Davidson County NC deputy sheriff arrested for bank robbery
ROCKWELL, N.C. Feb 7 2018 – A Davidson County deputy is accused of robbing the F&M bank on West Main Street in Rockwell Tuesday afternoon.
Davidson County Sheriff David Grice said deputy Jeff Athey was arrested around 4 p.m., four minutes after walking into the bank he is accused of robbing with a semi-automatic weapon.
“He was not on-duty during the time of this incident, but he was employed and scheduled to work later today,” said Grice.
Grice told Channel 9 Athey has been fired.
“I’m thankful that Mr. Athey did not injure anyone during this incident and that he did not resist arrest,” Grice added.
He also said Athey never gave any indication of this type of behavior when he employed as a deputy.
“I am as shocked and appalled as anyone else at M. Athey’s behavior,” Grice said.
Grice said Athey worked for the department for years, and also worked as a private contractor for Blackwater in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“We have a lot of employees, a lot of other agencies and law enforcement. It reflects badly on everyone,” Grice said.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think a cop would do that,” one resident told Channel 9.
Athey worked in the civil division and one of his duties was transporting involuntary commitments, the sheriff said.
The bank will reopen Thursday.
WSOCTV
