Two Horry County police officers, Lcpl. David Rexroad and Cpl. Wesley Harris, have been suspended without pay over allegations of receiving goods under false pretenses.
Horry County said in a news release Tuesday that it began an internal investigation when the department received information about the officers receiving funds for working special assignment in the Prestwick community and not actually reporting to duty.
Horry County said the amount each officer is alleged to have taken is about $4,000 each.
Horry County Councilman Bob Grabowski, Chairman of the Public Safety Committee, told NewsChannel 15 Monday night that Prestwick contracted with the county to have officers patrol in their off-time.
The Prestwick's Property Owner's Association President, Don Kobs, told NewsChannel 15 Monday night that he wasn't sure what was going on with the investigation, but that he had seen officers patrolling the area. "We were having problems with speeding," Kobs said who added the extra patrols began in May.
Kobs said if the POA did pay for services they didn't receive, "We'll certainly go after the county."
Grabowski said the officers' automated vehicle locator system proved the officers weren't patrolling the areas when they said they were.
Horry County said Tuesday that the department had completed its internal investigation and has consulted with the solicitor's office. A criminal investigation is ongoing and is expected to be completed within two weeks. The results of that investigation will determine if criminal charges will be pressed against the officers.
The county says Police Chief Johnny Morgan met with a representative of the Prestwick Homeowners Association to explain the situation and the allegations regarding the two officers. Horry County Police will maintain and continue their working relationship with the subdivision.
Lcpl. David Rexroad began his employment with the Horry County Police Department on July 17, 2001, and Cpl. Wesley Harris has been with the Horry County Police Department since December 13, 2004.
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