Police Officer Resigns Amid Shoplifting Charges
Police Officer Resigns Amid Shoplifting Charges Save Email Print
Posted: 10:35 AM Nov 19, 2008
 Last Updated: 10:46 AM Nov 19, 2008
 Reporter: Randy Yohe
Email Address: randy.yohe@wsaz.com
75 comments
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RACELAND, Ky. (WSAZ) -- A Raceland police officer has resigned after he was arrested Sunday and charged with stealing $22 worth of merchandise from the Ashland Wal-Mart.

Rick Gullett, 39, has only worked as a Raceland Police Officer for about three months.

Raceland Police chief Don Sammons says Gullett was not in uniform when the alleged shoplifting occurred, but he was legally carrying his own firearm.

Sammonds says it was Gullett's personal handgun and not a department-issued weapon.

The newly-hired officer resigned from the force Monday.

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Posted by: sovc on Nov 27, 2008 at 10:18 AM
i know this person very close. ive seen him alot and he has bought a lot of stuff for me. i think it was just a adrenaline rush. so please stop saying bad things about him.
Posted by: Greenup co. officer on Nov 25, 2008 at 08:59 AM
To: Santa: Don't judge all by one . There are people in every profession that do things that no one knows about. In Fire Depts. , Police Work , Mayors , Attorneys you name it it is there they just havn't been caught. Then you have the stupid ones that comment stupid blogs like Santa & Imposter Gallion & Elder acting like they are that person because they hide and have to get their stupid comments and WSAZ seems to cater to these blogs and won't post the replys to these dumb comments. I hope other people that read these comments are smart enough to see through these ignorant people.
Posted by: Greenup co officer on Nov 23, 2008 at 04:09 PM
WSAZ How about posting my last blog , why are you not posting these comments just the stupid ones like imposter Gallion??
Posted by: Santa on Nov 22, 2008 at 10:02 PM
Go Shoplifting with a Raceland Cop. Spend X-Mas in the CAN
Posted by: Elder on Nov 22, 2008 at 09:16 PM
WILL THE REAL GALLION PLEASE STAND UP ?
Posted by: GALLION on Nov 22, 2008 at 12:01 PM
TO:GREENUPco.officer u r not a greenup co officer,and your the one in deep, deep, DO-DO, AND DONT B SO PROUD OF RACELAND OFFICERS,SO U GO LAY DOWN,HAVE A NICE DAY AND MAY U FIND PEACE IN YOUR HEART!
Posted by: bobby on Nov 21, 2008 at 09:56 PM
Rick if you asked me I would of loned you $22.94 for you.
Posted by: Greenup co. officer on Nov 21, 2008 at 06:48 PM
TO Gallion : I don't think your name is Gallion and certainly not the Gallion I know, and there are very few Gallions around and the ones that are here are related so you are not them , they would never lower themselves to bash some like you have. You say no one would hire any of Raceland officers that's funny half of Greenup co. started and trained at Raceland. So there you go again talking out the other side of your mouth and don't know what you're talking about. Just another dummy and I work with the Raceland officers some as we back each other up at times and I have no problem at all they do an excellent job and handle it well and I happen to know first hand. Go lay down dummy. And quit impersonating a real man this will get you in deep do do.
Posted by: To Gallion on Nov 21, 2008 at 06:02 PM
Sounds to me like you hate the Raceland Police Department. You must be on the other side of the Law. The only corrupt Department around here is Worthington.
Posted by: Gallion on Nov 21, 2008 at 08:28 AM
People this Dept. has been corrupt for many yrs now. Clean it out and move on. No other dept in the State would hire these people. They are getting neverous now. My name is Gallion and i watch the dirty cops in Raceland, Ky
Posted by: wow what a mistake on Nov 21, 2008 at 07:09 AM
these comments are only comments.no one is trying to judge.THESE ARE ONLY COMMENTS!the same way some of you posted yours.GEE.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 21, 2008 at 06:16 AM
Does anyone know that Raceland PD only pays $9.59 an hour?? They go to training nonstop during the year. Their families go hungry just to protect the stupid communites that don't appreciate it.
