GREENSBORO, N.C. — Greensboro police said a former crime analyst for the department is accused of sexually exploiting a minor.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) told the Greensboro Police Department (GPD) that criminal charges were filed against one of their non-sworn employees.
GPD said Crime Analyst Matthew Hammonds faces three counts of felony second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. He is in the custody of the Guilford County Jail on a $50,000 bond.
Hammonds was arrested Monday after the NCSBI ended its investigation.
After learning the details of this investigation and the charges, Chief Thompson fired Hammonds Tuesday.
This is the third GPD employee to be charged with sex crimes in January.
Earlier this month, former GPD officer K.E. Adams was charged with sexual battery. The assault did not happen while Adams was on duty and he was fired following the results of the investigation.
Then, another officer was charged with six counts of statutory sex offense and six counts of indecent liberties with a minor. That officer was also fired from his post. The officer's wife also faces charges of misdemeanor child abuse. WFMY News 2 is choosing not to name this officer or his wife in an effort to protect the identity of the child victim.
GPD Chief Thompson released the following statement regarding the third and latest firing.
"Upon learning the charges made against former employee Hammonds, his employment with GPD was terminated. At the Greensboro Police Department, we hold our non-sworn professional staff to the highest standards of ethics and integrity. Whether allegations are made against an officer or a non-sworn employee, is thoroughly investigated. The actions of this individual are not at all consistent with the expectations and standards for our employees. We hold our personnel accountable and are committed to maintaining the standards the community expects from their police department," Thompson said.
Greensboro city leaders are shocked and disappointed but glad Chief Thompson took swift action.
City councilwoman Goldie Wells said she trusts the new chief will correct any wrongdoings within the department.
"He knows the department so he should know some of the things that need to be corrected," Wells said. "I think he's going to do a very good job."
Mayor Nancy Vaughan was also unable to do an interview but gave a statement saying in part "we hold all of our employees to a high standard and we will take appropriate action as necessary."
Wells said this is not the first time the police department has had to fire employees for sexual offenses.
"I can tell you this isn't the first time, but the times we're living in now it's just more it seems pronounced. folks know a lot more," Wells said. "I think that's kind of been intentional that we are more transparent."
WFMY News 2 will keep requesting to sit with the new chief to talk about how he plans to change the department going forward.
As soon as he is free for the interview, you'll get that story first here.