By Jessie Burchette
jburchette@salisburypost.com
CHINA GROVE ó Officials are awaiting the results of an SBI investigation of the China Grove Police Department.
Various officials familiar with the investigation say it was instigated after a person who was arrested or in custody complained that money was taken while he was in custody.
The amount was reportedly $500 or less.
District Attorney William Kenerly asked for the investigation, according to town officials.
Kenerly declined to comment about the investigation.
Bill Pless, town manager, said Thursday that if Kenerly had not asked for the investigation, the town was on the verge of asking.
Pless said the investigation involves missing money.
The alleged incident that prompted the investigation apparently occurred within the past three months.
The investigation apparently started around a month ago with a SBI agent or agents interviewing police officers.
Aldermen were advised of the investigation but given few details.
Efforts today to contact Sgt. Brett Bass, interim chief of the China Grove Police Department, were unsuccessful.
Last week, the board of aldermen agreed to hire Eddie Kluttz, a veteran law enforcement officer and China Grove resident, as the new chief. He will begin work later this month.