Contact: Jim Collins
Phone: (336) 373-2105

GPD Recommends Termination for Two Officers in Alleged Sexual Assault

GREENSBORO, NC – (July 18, 2008) – City Manager Mitchell Johnson today announced that two Greensboro Police officers have been recommended for termination pending appeal.

The Greensboro Police Department recommended that Sgt. A.S. Wallace and Officer J.O. LeGrand be terminated after receiving the results of a professional standards investigation by the Department’s Internal Affairs Division.

The officers were investigated by the Internal Affairs Division following a report of a sexual assault by a female police officer. The alleged assault took place in mid-December 2007. During a special Council meeting on December 27, 2007, City Council authorized the City Manager to release the time, date, location and nature of the alleged violation of law, and the employment and duty status of the suspects and the complainant. The officers were not charged with any criminal offenses by the Guilford County District Attorney.

Both officers were assigned to the Tactical Special Enforcement Team, which investigates activities associated with violent crime.

Police employees who are recommended for termination may typically pursue one of three options: they may accept the recommended punishment; they may appeal the punishment to the Police Chief; or they may request a general board of inquiry, which is an internal departmental hearing that includes command level personnel and peers of the accused, as well as the Police Chief.

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The City of Greensboro works in partnership with the community to build an increased quality of life for all residents by fostering an environment where inclusion, diversity, and trust are valued. As the seventh largest employer in Greensboro, the City has a dedicated professional staff of 2700 employees who maintain four core values of honesty, integrity, stewardship, and respect. The City of Greensboro is governed by a council-manager form of government where a mayor and eight council members act as the legislative body. For more information on the City of Greensboro, please visit us online at www.greensboro-nc.gov.