SMITHFIELD – A Smithfield police detective has been suspended while he is under investigation. Detective Ronald Johnson was placed on administrative leave with pay on Tuesday.
This afternoon, Police Chief Keith Powell released a statement saying, “Detective Ronald Johnson is currently on administrative leave with pay which started on July 5, 2022. The department is currently conducting an internal investigation involving Detective Johnson. I have no further information that can be shared due to this being a personnel matter and an ongoing investigation.”
Smithfield Mayor Andy Moore said, “The public should know that the Town of Smithfield takes all allegations against our employees seriously. We investigate all personnel matters thoroughly and as quickly as possible. There is little that I can comment on at this time as personnel matters are confidential under State law, with very limited exceptions.”
“When matters are brought to our attention, we act promptly and take appropriate action; however, the Town must allow time for an employee to prepare a response. This is part of our basic due process. We understand public concern for efficient government operations, and please understand that due process can take time, but we always want to strive to get all the facts before concluding and making decisions. The rule of law is central to the American system, though at times frustrating,” Mayor Moore stated.
Mr. Johnson has been a Smithfield police officer for 17 years.
He was elected to the Johnston County School Board in 2016 and reelected in 2020. His seat is not up for reelection until 2024.
The reason for the internal investigation was not disclosed.
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This story has been updated
The chickens will come home to roost…this guy is a phony and has so many people snowed.
Any chance you host a Facebook podcast?
Isn’t it “Obvious”? Lol…not on Facebook. The guy is a con artist. This guy is a master manipulator and he has so many under his spell. Now he is using the victim card. All these people saying innocent until proven guilty are the same mob that wanted to crucify all the people Ron John accused of wrongdoing without due process. Hopefully the truth will finally come out about this guy and all of his disciples will see the true person he is…a manipulator that thirsts for power and being relevant.
Sus
I don’t care what he done in his personal life. I feel safe knowing he is part of our school system. He did nothing that affects our school in no way Just wait till it comes out. I’m backing Ronald 100%.
Really. How do you know this? Do you want a dishonest cop of your children school board?
He’s an amazing man. He has had a target in his back for years. “Good ole boys” finally found a way to screw his professionally as they’ve done for years personally.
So you know what he has been accused of? I do not. How do you know what the “good ole boys” have done?
Why are you even posting negative comments if YOU don’t know what he’s been accused of? Your own words.
Lets just say I know of him and his antics in prior events.
You you don’t know what he’s been accused of, and you only know of him. Please sit down and stop embarrassing yourself.
Rescind your resignation. There are people who have your back.
Just waiting on the truth to come to light before jumping to any conclusions…..
The fact that he’s afraid to stand up and defend himself tells us all we need to know.
Whose “we”?
About time.
Wtf this man helped save my daughter from a monster, he worked restlessly to bring her home safe what in gods name could he have possibly done
Just because he may have done a great thing for your kid, that doesn’t mean he wasn’t doing sketchy things in other capacities.
We don’t know the whole story. We like to think we do, but we don’t.
He resigned. Accept it.