Posted by: KY RESIDENT#2 on Nov 21, 2008 at 01:48 AM
ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS, IF HE APPEARS BEFORE JUDGE DAVIS IN BOYD COUNTY......HE WILL BE MADE AN EXAMPLE OF. THERE IS NO DOUBT IN MY MIND.... ANYONE WHO KNOWS WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT WILL AGREE WITH ME.... THE MAN IS GOING TO TAKE IT PERSONAL THAT THIS HAPPENED...ESPECIALLY BEING A POLICE OFFICER.. WATCH AND SEE IF IM RIGHT!!! THATS WHO WILL JUDGE HIM IN THE COURT ROOM ANYWAY... HE BETTER HOPE ITS JUDGE REAMS... JUDGE DAVIS IS KNOWN GIVING MAXIMUM SENTENCE'S FOR MISDEMEANORS... MANY CASES AS A MATTER OF FACT.. HE RECENTLY GAVE 365 DAYS ON A MAN WHO FAILED TO PAY AN APPROXIMATELY $150.00 DOLLAR FINE.. IT MAY GET UGLY BEFORE IT GETS BETTER...WE SHALL SEE I GUESS...
Posted by: In the know on Nov 20, 2008 at 06:51 PM
To Gallion: Why are you using the name Gallion, what a phony you are and talking about something you know nothing about, it amazes me that phony's like you act like you know it all when you in fact are dumb about everything and anything. Raceland Police Dept. is no libility to the city in any way, I know the officers at Raceland and they are good officers. It is people like you that hide and sneak around with your opinions that mean nothing just so much hot air. This is not the first officer that messed up in this area. APD had their scandel, KSP had their mess to deal with, look around , as far as Russell, Flatwoods taking over don't hold your breath it's not going to happen the citizens of Raceland like their PD so suck it up and keep your opinions to yourself they are as dumb as you are. And if you are implying you are the former Gallion from Flatwoods PD you are really a coward by using his name I would watch this if I were you . Proud to be a Raceland resident citizen
Posted by: ME on Nov 20, 2008 at 06:18 PM
Everything in our lives falls under God's judgement. Do not judge, for you to one day will be judged for you actions. I feel this man is gonna come out of this with a new heart. With a new life. He will probably be better off !!! I have a good feeling about this. I think God has Claimed another soul.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 20, 2008 at 03:50 PM
Sounds to me like this guy has some serious issues not just petty theft. Something must be going on in his life. I feel sorry for him but I think he should definitely be dealt with like anyone else who steals. Do the dirty deed then pay the price it's simple.
Posted by: Amy on Nov 20, 2008 at 03:17 PM
Ahhhhhhhhahahahaha. I wonder if he'll get just a slap on the wrist? More than likely
Posted by: Melinda on Nov 20, 2008 at 01:20 PM
QUIT ACTING LIKE YOUR GOD ON HERE, GOD DOESN'T GET ON COMPUTERS. THOU SHALL HAVE NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME ALSO COUNTS FOR ACTING LIKE YOU ARE GOD.....
Posted by: Criminal Thinking on Nov 20, 2008 at 11:38 AM
That was short but the time he serves will be much longer. Pitiful.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 20, 2008 at 09:47 AM
TO POLICE OFFICER: What agency was he done wrong by? He resigned from his last law job before Raceland took him in.
Posted by: Jim on Nov 20, 2008 at 09:34 AM
$22 or a million it's stealing and a man in his position can and should be able to be entrusted more so than others.I hope it is a misunderstanding for all involved.
Posted by: From Ky on Nov 20, 2008 at 09:23 AM
He may have some issues going on, but it still does not make it right . He has probably arrested people for stealing less than that. He needed a sling for his gun, he wasnt stealing food, which will be the next thing people are going to be arrested for just trying to feed their familys. He should be punished just like every other thief that gets caught.
Posted by: Gallion on Nov 20, 2008 at 08:34 AM
I have known for sometime this Dept. has no accountabilty. They need to contract the Police service out with either Flatwoods / Russell. It was suggested a few yrs back but failed. This dept. is a liability for the city . The real problem is with the Department heads not making wise choices. They need total change to fix the problems they have. Donot see it happening anytime soon. But they do sell alot of newspapers.
Posted by: A.K.H. on Nov 20, 2008 at 07:07 AM
i guess you guys know everything. why cant you just leave him alone? i mean really...you obviously dont know what is going on with him, so why dont you just stop. way to go wsaz, always gotta put the petty stuff on here. is there really nothing else goin on that is more interesting than 22 dollars worth of shoplifting?
Posted by: wow what a mistake on Nov 20, 2008 at 05:20 AM
I wonder how many he took to jail for the same thing he was doing.If it was just a mistake wouldnt he have said you just made a mistake and take them home?
