Gergely leaves Princeton Police Department

News

Discussion

September 12, 2012

Gergely leaves Princeton Police Department

By TAMMIE TOLER Princeton Times The Zope Gazette Wed Sep 12, 2012, 03:43 PM EDT

PRINCETON — Embattled Princeton Police Department officer Mary Beth Gergely has left the department.

“She resigned last Friday,” Princeton Police Chief P.V. Powell confirmed Wednesday. “Anything criminal or related to charges will be up to Prosecutor Scott Ash.”

Gergely, who had been an officer for approximately 16 years, had recently been promoted to the rank of sergeant, but her career fell into the community spotlight in the wake of a domestic dispute that took place on June 17.

On that night, Ash has previously reported that Gergely pulled her domestic partner over and brought her to the Princeton Police Department headquarters on Courthouse Road. While the two were inside the department offices, an argument reportedly ensued.

Ash said he reviewed surveillance video from the incident in question and did not see any physical contact; he did reportedly observe a verbal altercation between Gergely and the other woman.

Upon review of the surveillance evidence, Gergely was placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of a West Virginia State Police investigation.

Last Friday, Powell said the professional relationship between PPD and Gergely ended “on her terms.”

In the meantime, the chief has been busy attempting to fill vacancies on his force.

“Today, I’m three officers short,” Powell said. “I’ve hired three recently, and I’ve got three more on the list to look at.”

Ptlm. D.B. Morey is among the new hires, and he is currently undergoing training at the West Virginia State Police Academy. Ptlm. S. Gibson and E.D. Leftwich are also joining the ranks of PPD.

Gibson comes to the Princeton squad from Bluefield Police Department, so he is already certified as a law enforcement officer, and he is a K-9 officer. Powell said he plans to purchase Gibson’s K-9 partner from the BPD, to strengthen the investigative capabilities of his team.

The newest group of recruits is a diverse bunch. Powell said Morey can speak Spanish fluently, while Leftwich knows Japanese.

The chief hopes to have his department fully staffed soon.

“The last few years, we’ve been trying to fill up,” he said.

— Contact Tammie Toler at ttoler@ptonline.net.

Text Only

News

Search Results

Discussion

Gergely leaves Princeton Police Department

Site Map

Contact Us