ONLY ON 3: Demoted UNCW police officer moves back up the ranks

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A UNCW police officer demoted for showing up to work under the influence has made a long journey back up the ranks. Recently the department promoted him to lieutenant.

In 2010, not long after being selected as UNCW Police Officer of the Year, Charles Lindsey was demoted for reportedly showing up for work under the influence of alcohol.

Lindsey had been honored back for having the most DWI arrests in the UNCW Police Department. A few days after receiving the award he allegedly came to work reeking of alcohol.

Now he’s moving back up the ranks within the department. His recent promotion increased his salary more than $15,000.

In an official statement the university said, “Officer Lindsey fully complied with the requirements of the demotion, and he has had satisfactory performance reviews for the past 25 months. Since university or state personnel policy did not prohibit him from applying for a position at a higher rank, officer lindsey was fully eligible to apply for the promotion to lieutenant in 2012.”

The university also said Lindsey was the most qualified candidate to fill the position.

We tried to talk to UNCW Police Chief David Donaldson about the promotion, but he was not available.

Lindsey’s first day serving as lieutenant was last Wednesday.