The captain of the Allegheny County Jail's internal affairs unit was fired from his job Wednesday.

Thomas R. Leicht Jr., 47, of North Versailles was terminated, according to the county manager, because of "inconsistencies and misrepresentations" found during an investigation.

"That's a position that requires a great deal of integrity and is a position that should be above reproach," said county Manager Jim Flynn.

Mr. Flynn said he could not elaborate on the two-month investigation of Mr. Leicht, who worked in internal affairs for several years, because it's a personnel issue.

One issue that has arisen involving the 21-year veteran employee is that he previously claimed to have been certified by the state as a police officer and said he worked as one.

"It's my understanding neither of those are true," Mr. Flynn said.

During a June suppression hearing in federal court, Mr. Leicht, who testified about recorded phone calls made at the jail, said this about his background:

"And what's your training in law enforcement?" asked attorney Caroline Roberto, who is representing Christina Korbe in a case in which she is accused of killing an FBI special agent.

"Police Officer Act 120," Mr. Leicht answered.

"And where were you a police officer?" she asked.

"I used to work in the Braddock, North Braddock area."

Ms. Roberto never pressed the matter of Mr. Leicht's background.

She did, however, ask about the mechanics of how phone calls made at the jail by her client were turned over to the FBI.

When asked if Mr. Leicht's testimony at the Korbe hearing concerned him, Mr. Flynn said he always wants representatives of the county to testify honestly.

But, he went on, he doesn't believe Mr. Leicht's testimony in the Korbe case could affect the outcome.

"I don't think he was testifying to content," Mr. Flynn said. "It was about the telephone recording system. His testimony was more mechanical as opposed to fact witness."

U.S. District Judge Terrence F. McVerry denied Ms. Korbe's motion to suppress phone calls she made at the jail, saying that it is made clear to inmates that all of their phone calls -- other than to their attorneys -- are recorded. She had no right to privacy, he said.

Neither the U.S. attorney's office, which is prosecuting Ms. Korbe, nor Ms. Roberto had any comment.

Mr. Leicht, who will still qualify for his pension, did not return a phone call seeking comment. He could appeal his termination to the county personnel board.

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