Former Garner Rescue chief faces sex assault charge

William J. Frederick surrendered to Garner police Friday evening after they issued a warrant for his arrest on a charge of sexual battery, according to police Lt. Chris Hagwood. He was released Friday evening after posting a $2,000 bond.

Frederick resigned last month, six days after a woman alleged that she had been attacked in the rescue squad's former offices on Seventh Avenue in Garner.

At the time, Frederick told the chairman of the squad's board of directors that he was leaving for personal reasons.

In 1996, Frederick resigned from the Sanford Police Department amid allegations that he traded leniency on criminal charges for sexual favors. He was later convicted of attempted obstruction of justice and was placed on probation.

The sex assault probe prompted Garner officials to prematurely end its contract with the squad for search and rescue services.

The Garner Volunteer Fire Department took over the services this month. Three full-time rescue squad workers became employees of the fire department, and the town assumed ownership of a heavy rescue truck, which it plans to sell.

Last May, Wake County EMS began providing emergency medical services in Garner because of the rescue squad's mounting financial difficulties.

Garner Rescue still provides non-emergency medical transportation services in the town.