Ripley police officer resigns after sexual abuse allegations - Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, Sports

Ripley police officer resigns after sexual abuse allegations

  • Local NewsLocal News

  • Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:24 PM EDT2013-05-21 23:24:57 GMT
    Though the Mountaineer baseball team was not directly affected, they didnt hesitate to reach out to those in need. The team is safe and did manage to get a practice in yesterday. But after practice, the
    Though the Mountaineer baseball team was not directly affected, they didnt hesitate to reach out to those in need.

  • Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:17 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:17:00 GMT
    A man is dead after an afternoon accident in Fayette County. The two vehicle accident happened on WV Route 61 at 2:23 p.m. near Camp Branch Road. When deputies arrived on the scene, they found one of
    One man is dead, another hospitalized after head-on crash in Fayette County.

  • Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:57 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:57:17 GMT
    Kids in schools were in the path of destruction when the storms hit in Oklahoma. But are schools here ready if something like this were to strike? Students at Rainelle Elementary School in Greenbrier
     
    Kids in schools were in the path of destruction when the storms hit in Oklahoma. But are schools here ready if something like this were to strike?


     
    •   

A Ripley Police Officer has resigned after allegations of sexual abuse to a then young teen.

George Michael Puskas was put on unpaid leave last month, but Friday he handed in his notice.

Mayor Carolyn Rader is talking about what she calls a black eye over the city.

"There's the repercussions to our city that we are receiving, and people aren't sure about our department, and what's going on in our city and that's an unnecessary feeling," said Rader.

Puskas is being investigated after he allegedly had a relationship with a then 14-year-old girl.

Chief Raymond Fridley said the unpaid leave had nothing to do with the investigation. The chief says the West Virginia State Police and FBI are looking into allegations.

"The leave was for violation of department policy and procedure," said Chief Fridley.

Fridley says he doesn't have the power to terminate an employee, but before Puskas handed his resignation he planned on recommending to council that he be let go.

According to court documents, Puskas was the alleged victim's soccer coach and they began a romantic relationship when she was injured during a game.

"I had a telephone conversation with the victim and I informed the Jackson County Prosecutor's office and then state police took over the investigation," Fridley said.

Puskas is also being investigated for child pornography, which reports say, stem from the alleged relationship.

Chief Fridley said he had no knowledge of a relationship and Puskas hasn't yet been charged, but the chief says the accusations have been tough on his close-knit department.

"I want everyone to know we have good officers and they are having a tough time with all this right now," said Chief Fridley

Meanwhile, the mayor says she has confidence in the department and hopes to move past the situation.

"It's a relief he resigned, but it's sad and it's a disappointment that it happened to our city," said Chief Fridley.

According to court documents, the victim has since moved to Virginia after she claims Puskas harassed her when she broke off the relationship.

Ripley City Council plans to approve Puskas' resignation at Tuesday's council meeting.

Again, Puskas has not been charged.