By Nathan Hardin
nhardin@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY ó A Salisbury Police Department evidence custodian has been fired after an investigation found ěprocedural and policy violations,î Chief Rory Collins said in a press release Thursday.
Jeffrey Emerson was placed on leave May 27 during an investigation into ěallegations of cash accounting irregularities within the departmentís evidence storage area,î the press release said.
Collins has previously declined to discuss the amount of money missing.
The release states that an internal audit and investigation took place after Emerson was placed on leave. The review, conducted by authorities from outside the Salisbury Police Department, uncovered the violations.
ěAs a result of these findings, Mr. Emersonís employment with the Salisbury Police Department has been terminated,î Collins wrote.
An SBI investigation to determine whether there was any criminal wrongdoing in the case is ongoing, Collins said. That investigation was requested by Collins and Rowan County District Attorney Brandy Cook.
Emerson had been a civilian employee at the department since 1997. He was appointed to an evidence custodian position in 2006.
Collins said Thursday he would not comment further on the matter at this time. Cook also declined to comment, citing the ongoing SBI investigation. Emerson could not be reached for comment Thursday.
Contact reporter Nathan Hardin at 704-797-4246.