David Mangum, who had served as police chief for five years, was fired Saturday after Kenly Town Council members learned of charges for a Carnival cruise and stays in two different Outer Banks hotels on his official credit card.
Detailed hotel bills list a one-night stay and a movie at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kitty Hawk in August and a one-night stay at the Nags Head Comfort Inn in September. Other charges show several clothing store purchases, and more than $350 to the JC Penney catalog.
"This is hard for me, but it's harder for the people of Kenly. That's whom I feel the most regret for -- the people of Kenly -- and I want to reassure them that we're doing, like I said, what's best for the town," Town Manager Scott Shelton said.
A woman who answered the door at Mangum's house Monday told WRAL that Mangum had no comment.
His attorney didn't return calls seeking comment.
Shelton said he began an internal investigation into the charges about a month and a half ago.
Johnston County District Attorney Tom Lock said it's too early to tell how much money might have been involved in personal charges or how far back the charges might go.
"If the allegations prove to be true, then it is possible criminal charges could be lodged," Lock said.
Sgt. Josh Gibson has been named acting police chief. He said the investigation wouldn't affect safety in Kenly.
"All the guys here have a good attitude about everything, and they're just ready to move forward and do whatever it takes," Gibson said.
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