Post by KC on Feb 2, 2007 0:08:36 GMT -5
An Horry County police officer, who's been on the force for more than 15 years, faces several charges. He resigned from the department on Monday just before he was served with five arrests warrants.
Morale at the Horry County Police Department is low. According to arrest warrants, Officer James Kirkley is charged with soliciting prostitution, while on the clock. Not just once, but several times.
"It's kicking everybody in the gut," said Police Chief Johnny Morgan.
Morgan is shocked by the news. An officer for more than 15 years, James Kirkley, was arrested by his own colleagues. Morgan says another agency called them about a complaint made against Kirkley two weeks ago.
After investigating, the State Law Enforcement Division has charged him with four counts of soliciting prostitution, and one count of misconduct in office. According to the warrants, Kirkley solicited prostitutes several times while on duty, sometime during the last year.
"This not only hurts our department, it hurts anyone who puts on a uniform and a badge," said Morgan.
It also hurts the community, but people told us, they still have confidence in the department.
"I know people are human, and make errors, and not because one person does something, doesn't mean they're all like that," said Clifton Marlowe. "They're are a lot of good people dedicated and out there to help people."
Horry County Solicitor Greg Hembree says over the last 8 years, there have been several cases pending against public figures, and says it's bound to happen.
"When you have thousands of employees, they're going to be some," said Hembree. "They're people too. They fail and make mistakes, commit crimes, and we hold them accountable for their crimes."
Chief Morgan tells us Kirkley was a school resource officer at one time, before transferring to the warrant division. We're told Kirkley has posted a $7,000 personal recognizance bond.
www.wpde.com/news/viewarticle.asp?view=3762
Morale at the Horry County Police Department is low. According to arrest warrants, Officer James Kirkley is charged with soliciting prostitution, while on the clock. Not just once, but several times.
"It's kicking everybody in the gut," said Police Chief Johnny Morgan.
Morgan is shocked by the news. An officer for more than 15 years, James Kirkley, was arrested by his own colleagues. Morgan says another agency called them about a complaint made against Kirkley two weeks ago.
After investigating, the State Law Enforcement Division has charged him with four counts of soliciting prostitution, and one count of misconduct in office. According to the warrants, Kirkley solicited prostitutes several times while on duty, sometime during the last year.
"This not only hurts our department, it hurts anyone who puts on a uniform and a badge," said Morgan.
It also hurts the community, but people told us, they still have confidence in the department.
"I know people are human, and make errors, and not because one person does something, doesn't mean they're all like that," said Clifton Marlowe. "They're are a lot of good people dedicated and out there to help people."
Horry County Solicitor Greg Hembree says over the last 8 years, there have been several cases pending against public figures, and says it's bound to happen.
"When you have thousands of employees, they're going to be some," said Hembree. "They're people too. They fail and make mistakes, commit crimes, and we hold them accountable for their crimes."
Chief Morgan tells us Kirkley was a school resource officer at one time, before transferring to the warrant division. We're told Kirkley has posted a $7,000 personal recognizance bond.
www.wpde.com/news/viewarticle.asp?view=3762