Oakboro police chief under investigation, placed on leave

Published 1:30 pm Monday, December 20, 2021

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Oakboro town officials confirmed Monday morning that police chief T.J. Smith has been placed on paid administrative leave.

T.J. Smith

According to Town Administrator Doug Burgess, the town placed Smith on leave Dec. 14. He confirmed an investigation was ongoing, but could not comment to the specifics of the investigation or who was conducting it.

Capt. Craig Richards is the acting chief of police while the investigation continues.

Smith has been chief of the Oakboro Police Department since August 2016.

About Charles Curcio

Charles Curcio has served as the sports editor of the Stanly News & Press for more than 16 years and has written numerous news and feature storeis as well. He was awarded the NCHSAA Tim Stevens Media Representative of the Year and named CNHI Sports Editor of the Year in 2014. He has also won an award from Boone Newspapers, and has won four North Carolina Press Association awards.

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