A former Benson Police Officer was charged this week with stealing evidence and obstruction of justice.
The two-count felony indictment says Randall William Beasley "unlawfully, willfully and feloniously did steal evidence, $850 dollars in United States Currency, relevant to a criminal offense and court proceeding."
By stealing the money, the indictment says Beasley "unlawfully, willfully and feloniously did obstruct justice."
"The offense was committed with secrecy and malice with deceit and intent to defraud," the indictment said.
The SBI was asked to investigate Beasley by the Johnston County District Attorney's office as part of a probe into missing drug money. The money was in a locked room.
The theft is believed to have occurred between Nov. 19 and Dec. 16, 2010. Beasley was placed on administrative leave in Dec. 2010 during an internal investigation. Later that month he resigned.
“To have any alleged case on an employee is troubling. But, at this point we know that the Town of Benson staff, our police department, our police chief specific, any of our town staff that handles money does an excellent job of what they’re doing, so we stand behind our current staff,” said Matt Zapp, Benson town manager.
He said the alleged theft has not led to any changes in town policy.
Zapp declined to say whether the town has received the stolen money back.
NBC 17 went to the address where Beasley lived. A woman who identified herself as his ex-wife, Maria Beasley, said he didn’t live at the home anymore.
“He doesn't live here anymore."
"I know where he's at, but I'm not going to give that information,” she said.
When NBC 17 went to the home in September, Beasley said he did not know about the missing money. When pressed he admitted he had heard about the investigation. When asked if he was involved, Beasley would neither confirm nor deny it.
His ex wife isn't talking either.
NBC 17: "Were you aware of the allegations against him?”
Maria: “No.”
NBC 17: “About stealing the money?”
Maria: “No. I have no comment”
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