The investigation into a suspended sheriff’s deputy for comments he made regarding the Ferguson, Missouri protestors has extended to others within the Wakulla County Sheriff’s department.
The grand jury’s decision in Ferguson, Missouri not to indict Officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of black teen, Michael Brown set off a series of protests and violent rioting around the nation. It also led many people to take to social media to vent their frustration either by empathizing with Brown’s family or Officer Wilson.
Several Wakulla County Sheriff’s deputies commented on facebook under cartoons posted by Undersheriff Clarence Trey Morrison. That includes Wakulla County deputy Richard Moon. In a posting, he called the protestors “cockroaches” that needed to be squashed, adding “I say we rally for Wilson, who’s with me?” Some, including the NAACP, were outraged by the posts, and Sheriff Charlie Creel suspended Moon without pay and called for an investigation. Spokesman Keith Blackmar says the probe is ongoing and does include the other deputies.
“Yeah, there’s an internal investigation at this point that’s underway. I can’t say exactly how long it will last. I’m not sure, but once that is completed, I’m sure we’ll have something to release to the media at that point.”
A town hall was also called over the weekend by the NAACP and Creel, who apologized on behalf of his deputies, also calling the comments “insensitive” that reflect poorly on the department. He says he’s looking into more racial diversity training.
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