Officials in Barrackville, West Virginia, are addressing claims from their police department, which stated that all personnel were dismissed, amid an internal review triggered by allegations of a break-in at the evidence room. The Barrackville Police Department announced on Facebook on July 7 that city officials relieved the entire department of duty. The post thanked the community for support, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
This announcement followed the resignation of former Barrackville Police Chief Zachary Freeburn, effective immediately. However, Barrackville’s general counsel, John Funkhouser, clarified to Fox News Digital that the firing claims are inaccurate. He noted that two officers were placed on temporary leave during an investigation concerning the alleged break-in at the evidence room.
Funkhouser detailed an incident where Chief Freeburn informed council member Alex Neville on July 1 about evidence locker cleanup executed under Marion County Prosecutor’s Office orders. It involved firearms and $30 in abandoned cash. Freeburn resigned the next day. Officer David Hunt contacted Mayor Thomas Straight seeking an ‘action plan’ for the department. Due to the absence of ‘proper records and documentation,’ Hunt and officer Ethan Darden were put on temporary inactive status while the council reviewed departmental operations.
On July 6, Straight expressed concerns about remote unauthorized access to surveillance cameras, including those in the evidence room. Upon inspecting the room, council members discovered ‘a list of safe combinations,’ which opened a safe yielding no contents. They also found an unlocked police cruiser containing an unsecured rifle.
Officer Hunt claimed whistleblower status and called for state police investigation after noticing evidence room anomalies upon arrival on July 7. Following discussions with West Virginia State Police, the department’s clerk resigned.
Funkhouser asserted, “The claim that the entire police staff was fired is inaccurate. The Mayor and Council implemented oversight measures to ensure departmental accountability and adherence to rules and regulations. Barrackville prioritizes transparency, accountability, and resident safety.”
Hunt’s account to WBOY contradicted town officials, alleging he observed unauthorized evidence room entry when he arrived at work on July 7. He and another officer, comprising the town’s force, were subsequently dismissed. The town council canceled the July 7 meeting due to insufficient information for unfinished business matters.
For now, Marion County Sheriff Roger Cunningham informed WBOY that their agency would manage calls within Barrackville. Fox News Digital has sought comment from the Barrackville Police Department.
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