The Richmond County Marshal’s Office has fired a sergeant after an internal investigation found serious misconduct.
The allegations include forgery and “stolen time,” which means the officer was reportedly paid for hours they didn’t work.
Marshal Ramone Lamkin confirmed the dismissal and stated that the department takes such behavior very seriously. “The Richmond County Marshal’s Office holds its employees to the highest standards,” Lamkin said. “We will not allow anyone to break the trust the public has in us.”
The name of the sergeant who was fired has not been officially released. However, the investigation revealed that the officer allegedly manipulated timesheets to make it appear as though they were working when they were not.
This is often referred to as “stealing time,” and it is considered both unethical and fraudulent in government jobs.
In addition to logging hours they didn’t work, the sergeant is also accused of forging documents. Although the Marshal’s Office hasn’t shared details of the forgeries, the seriousness of the accusations led to the officer’s immediate termination.
Marshal Lamkin made it clear that the department acted quickly once the internal investigation confirmed the misconduct. “This decision was not made lightly, but it was necessary to protect the integrity of our office,” he said.
The investigation began after concerns were raised within the department. Once red flags were noticed, a formal review was conducted. It reportedly uncovered clear proof that the sergeant was falsifying documents and receiving pay for work that wasn’t done.
The Marshal’s Office has not said whether criminal charges will be filed. However, cases like these can sometimes lead to prosecution, especially if public funds were misused.
At this stage, the matter remains within the department’s disciplinary process, though it could be handed over to law enforcement or prosecutors if the evidence is strong enough.
For the people of Richmond County, this incident is both troubling and disappointing. The Marshal’s Office is responsible for serving legal documents, supporting court operations, and helping maintain public safety.
Officers are expected to serve with honesty and professionalism. When one of their own violates that trust, it affects the image of the entire agency.
Marshal Lamkin said that while it’s unfortunate, the department will continue to be transparent with the public. “We are committed to earning and keeping the community’s trust,” he said.
Some citizens have expressed concern on social media, saying they hope the incident is not part of a wider issue. However, others have appreciated the Marshal’s Office for taking quick action.
Public response has been mixed, with some calling for deeper audits within government departments to prevent similar misconduct in the future.
The Richmond County Marshal’s Office has said it will review its internal controls to make sure timekeeping and documentation systems are secure and transparent. Stronger checks could help prevent similar issues and ensure that no employee can take advantage of the system again.
This case also brings up bigger questions about how government agencies track employee hours, handle internal reviews, and maintain discipline. In recent years, many public offices across the country have faced similar issues, especially with time card manipulation and misuse of public resources.
As for now, the fired sergeant is no longer with the Richmond County Marshal’s Office, and the internal investigation has been completed. It remains to be seen if further legal action will follow.
For the people who rely on public service departments, this serves as a reminder of how important transparency and accountability are, especially when taxpayer money is involved.