Leland firefighter quits amid sex crimes investigation

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — Brunswick County Sheriff’s detectives arrested a Leland Fire/Rescue employee, charging him with several sexual offenses involving a minor.

A sheriff’s office spokeswoman said Brian David Saltsgaver, 49, of Leland, is charged with indecent liberties, nine counts of felony dissemination of obscenity and four counts of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

Leland Fire Chief John Grimes said Saltsgaver was employed at the department from February 2, 2002, until yesterday. His rank was Senior Fire Rescue Specialist at the time of his resignation but Grimes said he did start off as a volunteer. According to one arrest warrant, Saltsgaver sent explicit images to a minor while “lying on his bunk.”

“We are aware of the statement in the arrest warrant and are working with the BCSO,” Grimes said. “I cannot comment beyond that.”

Although he said he could not comment further, Grimes did say he Saltsgaver was a good employee and that he was surprised by the allegations.

Saltsgaver is in the Brunswick County Jail under a $1 million bond.