Post by KC on Feb 17, 2006 19:08:05 GMT -5
02/17/2006 - Town leaders have stripped their embattled police chief of his duties and indefinitely suspended him.
Gary Parsons was indicted last week on multiple charges including embezzlement and allowing his son to carry a handgun and wear a police uniform.
He had originally been suspended 30 days. Town officials voted Thursday for the indefinite suspension.
They said Parsons will remain an employee of the city once his current suspension without pay is over.
Capt. Steve Dowell and Capt. Robert Bowlin have been placed in charge of the police department.
Town manager Ken Nolan said Parsons will be on paid suspension with health benefits until the legal situation is resolved.
The SBI began a probe of the Wilkesboro Police Department in September 2005 after officers complained to the district attorney.
Parsons has pleaded not guilty to all charges and will next appear in court on April 10.
Gary Parsons was indicted last week on multiple charges including embezzlement and allowing his son to carry a handgun and wear a police uniform.
He had originally been suspended 30 days. Town officials voted Thursday for the indefinite suspension.
They said Parsons will remain an employee of the city once his current suspension without pay is over.
Capt. Steve Dowell and Capt. Robert Bowlin have been placed in charge of the police department.
Town manager Ken Nolan said Parsons will be on paid suspension with health benefits until the legal situation is resolved.
The SBI began a probe of the Wilkesboro Police Department in September 2005 after officers complained to the district attorney.
Parsons has pleaded not guilty to all charges and will next appear in court on April 10.