North Carolina Department Re-Opens Under New Police Chief

The Southport (NC) Police Department was "functionally closed" in July amid allegations of corruptio, but the department has resumed operations with the hiring of Chief Todd Coring.

Chief Gary Smith and Lieutenant Michael Simmons were arrested for conspiracy to obtain property through false pretenses, willful failure to discharge duties, and obstruction of justice, according the Port City Daily .

Accused of working second jobs while on duty with the Southport Police Department, Simmons and Smith were operating a local trucking company.

The trucking company made regular trips across state lines as Simmons and Smith were being paid for their policing duties, according to District Attorney Jon David.

The Brunswick County Sheriff's Office had taken over the policing of the city while the search for a new chief was conducted.