By Jessie Burchette
jburchette@salisburypost.com
CHINA GROVE ó Officials are awaiting the results of an SBI investigation of the China Grove Police Department.
Various officials familiar with the investigation say it was instigated after a person who had been arrested or was in the custody of China Grove police complained that someone took his money while officers detained him.
The amount was reportedly $500 or less.
District Attorney William Kenerly asked for the investigation, according to town officials.
Kenerly declined to comment about the investigation.
Bill Pless, town manager, said Thursday that if Kenerly had not asked for the investigation, the town was on the verge of asking.
Pless confirmed the investigation involves missing money.
The alleged incident that prompted the investigation apparently occurred within the past three months.
The investigation started about a month ago when an SBI agent or agents started interviewing China Grove police officers.
Aldermen were advised of the investigation but given few details.
Sgt. Brett Bass, interim chief of the China Grove Police Department, declined to discuss the case because it is an ongoing investigation.
Last week, the Board of Aldermen agreed to hire Eddie Kluttz, a veteran law enforcement officer and China Grove resident, as the new chief. He will begin work later this month.