Columbia Police Officer Terminated

(WOLO) COLUMBIA,S.C., — Columbia Police say what happened here last week inside the Garner’s Ferry Crossing Apartments is a clear cut case of employee misconduct. Authorities allege Michael Cross who’d worked for the department since 20-12 was responding to a community concern over prostitution. Part of cross’ job as a sworn officer and ” courtesy officer” for the complex. But according to this arrest warrant obtained by ABC Columbia news instead of removing the unauthorized female from the premises, as requested by the apartment manager, the warrant claims he instead received oral sex from her. Columbia Police say a short time later they were back out at the apartment complex but this time to respond to the victim’s claims that she was sexually assaulted by Cross. Columbia Police say they could not substantiate the reported assault, but were able to uncover evidence of consensual sex between the two. CPD claims the woman who reported being assaulted was in fact upset she was not paid for the sex act. It’s a matter police have not taken lightly. Wednesday Cross was suspended from the department without pay, while Chief Skip Holbrook requested SLED conduct a separate but parallel internal investigation. that process determined the South Region officer violated CPD policy and was fired. Chief Holbrook says this is an unfortunate incident that does not reflect on the outstanding work done by his department. he released a statement saying quote: “No one, most importantly police officers are above the law. This department will continue to move forward and meet each challenge with determination and integrity while being transparent with the citizens we serve.”