Southport names new police chief, department investigation still ongoing

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — Southport has named their new chief of police.

Todd Coring will fill the position left open by the recent firing of former Police Chief Gary Smith, town manager Bruce Oakley said Tuesday evening.

According to a news release from Oakley, Coring has more than 20 years of law enforcement experience with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office and currently serves as a lieutenant. He also served on the Board of Alderman since 2011.

This comes after Smith and his second-in-command, Lieutenant Michael Simmons, were fired earlier this month. Smith and Simmons were arrested in July after a long-term probe by state and federal investigators. The men were charged with obstruction of justice after allegedly working for a trucking company while on the clock.

Oakley says an internal audit of the police department is still ongoing, being conducted by U.S.I.S.S. Agency.

Oakley adds hiring Lt. Coring now will allow him to see where improvements and changes are needed. This will also allow the city to re-active the department sooner.