West Virginia Police Department Under Scrutiny Amid Allegations

Officials in a West Virginia town are addressing claims from the local police department about the complete dismissal of its staff. These claims emerged after allegations of a break-in at the department’s evidence room initiated an internal investigation.

On July 7, a Facebook post from the Barrackville Police Department announced the entire department was dismissed by town officials. The post stated: “Effective immediately, the entire Barrackville Police Department has been relieved of duty by the Mayor and City Council. We are sincerely grateful for the support, trust, and encouragement shown to us by the Barrackville community throughout our service. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve and protect this town.”

Former Barrackville Police Chief Zachary Freeburn.

The announcement followed the sudden resignation of the then-Police Chief Zachary Freeburn. In contrast, the town’s general counsel, John Funkhouser, reported to Fox News Digital that the mass firing claim was “entirely inaccurate.” Only two officers were placed on temporary leave pending an investigation into a reported break-in at the evidence room.

The controversy began when former Chief Freeburn informed council member Alex Neville that the evidence locker was cleared under an order from the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, leaving behind confiscated firearms and $30 from abandoned cash. This led to his resignation the following day.

Afterward, Officer David Hunt contacted Mayor Thomas Straight about forming an “action plan” for the department. Concerns about missing “proper records and other documentation” led to placing David Hunt and Officer Ethan Darden on temporary inactive status, allowing the town’s council time to review the department’s operations.

Mayor Straight raised additional concerns about unauthorized remote access to the department’s surveillance cameras, including those in the evidence room. Upon inspection, council members found “a list of safe combinations on a desk,” and discovered one of the safes empty.

Subsequently, a police cruiser was found unlocked with an unsecured rifle inside. This prompted the officers’ leave status. Hunt, seeking whistleblower protection, contacted the West Virginia State Police to probe the alleged break-in further. After discussions between town officials and State Police, the Barrackville Police Department’s clerk resigned.

The assertion that the entire police staff has been fired in entirely inaccurate. The Mayor and Council engaged in necessary acts of oversight to ensure the accountability of the Barrackville Police Department and confirm that the Department was complying with all rules and regulations under which the department should have been operating. The Town of Barrackville is committed to transparency, accountability and the safety of its residents,” Funkhouser said in a statement.

Officer Hunt’s version differs as he reported to WBOY that he noticed the evidence room had been accessed before his arrival on July 7. He accused town officials of entering without permission, leading to his dismissal alongside another officer.

Due to unresolved business matters, the Barrackville Town Council canceled their July 7 meeting. Meanwhile, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, under Sheriff Roger Cunningham, confirmed they will manage calls within Barrackville temporarily.

Fox News Digital has sought additional comments from the Barrackville Police Department.