Posted by: annoymous on Nov 20, 2008 at 02:52 AM
To: Posted by: taxpayer on Nov.19,2008 at 03:31 PM What a GOOD POINT! He has a problem alright, he is a THIEF! A THIEF can be anyone, have a job or not! Maybe he can get on WELFARE NOW like other families thieves are! You got to support your family some way RIGHT! Maybe he needed FOOD,was Drunk or someone let a FART on him! Who knows? Kids and Teens today has such GREAT ROLE MODELS like this TEACHING them,you can HEAR or READ it in the NEWS EVERY other day and you wonder why KIDS/TEENS are like they are? Still, their are some GREAT POLICE in West Virginia! PABLO,post your comment so we can hear your excuse on this one!
Posted by: dont believe it on Nov 20, 2008 at 02:08 AM
I went to school with Richard and have known him all my life, he comes from a good family and is a good guy. He does business with us often and i cannot belive that this was something intentional, it had to be a misunderstanding and i believe it will be resolved. i just hope that it gets as much coverage when it does.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 20, 2008 at 12:17 AM
dude, you ain't god..
Posted by: Friend of PD on Nov 20, 2008 at 12:12 AM
To police officer , I know RG and about the other dept. that did him wrong but, he got a second chance to regain his reputation and work at the profession he said he loved. Now he has lost his job and no other dept. will hire him he's done, plus embarrass his family and the dept. that gave him a second chance , he meant to do this or it woud not have happened. Makes you wonder was this the first time , did he have a problem, if he did have a problem he should have gotten help, that's no excuse. He is not the first police officer to mess up and I doubt that he will be the last, afterall they are only human but, we expect more of them because we have to trust officers to help and serve the people.
Posted by: Raceland citizen on Nov 19, 2008 at 11:34 PM
WSAZ how about posting all the blogs instead of just the negative ones !!
Posted by: Missy on Nov 19, 2008 at 11:15 PM
I have to defend our town and police dept. They do a good job and this idiot illerate sad again is probably a low life that is on the other side of the law, how would he know what type people the city hires , you never know what people think yes, this person they hired turned out to be a poor choice, you can't be 100% on every body, he lost his job reputation and will probably never be hired by a police dept. again he is the one that lost . Raceland has some good officers and the people like them . This peice of work calling theirself sad again is a sad person calling people names he will probably be in trouble again if not already. What a jerk and dummy he/she is can't spell (papper lol) I hope he/she is not a resident of our nice town if he/she is he/she needs to move with his/her kind in the land fill somewhere with the rest of the garbage.
Posted by: concerned citizen on Nov 19, 2008 at 10:26 PM
what is this world coming to. Police officers should be held to a higher standard what was he thinking. It is a shame that he didn't make enough money putting his life on the line.
Posted by: Ben on Nov 19, 2008 at 10:11 PM
on or off duty 24/7 this man was a police officer and was swore to protect and serve.And this is the profession he has chosed and its obiviously that we need to make an example and not a slap on the wrist and not issue a get out of Jail card just because he is one of the fellow officers...
Posted by: anon on Nov 19, 2008 at 10:01 PM
lets send him to some rehab ,maybe he just has a problem no body is perfect,we all have skeltons in our closets, and u r a ,big lier if u say u dont give him a break,every body jumps to fast and is to judgemental!
Posted by: Andrea on Nov 19, 2008 at 09:28 PM
Hey, maybe he was undercover...ya know a sting operation(wink,wink). What a waste.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 08:24 PM
why he did what he did we will never know..people in glass houses should not throw stones..He suffering and he made a wrong choice..just leave him be..Ironton friend..
Posted by: to police officers on Nov 19, 2008 at 07:18 PM
and that is a reason to steal a lot of people have problems but they dont go out and steal to solve them or make them go away and unlike him i can look at myself and know that i have never stole anything in my life and i have a job and i love it too and it is as stressful as being a cop but i dont get an urge to steal.And i hope you dont get to where he was because no one needs a cop who's mind is not where it needs to be so if you get there please take a leave of absence and do the community a favor an unstable cop is worse than a theiving cop
Posted by: Person on Nov 19, 2008 at 07:05 PM
I know there is a story behind every action,and I don't mean to sound judgemental, but my suggestion to the Raceland police force is to do better background checks on the people they hire to serve and protect. This man isn't the only thief they have/have had on the force.
Posted by: RUSSELL on Nov 19, 2008 at 06:32 PM
Chief Sammons is an honorable man. He has a good police department. Chief, you and your force can hold their heads up high. I can not believe the Ch3news lets garbage mix in with their news stories.....So Sad Bring back the old newspeople for training. Bos, Bob, Kathy, Nick, even Steve Mcgee .............
