CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — “An appauling deficiency of accountablity.”
These text arrived Monday night time from just one of the ladies who accused previous Charleston Law enforcement Chief Tyke Hunt of inappropriate sexual habits.
Jenny Harless spoke in entrance of Charleston Metropolis Council for the initial time since now Corporal Hunt’s second demotion was introduced very last week.
Harless mentioned Monday that she is upset that he was only demoted and suspended.
In August of 2023, Hunt resigned as main and apologized. He admitted he used city assets for individual organization.
Monday, Harless explained to council that in that incident, he undressed, exposed himself and pulled her on prime of him inside his place of work in Town Hall in 2022.
Shortly after his resignation, one more allegation was built against the main involving yet another woman.
Hunt was put on administrative leave in September 2023 though the seven-thirty day period investigation was underway. Last week, the chief stated that Hunt was demoted and suspended.
“The job of a chief of law enforcement is is to ensure the protection and protection of all people, nonetheless Chief Hunt’s actions have prompted irreparable hurt to my mental wellness. The failure to keep him accountable sends a dangerous message that abuse of power and dishonesty are acceptable within the Charleston Law enforcement Section,” Harless said in a organized statement.
Following the council meeting Monday evening, Charleston Police Chief Scott Dempsey claimed Hunt is on suspension standing ideal now and will possible go back again on health care go away when that ends.
Which means that he likely will not likely be again in uniform right before he is set to retire in June, only on the payroll.
“This now has paved a way for Cpl. Hunt to get comprehensive clinical or non-Professional medical retirement at the taxpayer’s cost. Any other group or company would have observed these acts terminable offenses,” councilmember Shannon Snodgrass claimed in a well prepared assertion.
Councilwoman Snodgrass stated that she desires the investigation into Hunt’s habits introduced to the general public. It includes official problems from Harless and a former Charleston Law enforcement Officer Chelsea McCoy.
McCoy filed a criticism with the Metropolis of Charleston in late August 2023 alleging that she was pressured into obtaining sexual intercourse by then-Sergeant Hunt during her software process. She also alleges that she unsuccessful her polygraph take a look at to be accredited into the police drive, but Hunt handed her anyway.
“The general public deserves to know how these allegations involving sexual misconduct on general public assets, misuse of community gadgets and altering a polygraph test gained only a suspension and a demotion. The truth that Cpl. Hunt was not fired has lowered the bar to an all time reduced for potential disciplinary actions of any city employee. The liability to the metropolis relocating forward is immeasurable,” Snodgrass said.