Capitol police chief, sergeant fired following investigation

Pamela Walker, a spokeswoman for the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, said Wednesday that dismissal letters were sent on Friday to acting Chief Antonio Asion and Sgt. Benjamin Franklin, both of whom had been on paid leave after recent concerns about outside employment and administrative policies.

Asion and Franklin each have 15 days to appeal their dismissals.

Walker would not elaborate on why the two were fired but did say that the public safety department is reviewing its policies and procedures regarding secondary employment to determine if any changes are needed.

According to existing policies, officers are allowed to have other jobs, but they must be approved by the chief and they are not permitted to work more than 16 hours in a 24-hour period.

Neither Asion nor Franklin could be reached for comment Wednesday, but Asion has said that he's done nothing wrong.

The Raleigh Police Protective Association, which represents Franklin, said Wednesday that he followed his supervisor's instructions and was wrongly discharged.

Asion joined the State Bureau of Investigation two years ago and was named deputy chief of the State Capitol Police in August. He became acting chief on Oct. 1, following the death of Chief Scott Hunter

Highway Patrol Maj. William Gray has replaced Asion as acting chief.

Franklin worked with the State Capitol Police for more than 18 years.