Officials in North Carolina said this week that a deputy was fired because he allegedly robbed a bank while brandishing a gun.
Jeff Athey, 51, was a deputy for the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office before being fired and subsequently charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon.
Athey is accused of robbing the F&M Bank on West Main Street in Rockwell.
He demanded money, received some, left the bank, and hopped into a silver Mustang.
Athey was taken into custody about five minutes later after the bank teller called 911 and all the money taken was recovered.
“I am shocked and appalled as anyone else about Mr. (Jeff) Athey’s behavior,” said Davidson County Sheriff David Grice. “During his employment with our agency he gave no indications that this type of behavior could occur.”
He noted that Athey worked as a private contractor for Blackwater in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think a cop would do that,” one resident told the broadcaster.
The bank was scheduled to reopen on Thursday, Feb. 8.
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