Jackson Jambalaya

 Pearl Police Department Chief Nicholas McClendon issued the following statement. 

"On Monday, November 18, 2024, I became aware of theft allegations involving a Pearl Police Officer. In response to the allegations, an internal investigation was authorized. On the same day, it was requested that the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation conduct an outside investigation regarding the missing money. This investigation has been active and extensive since Monday.

The officer in question was immediately placed on administrative leave, and, on Thursday, November 21, 2024, a special board meeting was called by the Mayor. The officer's employment was terminated by the Board of Aldermen on my recommendation.

To date, the officer in question has not been charged with any crime and should be presumed innocent until proven guilty under the law. But as an employment matter, the City must be concerned with even the appearance of impropriety -- and especially in the area of law enforcement.

As the leader of the Pearl Police Department, I am deeply committed to this profession and to promoting constitutional, proactive, and accountable policing. Transparency and accountability are central to our mission.

As this matter transitions to a criminal investigation, we defer all inquiries to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation to ensure the investigation's integrity is maintained."