Offensive Patrol Car Video Released

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Today authorities have released dash cam video of a former Richmond County deputy who resigned earlier this month after allegations of inappropriate conduct.

Renita Crawford

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By Renita Crawford

Published: October 2, 2008

Wesley Powell resigned after Internal Affairs investigators say he used profanity, sexual comments and racial slurs during a cell phone conversation that was recorded by video equipment in his patrol car on July 2nd.

Investigators say Powell resigned when confronted with the tape.

The conversation was discovered on September 16th by the Solicitor’s office when the DVD was being was played for a defense attorney. It was the brought to the sheriff’s office attention. The entire conversation lasted 15 minutes.

Renita Crawford is covering this story. Coming up tonight on News Channel 6 at 5 you’ll hear portions of this recording and we hope to have reaction from Sheriff Ronnie Strength.

Reader Reactions

Posted by ( teach45 ) on October 04, 2008 at 6:19 pm

I find it embarassing that we still live in a nation that perpetrates racism and violence by acknowledging the person who exhibited such vulgar behavior as one of their best officers! He took an oath to serve and protect all the citzens in his jurisdiction. I would love to hear comments from Ronnie Strength on his deputy’s behavior. There is no way of justifying this kind of behavior. We need to stop making excuses for bad behavior and call it just like it is; HATRED! He should have been fired and publicly apologized to that young mother and her child. We teach our children to respect and trust police officers but now I am unsure that is the thing to do. I am certainly not suggesting that all police officers are racist and violent but to hear such vulgarity hurts my heart. I must make Wesley aware that the only difference between his child/children (hopefully he doesn’t have any)and an African American child color. We are all human beings with something to contribute to society. I am sad that his contribution is hatred and bigotry. The role of ‘peacemaker” is to maintain peace and provide its citizens with safety and protection. I am so glad he is not patroling our streets any longer!

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Posted by ( ttdoctor ) on October 03, 2008 at 6:43 pm

The citizens should DEMAND he be fired because he was “On Duty” at the time of the conversation; This should be placed in his employment file so all others can see that “HE WILL OFFEND AGAIN”

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Posted by ( avid34 ) on October 03, 2008 at 5:40 pm

This is scary! This officer is supposed to serve and protect, but not only is he a dirty talking offensive person, but he considered doing physical sexual harm to a woman.
He is a dirty coward. He should be fired for behaviour unbecoming an officer of the Law, and not be allowed to quit. And now the question is, how many others are out there like him.
Be afraid. Be very afraid.

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Posted by ( ttdoctor ) on October 03, 2008 at 6:25 am

Thank YOU GOD!! This IS the same Wesley Powell that charged me with an accident in June by signing my name to a statement that HE forged & signed; while I was in the hospital with my injuries!!!!! I informed his Chief that the statement that was written WAS NOT MY SIGNATURE and I wasn’t able to give a statement. The Rishmond County Chief explained to me and my family that this GUY was his BEST employee!!! Now we can see & HEAR. I have experienced all kinds of hardships because of this and would love to talk with Internal Affairs & the Media to show them that He has been abusing his badge & the citizens for a lot longer than they think. This time I am grateful that I let God fight this battle.

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Posted by ( ladyoV ) on October 02, 2008 at 5:30 pm

I think that the officer whom we pay to protect and serve really did a d isservice for people. The prejudice that was shown by this deputy was something he probably hid whenever Richmond County hired him. He should have been fired and flash it on the tv screen.People need to know that you don’t have to like the color of someone’s skin but, you need to respect each other regardless.

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Posted by ( topdog01 ) on October 02, 2008 at 5:18 pm

this is just the tip of the iceburg, he let his guard down, now the others will just be more careful, because beleive me there are more Public Officers feeling the same, talking the same way amonst them selves, and that is a shame we still have people feeling this way towards Black Citizens

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