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.

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Latest Comments

Well there is two press releases to different media organizations and they coflict themselves "Imagine That". The chief needs to stop covering for this man because bottom line if the SBI did'nt have proof they would have never charged him.. As for the Hales man his charges stemmed from the investigation of the Sharpsburg police dept..

handcuffs06
February 16, 2009 3:07 p.m.

Okay people, remember this when you return to the polls

Caring
February 16, 2009 3:04 p.m.

I would guess someone in this case is trying to make a name for themselves. Might I suggest that the county d/a might just need to be run out of town. There are enough instances where police need to be investigated. This isn't one of them. If one were to look closely, I'm sure you'd find where the county/city had underpaid this officer at some point in his career. It's more common than some of you may think. I'm all for policing the police...just this time its a needless issue.

SilverWolf
February 16, 2009 2:43 p.m.

The real question is, how did the District Attorney get a hold of this alleged "timesheet" fraud? City Police do not turn their timesheets into the DA's Office. The only person who could have claimed a fraud and requested the DA to have SBI investigate it is someone from within the town. However, the town and the PD says they have investigated and found no wrong doing. So, which one is it?

Jeff_W
February 16, 2009 2:26 p.m.

Wow! All this over $200. What a waste of taxpayers money on this investigation! But James Johnson will be a free man after today. No justice served in this district!!

batts3311
February 16, 2009 1:59 p.m.