MORGANTON, NC — Burke County Sheriff Steve Whisenant says he's asked the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation to investigate possible improper use of drug funds by an officer in the Burke County Narcotics Task Force.
In a news release, Sheriff Whisenant said "The Burke County Sheriff’s Office core values are professionalism and integrity and those values are shared with every new employee and continuously emphasized. Former Burke County Task Force Lt. Jody Price was terminated on March 9."
The SBI will turn over its findings to the District Attorney when completed.
Sheriff Whisenant also said dissolution of the narcotics task force was already planned for June 30. Because of recent developments, he said that has been sped up to begin immediately.
The unit will be merged into the Criminal Investigations Division.
“Almost all of our property crimes, such as larcenies and breaking and enterings are committed by substance abusers. Most violent crimes, including homicides in the past seven years have involved illegal drugs in some manner," said the sheriff.
Sheriff Whisenant said he plans a two-pronged approach with a crackdown on drug dealers and treatment for inmates with addiction problems who are willing to get help.
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