PILOT MOUNTAIN, N.C. — A police chief in the Piedmont Triad has resigned following an investigation into the department.
Town Public Information Officer Ian Redman shared that there was a long pattern of misconduct starting with Chief Robbie Jackson and other members of the department.
Chief Jackson has resigned as of November 14, Town Manager Michael Boaz revealed in Thursday's press conference.
Last week, the State Bureau of Investigation said it was investigating the Pilot Mountain Police Department due to allegations of fraud.
Town officials said the scheme of fraud involved off-duty employment with the non-profit, Pilot Mountain Unites.
The non-profit has its biggest event in the town, the first Saturday of every month between May and October.
Each off-duty officer hired for the event would get paid $1,000 for each event by check. Officials said the years-long pattern of misconduct involved several department members who manipulated off-duty employment agreements and rosters.
As a result of the investigation, the town announced personnel actions against four members of the police department, including Chief Jackson.
Pilot Mountain Detective Adrian Tillotson was appointed as the Interim Chief of Police.
On October 26, the SBI received a request from the Surry County District Attorney to investigate allegations of fraud at the Pilot Mountain Police Department.
Pilot Mountain Mayor Evan Cockerham said it is town policy that any employee under investigation be placed on administrative leave.
Pilot Mountain Town Manager Michael Boaz also released a statement. Part of it reads, "The Town of Pilot Mountain remains dedicated to ensuring public safety and will conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into any concerns regarding the Police Department."
In addition to the SBI investigation, the Town of Pilot Mountain has also hired an outside firm to look into the allegations as well.
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