New details have emerged regarding the termination of former police chief Jon Clark in Mars Hill, North Carolina. Clark was fired in October after allegedly soliciting nude photos from a captain’s wife on Snapchat. The incident came to light when the captain provided screenshots of the messages to Mars Hill town manager Nathan Bennett.
Bennett, in an Oct. 16 letter addressed to Clark, condemned his conduct as “reprehensible” and “unforgivable.” He emphasized that Clark’s actions put the entire police department and the town at risk. Bennett further stated that Clark’s dishonesty during the investigation left him with no choice but to terminate the former police chief.
Clark admitted to sending the messages when confronted by Bennett. The town manager also criticized Clark’s handling of firearms in his office, noting that they were not properly secured. Additionally, Clark was reprimanded for using his town-provided vehicle for personal use instead of official police work.
Attempts to reach Clark for comment were unsuccessful, and Bennett declined to provide further comments on the matter.
This incident raises questions about the conduct and accountability of law enforcement officers in Mars Hill, as well as the measures in place to prevent such behavior. It highlights the importance of maintaining professionalism and integrity within police departments to ensure the safety and trust of the community they serve.
(Contact: Audrey Conklin, digital reporter for Digital and FOX Business, at [email protected] or on Twitter at @audpants)
