K9 handler ‘dumbfounded’ by news of SBI investigation

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A spokesman with the State Bureau of Investigation said the K9 handler who was recently partnered with the Wilmington Police Department is currently under investigation.

The SBI spokesman said the District Attorney’s office asked the SBI to get involved in a fraud or false pretense investigation with Randy Searls, the handler of K9 Jorga. The SBI was asked to get involved September 3, the spokesman said.

Searls and K9 Jorga were announced as a partner to WPD in July of this year. WPD spokeswoman Linda Rawley said that partnership ended August 19.

According to a letter sent by Ben David to the SBI, his office was concerned Searls was not truthful regarding his credentials and qualifications.

“Mr. Searls and K-9 Jorga were given access to the Wilmington Police Department facilities on the basis that he was certified with the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and was affiliated with the State Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation,” David said in the letter. “My office now believes these designations to be false.”

Searls tells WWAY via telephone he is dumbfounded by the news. Searls said he was told the investigation stems from incidents where he was accused of impersonating an officer, something he denies. Searls said he works as a non-profit volunteer.

“We are a charity and have not defrauded anyone or misrepresented that we are a charity as we have a 501c3 designation,” Searls said.

Searls also added he has never been contacted regarding this investigation.