Two Cops Fired After Beating Porcupines to Death
Ridiculous: Two Maine police officers have been fired from the Rockland Police Department for allegedly beating porcupines to death while on duty.
According to CNN citing The Courier-Gazette, the incidents took place in early June but were not reported until late August by another Rockland police officer. Addison Cox, 27, and Michael Rolerson, 30, are the ones who were fired following an investigation. A third officer is currently on administrative leave for allegedly filming a video of Rolerson killing a porcupine, according to The Courier-Gazette.
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The news of terminations within the department was confirmed by Police chief Chris Young, who posted a statement on Facebook. However, he refrained from including their identities in the post along with any details, citing state law relating to employee discipline.
As CNN notes, the Maine Bureau of Warden Services, which oversees law enforcement related to fishery and wildlife, conducted the criminal investigation into the incidents, according to a court complaint filed by the district attorney’s office. Both Cox and Rolerson have been charged with misdemeanor aggravated cruelty to animals and night hunting, which are Class C and D crimes, respectively, in Maine.
Despite that, it’s was reported that Cox and Rolerson have appealed their termination.
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