Greenville Police officer arrested, charged with misdemeanor larceny

GREENVILLE, Pitt County - A Greenville Police Department officer was arrested Tuesday and charged with misdemeanor larceny after an investigation into a theft.

Alec Smith, 23, who has been an officer with GPD since June 2015, was arrested Tuesday and charged with stealing $60 from a vehicle following a call about possible drug activity. The incident happened after police responded to the Rodeway Inn at 301 SE Greenville Blvd. on Nov. 5.

Police searched a vehicle and motel room but found no evidence of drug activity and no arrests were made. Later that night, a person who was searched called GPD to report the money stolen from his vehicle.

Per GPD policy, an investigation was executed which included checking the body cameras of all the officers on the scene. The review led to Smith as a suspect, where he was then arrested. He was also immediately placed on administrative leave without pay and all of his police powers were suspended pending the outcome of both an internal and criminal investigation.

"As soon as the allegation against Officer Smith was brought to our attention it was pursued by the Internal Affairs and Criminal Investigations Bureaus of the Greenville Police Department," said GPD Chief Mark Holtzman in a press release. "The arrest of Officer Smith sends a clear message that no one is above the law. The Greenville Police Department holds itself highly accountable to the laws that govern each and every one of us.

"GPD has, and always will be, effective in self-policing. Maintaining the public's trust is our top priority and we will not tolerate officer misconduct. Officer Smith's misdeeds are in no way a reflection of the rest of the officers of the Greenville Police Department. My staff is committed to achieving excellence in public safety by providing selfless services and conducting ourselves with honor and integrity as we safeguard our community."