Anonymous tip prompts criminal investigation, arrest of Fayetteville police officer, FPD says
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- Fayetteville Police Chief Kemberle Braden said Tuesday that an anonymous tip has led to the criminal investigation and arrest of one of the department's own.
Braden held a news conference Tuesday night in the lobby of Police Headquarters on Hay Street to make the announcement about an officer who violated his oath of office.
Braden said his department received a Crimestoppers tip on Oct. 6 identifying a police officer as being involved in "illegal narcotic activity."
The chief said the officer, who he identified as Izreal Gear-Johnson, 23, was subsequently charged with two counts of willfully failing to discharge his duties, one count of common-law obstruction of justice, a charge of conspiracy, and a charge of maintaining a dwelling for keeping controlled substances.
Gear-Johnson is on administrative leave with pay, pending the outcome of the internal investigation, as is standard procedure. He was booked and received a $100,000 bond.
"It is important that the Fayetteville Police Department maintains the highest of standards for our residents, and this arrest is an example of how we continue to maintain that promise to them," Braden said. "One of my goals as the Chief of Police is to release all the information I have available to the public without hindering an investigation."
The internal investigation is separate from the criminal investigation.
WATCH: Chief Braden's full news conference
It's unclear at this time whether Gear-Johnson was selling drugs himself as part of this conspiracy, but Braden said he has tapped the FBI to also investigate whether federal charges are warranted.
Gear-Johnson was hired by the Fayetteville Police Department in June 2021 and was sworn in as a patrol officer in June 2022.
In the wake of the developments within his department, Braden sent a letter to all Fayetteville police officers reinforcing the need to be accountable and "strive to keep our lives unsullied both internally and externally." Read the full letter here.
"Enough can't be said about CrimeStoppers and what it did for us in this investigation," Braden said.
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