Embattled Greenville, South Carolina police chief Ken Miller is feeling the noose tighten as an investigation into his department ramps up. But who is doing the investigating? When will the hammer fall? And upon whom will it fall?
This news outlet reported on Miller’s increasingly precarious situation two-and-a-half weeks ago (just before the Labor Day holiday).
In our post, we referenced that Miller had requested an “external investigation into the allegations involving his department” – and that this probe had “turned its focus onto him.”
We also noted that Miller met recently with new Greenville city manager John McDonough about scheduled pay raises and promotions for the police department – raises and promotions which have been put on hold as a result of the inquiry.
More on that in a moment …
Finally, we reported that a “separate investigation” was looking into the Greenville police foundation – a non-profit organization that supports Miller’s department.
According to sources familiar with the situation, there is but one current inquiry focusing on Miller, his department and the police foundation. This inquiry is being led by the S.C. State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), we are told.
SLED is said to have initially focused its attention on questions raised by this news outlet back in March relating to “several recent incidents involving high-profile suspects – including an alleged arrest for public drunkenness involving a wealthy local businessman.”
Sources close to the investigation have indicated that the wealthy local businessman referenced in our story is Dharmendra “DJ” Rama – president and chief executive officer of Auro Hotels, a Greenville, S.C.-based hotel management firm.
(Click to view)
(Via: Greenville Police Department)
Rama was allegedly arrested in late August of 2018 – around the time he attended a “Greenville Heroes” luncheon with Miller (above) that honored city police officers and firefighters. According to our sources, SLED is looking not only into the handling of the alleged Rama arrest – but also whether Miller and others have impeded the investigation into it.
In addition to Miller, Jason Rampey – a lieutenant with the Greenville police department – has also been named in connection with the SLED investigation. Rampey is one of the leaders of the Greenville criminal investigations unit – and was reportedly in line to receive a promotion to the rank of captain prior to this scandal breaking.
In addition to allegations of preferential treatment related to the Rama arrest, the SLED inquiry is also reportedly looking at other “similar situations” involving other “noteworthy citizens,” per our sources.
As for the allegations regarding the police foundation, so far all we know is that multiple members of the foundation have been called in for questioning about the organization’s finances. And as we noted in our previous coverage, “Miller is said to be at the center of that storm as well.”
SLED declined to comment on either the focus or the status of the investigation into Miller, his department or the foundation.
“Our work continues,” agency spokesman Thom Berry told us.
SLED led the investigation into suspended Greenville county sheriff Will Lewis last year – an inquiry that resulted in Lewis being indicted last April on charges of obstruction of justice and misconduct in office in connection with an office sex scandal.
Lewis was further indicted in February of this year on perjury and statutory misconduct in office charges – and is currently awaiting trial.
Sources familiar with the Miller inquiry tell us several “sex-related questions” have also been asked of multiple witnesses in this case – although they declined to elaborate as to the specific nature of those questions.
This news outlet is continuing to dig on the inquiry and hope to have additional updates for our readers soon …
-FITSNews
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