Lawyer representing suspended deputy chief releases statement

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The attorney representing a Wilmington Police deputy chief has released a statement in regards to the investigation surrounding his client.

WPD Deputy Chief Marshall Williamson was placed on paid leave after a WPD spokeswoman said an internal investigation into larceny by employee was completed. WPD Chief Ralph Evangelous, along with District Attorney Ben David, have asked the SBI to step in and conduct a criminal investigation. The SBI has not said whether they plan to initiate an investigation.

In an email sent to various media outlets, Gary Shipman asked the public not to jump to judgment about his client.

“Deputy Chief Marshall Williamson, someone who I’ve known for more than thirty (30) years, was placed on administrative leave, with pay, pending the completion of an investigation into the alleged unauthorized use of ammunition belonging to the Wilmington Police Department.  Deputy Chief Williamson, one of the Department’s firearms instructors who has lawfully possessed, used and dispensed tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition in his career, intends to fully cooperate with any investigation, and denies that he has engaged in any inappropriate conduct, much less conduct that warrants any criminal prosecution.”

Shipman also said the fact Williamson was placed on leave is an effort to maintain integrity in the investigation, something he said Williamson understands to be necessary. Calls to Williamson have not been returned.