SOUTHPORT – The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation issued arrest warrants Thursday to Southport Police Chief Gary Smith and Lt. Mike Simmons on charges of public corruption.
In May, District Attorney Jon David requested the SBI investigate allegations that Smith and Simmons were driving for a local trucking company while claiming duty hours at the Southport Police Department. The SBI requested assistance from the FBI Wilmington Resident Agency.
The joint investigation revealed Smith and Simmons were reporting for work at a local trucking company where they were completing overnight shifts during the same hours they had claimed on their daily activity reports to be working at the Southport Police Department.
Multiple search warrants were conducted today at the police department, town hall and the trucking company.
“The public trust should always be upheld and honored,” said SBI’s Special Agent in Charge Kevin Tabron. “We appreciate the partnership the FBI provided on this case.”
John Strong, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina added, “Everyday, thousands of officers work countless hours to protect and serve communities across this country, to see these officers tarnish that valiant effort is a disgrace. They will be held accountable thanks to the collaborative efforts of the SBI and FBI and we will continue to work together to ensure the public receives the protection they deserve, free from public corruption. “
The joint SBI and FBI investigation is ongoing.