Two veteran officers reprimanded in Wrightsville Beach; one resigns | News

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WECT) - The town of Wrightsville Beach announced Tuesday morning that two veteran police officers have been placed on probation and a third resigned after an investigation that took several weeks.

Town Manager Bob Simpson did not release the reasons for the disciplinary action other than to say for "unsatisfactory performance."  Simpson said the town is limited as to what it could disclose about personnel matters based on statute.

Simpson said the town initiated dismissal proceedings against the officers, Rob Miller, Shaun Appler and Michael Altilio, on January 30. 

All the officers appealed.  As a result of the appeal process, Miller and Appler were both put on probation, reprimanded for unsatisfactory performance, demoted from their current rank and took a 5 percent pay cut.  Miller has more than 15 years experience, while Appler has more than 11 years service.

The third officer, Altilio, resigned with more than 12 years service.  Simpson said the investigation into Miller and Appler centered on one incident, while the investigation on Altilio was over a period of time.

According to Altilio, "the incident involving my administrative leave from the department was based solely on department policy, nothing more and nothing less."  He said no criminal activity was involved.

"I chose to resign from the department for personal reasons and have nothing bad at all to say against the town or the department," said Altilio in a statement.

Simpson said the final decisions were made Sunday afternoon in this investigation.

"I have every reason to believe they (the two remaining officers) have a future with the Wrightsville Beach Police Department," Town Manager Bob Simpson said.

Miller has more than 15 years experience with the police department.  Appler and Altilio have more than 11 years.

Miller and Appler both received a demotion in rank and a five percent pay cut. They are also on a one year probation.

According to Ben David, the District Attorney's Office will have to examine each case handled by Miller, Appler and Altilio. 

Tom Old with the District Attorney's Office said he would have a hard time putting a number on exactly how many cases will need to be reviewed.  He said they include everything from traffic violations and DWI's to drug cases and serious felonies.

David said he still plans to subpoena each of the officers for each case, but now they have to question their credibility in prosecuting each case.

A special meeting will be held Thursday evening to discuss and act on personnel issues and involve a closed session.

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