CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — “An appauling absence of accountablity.”
All those text came Monday evening from a single of the women who accused former Charleston Law enforcement Chief Tyke Hunt of inappropriate sexual habits.
Jenny Harless spoke in entrance of Charleston Metropolis Council for the 1st time considering that now Corporal Hunt’s second demotion was introduced previous 7 days.
Harless said Monday that she is disappointed that he was only demoted and suspended.
In August of 2023, Hunt resigned as chief and apologized. He admitted he used town home for particular business.
Monday, Harless advised council that in that incident, he undressed, uncovered himself and pulled her on major of him inside his business office in Metropolis Corridor in 2022.
Soon immediately after his resignation, one more allegation was manufactured in opposition to the chief involving another female.
Hunt was positioned on administrative depart in September 2023 though the 7-month investigation was underway. Final 7 days, the chief explained that Hunt was demoted and suspended.
“The part of a main of police is is to assure the safety and safety of all people, nevertheless Main Hunt’s steps have triggered irreparable damage to my psychological well being. The failure to keep him accountable sends a risky message that abuse of electric power and dishonesty are appropriate in just the Charleston Police Division,” Harless explained in a geared up assertion.
Right after the council conference Monday night, Charleston Police Main Scott Dempsey said Hunt is on suspension position correct now and will probable go back again on health care depart the moment that ends.
Indicating that he probably will never be back in uniform before he is established to retire in June, only on the payroll.
“This now has paved a way for Cpl. Hunt to get comprehensive professional medical or non-Professional medical retirement at the taxpayer’s expense. Any other organization or corporation would have found these acts terminable offenses,” councilmember Shannon Snodgrass stated in a geared up assertion.
Councilwoman Snodgrass stated that she would like the investigation into Hunt’s actions introduced to the public. It will involve official issues from Harless and a former Charleston Police Officer Chelsea McCoy.
McCoy submitted a grievance with the Metropolis of Charleston in late August 2023 alleging that she was pressured into getting sex by then-Sergeant Hunt throughout her software course of action. She also alleges that she unsuccessful her polygraph check to be licensed into the police power, but Hunt passed her anyway.
“The community justifies to know how these allegations involving sexual misconduct on community property, misuse of public devices and altering a polygraph check obtained only a suspension and a demotion. The fact that Cpl. Hunt was not fired has decreased the bar to an all time lower for potential disciplinary steps of any town worker. The liability to the city transferring ahead is immeasurable,” Snodgrass explained.