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I am an Investigations Supervisor with the
City-County Bureau of Identification and in the
early evening hours of Sunday, November 18,
2007, I responded to a business burglary to
assist an agent on my squad with "several"
burglaries at a single address. Police officers
from another agency were also investigating the
scene. After the police completed the
investigation, one of the businesses reported
that $400 was missing.
To make a long story short, I became the subject
of a criminal and departmental investigation and
was accused of stealing $400. I was placed on
paid administrative leave and for the next 3
months was constantly worried about my
reputation and career.
Eventually the Raleigh Police Department and NC
Attorney General's Office determined there was
insufficient evidence to pursue criminal
charges. Shortly thereafter, my agency concluded
the internal investigation and I was returned to
full duty with no negative ramifications as to
pay or rank.
On the evening this entire ordeal initiated, it
took me a while to figure out that I was
suspected of committing a crime. When it did
"sink in" I realized that I very well needed
some help. So, at 2320 hours I called the PBA at
1-800-233-3506; keep in mind this was a Sunday
very late evening. I spoke briefly with a
representative and was told someone would call
me back. I was shocked when I received a return
call from a "legal advisor" a mere 30 minutes
later, almost midnight!
Jumping forward a bit, I called the PBA again at
0630 hours on Monday, and informed them that I
did in fact need legal representation. I was
referred to Attorney Joseph E. Zeszotarski Jr.
and he kept in touch with me via email awaiting
the investigations.
As stated above, everything worked out great for
me. I just wanted to take a moment to thank the
PBA and the legal staff for being available and
responding so quickly. Also, the caliber of
attorney which was appointed to be was
completely unexpected!
My wife and I talked extensively about this
ordeal and she stated several times how shocked
she was at the "quality" of representation that
the PBA offered.
Luckily I did not need his direct service, but
just the fact of knowing he was in my corner
gave me a lot of confidence to face my accusers.
Being a (sworn) crime scene
investigator/supervisor I have often had
conversations with younger investigators who did
not see a need to join the PBA because we are
not "first responders". Many have said "what can
I get into in this job that would make me need a
lawyer" and honestly I did not have much of an
answer until now.
Thank you for being there!! |