The largest problem Asheville has with its police department is a funny report alleging racism. The police department in Fletcher, however, appears to have serious personnel problems. Four officers were recently investigated for falsifying credentials. Only one was exonerated. One of the officers claimed the only real training he got was with an officer who resigned, claiming discrimination. Back in October, two Fletcher officers filed assault charges against Chief Langdon Raymond. Adam White resigned, and Timothy Foxx was suspended and then fired. The chief was reinstated after the misdemeanor charges were dropped, but three officers left the department shortly thereafter. The officer who was fired after dropping the assault charges was awarded unemployment from the ESC. The police department said he been dismissed for stealing from a crime scene, but the department could not produce the subpoenaed records, and would not avail the officers who allegedly witnessed the incident for the hearing.
by Leslee Kulba
Wild West blogger