Southport to update public on police department probe next week

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — The investigation into actions of the Southport Police Department continues following the arrest of Chief Gary Smith and Lt. Michael Simmons last month.

The Board of Aldermen is due to give an update at a public meeting next week.

Mayor Jerry Dove says he expects preliminary findings soon, however he says the full report is still a “long way off.” Dove says it will have to be compared to the investigation being done by the District Attorney.

Dove adds that applications are coming in for the chief’s job, but the city is not actively seeking applicants.

The city has suspended Smith and Simmons without pay. The men are accused of working for a trucking company while they were on the clock for the city.

The rest of the department’s officers, some of whom reported the allegations against their supervisors, are on paid administrative leave during the investigation. The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office has been providing law enforcement for the city.

The city’s public meeting is next Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.