Cicinelli, 39, was also charged with involuntary manslaughter and use of excessive force. Both are currently free on bail.

"The intent to change their pay status was made after consulting with our City Attorneys regarding law that is relevant to this area," Hamilton's statement continued.

"Officer Ramos and Corporal Cicinelli will be afforded an opportunity to respond to this proposed action and will have until the end of business on Friday, October 7, 2011 to do so," he added.

The status of the four officers who were not charged in the Thomas case remains unchanged, pending the completion of an internal investigation by the Orange County District Attorney's Office and the FBI.

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