A South Carolina police officer has been demoted after he used citywide cameras to monitor his wife, whom he suspected of having an affair with a co-worker.
Former North Charleston Police Department Capt. Ryan Terrell abused his authority to pursue his wife at least three times before uncovering an alleged affair in a Target parking lot, according to a report obtained from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy’s Notice of Disciplinary Action. W.C.S.C..
Terrell’s clandestine behavior came to light on April 11 when he threatened to harm a sergeant he suspected of being romantically involved with his wife.
According to the outlet, Terrell learned of his wife’s alleged affair early that morning.
He then lashed out at several colleagues, who became concerned he might carry out his threats and reported him to the Professional Standards Office.
Authorities investigated Terrell after the allegations of violence.
But after investigators interviewed Terrell, his wife and the sergeant, they determined it was merely a threat.
However, during the investigation, Terrell admitted to telling his wife that he would go to jail if he was caught.
The suspected officer admitted to using a police camera in the city to tail his wife.
According to the disciplinary report, Terrell claimed he only did so because he was concerned about his wife’s safety.
However, further analysis by investigators revealed that he had been using the camera excessively to spy on her.
According to the outlet, records show that the suspected officer spied on his wife using live footage on at least three occasions.
The data logs also revealed that Terrell accessed the camera on the day he exposed his wife’s alleged affair in the Target parking lot.
Terrell oversaw the city’s camera system and therefore had easy access to the devices.
Terrell was demoted to sergeant and placed on six months probation for disreputable conduct.
He was also removed from his position as overseer of the camera system and stripped of his access to the technology.
The officer was subsequently demoted to patrol.
Terrell’s career in criminal justice began as an armed corporal in the U.S. Navy before retiring from the military to become a corrections officer at the Charleston County Jail, his records state. LinkedIn.
He has been with the North Charleston Police Department since September 2008.
