WMPD officers suspended after sexual misconduct allegations

Department facing lawsuits from residents and from within

By DON WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

Four of_cers of the West Memphis Police Department have been placed on paid administrative leave as the department investigates allegations of sexual misconduct. The of_cers involved are Major Stacy Allen, Captains Mose Walker and Ivora Hall, and Of_cer Treasure Gaither. The situation has raised serious concerns within the community,, especially given the leadership roles held by most of those implicated.

Major Allen, along with Captains Hall and Walker, have risen through the ranks over the years, while Gaither is known as a school resource of_cer at West Junior High School. However, this isn’t the _rst time Major Allen has faced scrutiny. In 2021, three women came forward with allegations of harassment and discrimination against him, citing complaints that date back as far as 2017.

“It doesn’t look good for us.”. This is an unfortunate situation,” said the Mayor. “Right now, I don’t want to say what was done because I don’t have all the facts. I am still waiting on the facts.”

The current I nvestigation adds to an already turbulent period for the West Memphis Police Department. Multiple lawsuits involving the department are pending, accusing of_cers and leadership of a wide range of misconduct, including assault, ci vil rights violations, retaliation and cover- ups. Among these cases is a lawsuit _led by Michael Grant in July 2024. Grant alleges that members of the WMPD narcotics team physically assaulted him during a raid, leaving him hospitalized for several days. His claims include

See LAWSUITS, page A2 LAWSUITS

From page A1

excessive use of force by of_cers Jason Kennedy, Ismael Clay, Cecil Langston, Nick McPherson, Cole Strayhorn, and Jarreous Johnson.

In another case, Cheezy Pulliaum _led a lawsuit in August 2024, alleging that Of_cer Earnest Chad Rash kicked him in the face after a police chase, even though Pulliam was already handcuffed.

Captain Walker, now on administrative leave as part of the current misconduct investigation, has his own legal battle with the department. In June 2024, he _led a lawsuit alleging retaliation after he questioned Police Chief Campbell about hiring practicess, internal investigations and alleged cover-ups. Walker had also been placed on administrative leave in 2023, a decision he claims according to the lawsuit, was tied to his challenges to department leadership.

In a statement, the City of West Memphis and the police department said, “At this time, the City of West Memphis and the West Mmphis Police Department are not able to comment on active investigations or pending litigation. We take all allegations seriously and remain committed to transparency and accountability through established policies and procedures.”