Sharpsburg officer faces fraud charge

Sharpsburg, N.C. — Sharpsburg Police Chief Craig Bissette is defending an officer who faces a fraud charge.

Sgt. Frank Griffin was arrested Thursday on a charge of obtaining property by false pretense.

Bissette said Sunday in an e-mail to WRAL News that the town supports Griffin and doesn't believe he committed any crime.

The State Bureau of Investigation filed the charges at the request of Nash County District Attorney Howard Boney, Bissette said. The charges stem from how Griffin filled out three time sheets in September 2007, he said.

"Sgt. Griffin fully complied with departmental practice when he completed his time sheet," Bissette wrote in his e-mail. "He committed no fraud – which requires proof of intent – but after a yearlong investigation by the SBI and (district attorney’s) office – during which no communication with the (district attorney’s) office was allowed – they sought a secret indictment for this huge, $200 supposed crime."

Sharpsburg officials and the police department investigated the incident a year ago and determined there was no wrongdoing, Bissette said.

Boney didn't return a phone call seeking comment.