GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — A former Belmont police captain accused of destroying his own department’s computer files was arrested Wednesday.
Joseph Quinn was charged with computer trespassing, damaging a computer and accessing computers.
Court documents said his purpose was to delete electronic copies of 2019 firearms qualification records for Belmont Police Department employees.
According to documents, the incident happened Dec. 27, 2019, which was his last day on the job. He has been a member of the Belmont Police Department for 17 years.
Sources told Channel 9′s Glenn Counts that he became angry over some issues on the job and that police are investigating if this could have amounted to sabotage.
Quinn was hired in 2002 and worked his way through the department’s ranks, eventually becoming a captain.
A Belmont resident said they have not lost any faith in their department over the situation.
“I think that one person’s actions shouldn’t determine what everybody thinks about everybody else on the Police Department. It’s just one person. There are so many good men and women on our police force," said resident C.J. Koler.
At this point, no officials would speak on the record about this case.
This is an ongoing investigation. No other details have been released at this point.
Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.
Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:
- Truck driver charged in crash that killed three construction workers on I-40 in Iredell County
- Search for missing Tennessee toddler at NC pond proves ‘inconclusive’
- Man who hit, dragged dirt biker who lost leg will spend 8 years behind bars
- Guests stop NC paratrooper who attacked elderly bed & breakfast owners
- Local convicted felon released early under First Step Act back behind bars
© 2020 Cox Media Group
