October 1, 2007

Two Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers have resigned and are facing criminal charges in unrelated cases.

Jerome Whitlow resigned and is charged with obtaining property by false pretenses (a Class H felony), in the course of a secondary employment situation. False pretenses occur when false representations are made to deceive another person to obtain anything of value – money, goods, property, etc. The case was presented to the District Attorney for prosecution. Whitlow, 35, was assigned to the Eastway Division. He was hired July 18, 2005 and resigned September 9, 2007. This is the second officer in a year to have been charged with obtaining property by false pretenses. Alan McGraw resigned December 27, 2006. The Department's directives allow police officers to work approved secondary employment jobs provided they meet established guidelines and follow the outlined protocol.

CMPD initiated an investigation several weeks ago when apparent work irregularities were identified with regard to Whitlow's performance of duties at a construction site where he was employed to provide site security.

LeShunda Austin, 30, assigned to the Independence Division, has been suspended without pay. She is being charged with filing a false police report and has agreed to surrender her law enforcement certification. Ms. Austin filed a police report claiming another individual sent her threatening emails. Officers arrested that individual, who denied any knowledge of the emails. Upon further investigation, detectives discovered evidence that indicates Austin herself sent the emails she claims were sent by the other person. Austin was hired March 17, 1999.

"Bringing criminal charges against a police officer is tough under any circumstances," said Police Chief Darrel Stephens. "While these cases are unrelated, the fact that we must seek charges against two officers at one time is especially difficult and incredibly disappointing for everyone in this department. But, nothing is more important to us and this community than ensuring our officers are truthful and trustworthy and act with integrity. Fortunately, our system of controls and the integrity of fellow officers enabled us to uncover these cases and pursue the appropriate administrative and legal actions," he said.

The cases of officer misconduct related to secondary employment have led Chief Stephens to initiate a broader review of records and policies for the program. "While I hope these are isolated cases, we have an obligation to ensure the program has sufficient controls and that officers follow the law and departmental policy."