Southport fires police chief, lieutenant amid criminal probe

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — The City of Southport has made it official. Police Chief Gary Smith and his second-in-command, Lieutenant Michael Simmons, have been fired.

City Manager Bruce Oakley confirms the pair were given notice on October 3. Neither appealed.

Smith and Simmons were arrested in July after a long-term probe by state and federal investigators.

The men are accused of working for a trucking company while on the clock for the city.

The entire police department is still on paid administrative leave. The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office is serving the city in the interim.

The city hopes to reinstate the police force soon, but Oakley says they want to install leadership before they do. They have received several resumes for the police chief’s job, but have not made a decision yet.

WWAY has made a request for the termination letters of both men, but have not received them.