SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Former Chapmanville Police Department member Marcus Dudley was indicted Thursday as part of an ongoing investigation regarding the disappearance of Chase, a K9 member assigned to Dudley during his time with the department.
The K9 was reported missing by Dudley on April 11, 2023, with Dudley stating to authorities that the K9 had escaped from a fenced in yard at a South Charleston residence while under Dudley’s care.
Emergency services were contacted to assist in the search for the missing K9, and a week-long investigation was conducted by the South Charleston Police Department who ultimately determined that the K9 did not, in fact, escape from the yard on April 11, 2023, as initially believed.
On Thursday, April 20, 2023, Captain A.R. Gordon of the South Charleston Police Department stated, “the investigation has revealed that the Chapmanville officer’s statements about Chase’s disappearance have been inconsistent.”
Soon after these statements were released, it was revealed that Dudley was no longer employed as a member of the Chapmanville Police Department.
Dudley was indicted Thursday by a Kanawha County Grand Jury on several counts relating to the situation, including two counts of providing false statements and officer obstruction, three counts of false reporting of an emergency, and one count of animal cruelty – a misdemeanor offense.
Official reports from the Circuit Court of Kanawha County indicate that Dudley hindered law enforcement officers Corporal T.C. Messer, Detective J.D. Keeney, Captain A.R. Gordon, members of the South Charleston Police Department, and other law enforcement officers through his actions.
Additionally, the report indicates that the former law enforcement officer “did unlawfully, intentionally, knowingly and recklessly mistreat an animal in a cruel manner.”
“From day one, the Town of Chapmanville and Chapmanville Police Department have cooperated with South Charleston Police Department in the investigation of our missing K-9, Chase,” said the Town of Chapmanville in a statement.
The Town and its police department are hopeful that the actions of the Kanawha County Grand Jury will help to shed light on this unfortunate situation and ultimately obtain justice for Chase.”
Chapmanville Town Attorney Rob Kuenzel addressed citizen concerns regarding the matter in late June, expressing frustration at the lack of success in determining the K9’s whereabouts but also reiterating that the legal process must be adhered to.
“As a dog lover and owner, I too am frustrated that Chase remains missing; yet, as one who works within the legal field, I understand that there is a process that must be followed,” Kuenzel said.
“If it is determined that charges are warranted, the Kanawha County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office undoubtedly will proceed with prosecution of any and all persons deemed criminal negligent responsible.”
Former officer indicted in missing K9 investigation
