Three former members of the Stanley Fire Department in North Carolina have been indicted following a joint investigation into what officials described as deliberate acts that disrupted emergency operations and endangered public safety.

According to a press release issued by the Town of Stanley Police Department, the investigation began in 2023 after several senior officers departed the department. An internal audit uncovered evidence that key computer systems and safety databases had been intentionally damaged, deleted, or disabled. That led to a criminal investigation by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the Town of Stanley, and the Gaston County District Attorney’s Office.

Among the most serious findings was the erasure of the department’s hydrant mapping system — the digital record showing the location and capacity of fire hydrants throughout the town. The system was unavailable for approximately two weeks, leaving firefighters without that critical information during responses.

Investigators also reported that sensitive public-safety files were deleted, access to emergency response software was blocked under new leadership, and the Knox Box system — which provides after-hours building access for emergency responders — had been interfered with. In addition, hazardous-materials documentation for local businesses was withheld or deleted, compromising firefighter and public safety.

The indictments include:

• Michael Hullett, former Deputy Chief, charged with financial transaction card fraud; damaging computers, computer programs, systems, networks, and resources; denial of government computer services; and larceny by employee.
• Eric Withers, former Fire Chief, charged with denial of government computer services; damaging computer systems; and obstruction of justice.
• Ashley Price, former Captain, charged with denial of government computer services; damaging computer systems; accessing government computers; felony breaking and entering; and larceny after breaking and entering.

Town officials stated that no additional information will be released at this time due to the ongoing judicial process and that the municipality continues to cooperate fully with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Gaston County District Attorney’s Office.

Here is a link to the press release.