That moment when multi-tasking goes wrong.
North Carolina's Southport Police Department Chief Gary Smith, 46, and Lt. Michael Christian Simmons, 48, learned a hard lesson when they were arrested Thursday, July 26, for working another job while they were supposed to be erm, policing. The two men, who drove for a local trucking company during their post hours, were charged with conspiracy to obtain property by false pretenses, willful failure to discharge duties and obstruction of justice, according to WCET.
ABC News reports Smith and Simmons had a "habitual and repeated pattern" of leaving their posts during the hours in their daily log to drive for the trucking company.
"It is indeed that I get before you today with a heart laden with grief for all these events that happened today," Mayor Jerry Dove said during Thursday's news conference regarding the matter. "It was a shock to me to hear all these, being a former chief and knowing the officers that worked in that department and hired at least half of them."
Smith's and Simmons' poor choices created a domino effect, as the entire police force was suspended and placed on paid administrative leave.
"A lot of these officers have done absolutely nothing wrong. Some of them are the ones that first came forward," said District Attorney Jon David. "This stain should not be extended to the officers who take seriously their duty to serve and protect."
David confirmed the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the FBI began a joint investigation of the officers on April 4, following a tip from law enforcement officers.
Brunswick County Sheriff's Office has been asked to take over law enforcement duties for Southport until further notice.
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