E Policing Report:  Former RMPD Officer Indicted

 

RMPD REPORT:  Former Officer Indicted by Nash County Grand Jury

For Three Counts of Obstruction of Justice:  Altering, Destroying, Or Stealing Criminal Evidence 

 

Since May of 2009, the Rocky Mount Police Department’s Criminal Investigative Division, in consultation with the Nash County District Attorney’s Office, conducted a criminal investigation of Christopher Douglas Johnson, a former RMPD officer (see attached photo).  Based upon the criminal investigation, the RMPD sought to take the case before the Nash County Grand Jury to hear the evidence.  On September 14, 2009, the Grand Jury brought a True Bill of Indictment against Mr. Johnson for three counts of Obstruction of Justice:  Altering, Destroying, Or Stealing Criminal Evidence, a Class I Felony.

 

Mr. Johnson resides in Nash County and he turned himself in today on the above charges.  His trial date is October 26, 2009 at 2 p.m. in Nash County Superior Court, and he received a $30,000 bond. 

 

Mr. Johnson’s last personnel action with the City of Rocky Mount was his resignation on May 13, 2009.  Mr. Johnson, age 29, began his employment with the City on June 6, 2002.   He was last assigned as a sergeant in the Administrative Services Division.

 

As this investigation is a personnel matter that cannot be disclosed by law and the criminal case is now before the courts, the Department shall not make any further statements regarding the facts or the nature of the case until trial.  The investigation has concluded no evidence of other employees being involved. 

 

Background

 

The Rocky Mount Police Department received information of police misconduct in May of 2009; this information led to an internal personnel investigation of Mr. Johnson by the RMPD Professional Standards Unit.  As the information was gathered, the Department decided to conduct a dual and separate investigation (administrative and criminal) as we had learned of potential criminal misconduct.  This criminal investigation led to the True Bill of Indictment found against Mr. Johnson.   

 

The RMPD does not condone wrongdoing of our employees and this investigation demonstrates that the Department can and will police themselves in accordance with the laws of this State, Constitution and their departmental policies.

 

All complaints against RMPD employees are investigated in an objective, fair and ethical manner.  All personnel issues are taken seriously and our policies are designed to preserve the integrity of the Department.  When employees are accused of wrongdoing and the facts do not support the complaint or allegation, the employee will be exonerated.  However, if the facts do support the complaint or allegation, the appropriate personnel action is taken to correct any issues that are identified, which may call for termination of that employee.

 

The men and women of the Rocky Mount Police Department are expected to adhere to the Department’s Core Values of Integrity, Professionalism, Respect and Fairness both internally and externally.

 

 

“Get the information FIRST with E-Policing!”

 

E-Policing is the Rocky Mount Police Department’s way of bringing community policing to the Internet. The E-Policing program enables a RMPD police employee to e-mail press releases, crime trends, meeting dates/times and other important information to you and to the media.  If you have any questions or comments regarding E-Policing, contact Captain Laura Fahnestock at 252-972-1681 or at  laura.fahnestock@rockymountnc.gov 

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