By Casey Vaughn
PICKENS, SC (FOX Carolina) -
The Pickens police chief said one of his
officers was fired on Thursday amid a domestic investigation and his arrest.
Chief Rodney Gregory said officer Christopher
"Chris" Gilbert, 35, was terminated for violation of city policy
related to an incident that unfolded in Travelers Rest on Thursday.
It was determined that Gilbert was in
violation for lack of good judgment pertaining to his personal life, which
reasonably could create concern and affect the reputation of the city,
employees and the community," Gregory said.
Gregory said not long after Gilbert's
termination, Greenville County deputies placed him under arrest.
The Greenville County Sheriff's Office
responded to Gilbert's residence on Duncan Road in Travelers Rest on Thursday
after receiving anonymous tips that there was drug use involving children
inside and probation violation, according to deputy Drew Pinciaro.
Pinciaro said vice and narcotics
investigators saw methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in plain view and a
search warrant was obtained for the home.
Investigators located Gilbert asleep in a
bedroom with a toddler nearby, Pinciaro said in a news release.
According to Pinciaro, Gilbert and Meghan
Tesner, 22, lived at the home and have a 14-month-old child together.
He said Gilbert has two other children who
are 11 and 13 living in the home as well, but were at school at the time of the
incident.
Gilbert's service weapon was found lying on
the bedroom floor in its holster, according to the Pinciaro.
Pinciaro said DSS was contacted and the
children were placed with an caregiver.
Gilbert was charged with three counts of
child neglect. Tesner was charged with three counts of child neglect,
possession of meth and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Another woman at the home, identified as
26-year-old Maranda Dickerson, was also arrested and charged with possession of
meth and possession of drug paraphernalia.
According to Gregory, Gilbert had been with
the police department since July 17, 2013. Chief Lance Crowe confirmed to FOX
Carolina Gilbert was an officer with the Travelers Rest Police Department from
July 17, 2003 until he resigned on Sept. 4, 2012.
