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Capitol Police chief denies wrongdoing

One day after he and a sergeant under his command were placed on leave during an internal investigation, the acting chief of the State Capitol Police said Monday that he didn't do anything to warrant the suspension.

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RALEIGH, N.C. — One day after he and a sergeant under his command were placed on leave during an internal investigation, the acting chief of the State Capitol Police said Monday that he didn't do anything to warrant the suspension.

"I did nothing wrong," Antonio Asion said.

Secretary of Public Safety Kieran Shanahan placed Asion and Sgt. Benjamin Franklin on investigatory placement, or paid leave, saying he had "serious concerns about certain practices involving secondary employment."

Asion said the investigation has nothing to do with him doing off-duty work, but he declined to comment further because of the ongoing investigation.

Like many other law enforcement agencies, the State Capitol Police allow officers to provide security for businesses and events while off duty to earn extra money.

The State Capitol Police provide security to employees and visitors at state-owned properties in downtown Raleigh. A separate police force, the General Assembly police, is responsible for security at the Legislative Building and the legislative office building and for legislative leaders when they travel.

Maj. William Gray of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol has been named acting chief of the State Capitol Police during the investigation.

Asion joined the State Bureau of Investigation two years ago and was named deputy chief of the State Capitol Police last August. He became acting chief last fall following the death of Chief Scott Hunter.

Franklin has worked with the State Capitol Police since May 1994. His annual salary is $45,502.

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