NewsChannel 3 is learning more about what might have led to the firing of three Elizabeth City police officers.
District Attorney Frank Parrish revealed in a letter part of the reason three Elizabeth City police officers were let go.
Addressed to Chief Charles Crudup and City Manager Rich Olson, the note states the D.A. would no longer accept testimony or evidence from two of the fired officers.
D.A. Parrish expresses doubts about the officers' credibility.
The letter is dated March 3. Within 24 hours the officers mentioned Lloyd Melton and John Schwab were both let go.
A week earlier Sergeant Robin Vanscoy was fired under equally private and mysterious circumstances.
Despite repeated requests for an explanation, Chief Crudup, city attorneys, and City Manager Olson have all refused, citing a North Carolina statute protecting the privacy of employee personnel records - keeping key information away from the very citizens who pay for the officers to protect them.
Under North Carolina law, the city manager can reveal more information in a situation like this, if it's essential in maintaining public confidence in the police department. The D.A. cited the officers for having credibility issues - the same issues that likely got them fired.
City Manager Olson says the credibility issues cited do not rise to the level of compromising public confidence.
The city is also hesitant to talk because officers Melton and Schwab can still appeal their terminations.
NewsChannel 3 will release more information as it becomes available.
District Attorney Frank Parrish revealed in a letter part of the reason three Elizabeth City police officers were let go.
Addressed to Chief Charles Crudup and City Manager Rich Olson, the note states the D.A. would no longer accept testimony or evidence from two of the fired officers.
D.A. Parrish expresses doubts about the officers' credibility.
The letter is dated March 3. Within 24 hours the officers mentioned Lloyd Melton and John Schwab were both let go.
A week earlier Sergeant Robin Vanscoy was fired under equally private and mysterious circumstances.
Despite repeated requests for an explanation, Chief Crudup, city attorneys, and City Manager Olson have all refused, citing a North Carolina statute protecting the privacy of employee personnel records - keeping key information away from the very citizens who pay for the officers to protect them.
Under North Carolina law, the city manager can reveal more information in a situation like this, if it's essential in maintaining public confidence in the police department. The D.A. cited the officers for having credibility issues - the same issues that likely got them fired.
City Manager Olson says the credibility issues cited do not rise to the level of compromising public confidence.
The city is also hesitant to talk because officers Melton and Schwab can still appeal their terminations.
NewsChannel 3 will release more information as it becomes available.