Posted by: now hiring on Nov 19, 2008 at 06:22 PM
At least he wasnt selling pills out of his police car like the one in Worthington.I wonder if the other two that resigned/fired in thew last month will make the news.
Posted by: Police Officer on Nov 19, 2008 at 05:41 PM
I know this man was done wrong by another local department in our area. If I were him my mind would not be where it should be either. A man dont spend as many years trying to get into this line of work and just throw it away for no reason. His mind and heart was not clear !!!
Posted by: Police Officer on Nov 19, 2008 at 05:38 PM
I know this man personaly and there must have been something goin on in his mind for him to have let this happen. All this man has ever spoke of his his love for his job. Grant you, he made a mistake! A big one. But how many of you are sittin on your fat hind ends getting welfare checks, selling pills and working at the same time. Reality check....THAT IS A FELONY NOT A MISDEMEANOR ! So before you go judging this man for his mistake...take a look at your self!!!
Posted by: tax payer on Nov 19, 2008 at 05:11 PM
Maybe they will hire him in Worthington if he is on drugs. Maybe he is not a canidate if he only shoplifts.
Posted by: Sad Again on Nov 19, 2008 at 05:07 PM
The judge and jury will be in Boyd co> sooner or later. God has nothing to do with this stuff.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 04:42 PM
I knew him on a personal level..the guy has issues and didn't need to be a cop in the first place..and the shop lifting shows it!!!!!!!! somewhere in ky...
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 04:40 PM
I'm just glad it wasn't WV for a change...
Posted by: John on Nov 19, 2008 at 04:37 PM
To Sad Again: I very seldom comment on these blogs but,after reading the comment posted by "Sad Again" He sounds SAD alright and stupid " papper" is this supposed to be paper, this is not a typo or he would not have put two p's in it, I had a good laugh out of this . And the poor folks have to pay the price, NO, no one has to pay for anything except the officer that was caught and lost his job, I live in Raceland and I think our POLICE DEPT . does a damn good job for a small Dept. They sure take care of the citizens. So Sad again go stick your stupid head in a hole and shut up unless you have something worthwhile to say. I bet you've been arrested by Raceland Police and you're just mad.
Posted by: Raceland citizen on Nov 19, 2008 at 04:28 PM
To: Tax payer- You take a chance when you hire anyone unfortunatly this person may have been guilty of this kind of activity for a long time and just now got caught, but, this was stupid for a man his age and profession to pull such a dumb trick, now his family will suffer. I have lived in Raceland most of my years and the Raceland PD has always done a good job patroling and serving the citizens. I have called on them several times for vacation checks , and once a prowler and they were right there. THIS COMMENT BY "SAD AGAIN" REALLY SOUNDS LIKE A SAD PITIFUL PERSON OR A PERSON THAT HAS BEEN ON THE RECEIVING END OF THE LAW AND MADE THIS HIS ONE OPPORTUNITY TO BASH THE POLICE DEPT. SAD AGAIN YOU NEED TO GET A LIFE, AND MAYBE CLEAN UP YOUR LIFE UNLESS YOU CAN PROVE WHAT YOU ARE SAYING , PRETTY DUMB ON YOUR PART BUT, THEN YOU DON'T SOUND VERY SMART TO BEGIN WITH.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 04:20 PM
Are you kidding me? The loss prevention guy at Walmart makes more than this "officer". They probably only make $7-$9 an hour. Most departments probably need to improve their hiring process. Glad I don't work with him!
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 04:00 PM
OUR TAXES GO UP, WATER GOING UP BUT OUR PROTECTION OUR CITY PAYS FOR IS AWFUL. YOU CAN CATCH ALL LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AT SUPER QUIK, GIOVANNIS OR ANY PLACE THEY CAN EAT AND HANG OUT AND SEE THEIR WOMEN ON THE SIDE. THEY HIRE ANYONE IN THIS CITY AND HIRE SOMEONE TO DO PAYROLL THAT HAS NO CLUE OR DEGREE. THATS WHY THIS CITY IS HURTING IN SO MANY WAYS AND THE CITIZENS HAVE TO PAY FOR THE CITY'S STUPIDITY.
Posted by: Mail lady on Nov 19, 2008 at 03:59 PM
Raceland is really showing itself! You know this town needs an attitude adjustment. The high school V. Principle showed hisself at last Friday night game. Way to show the kids how to act. between the police and principles showing themselves - how can they scold a child for the same behavior?
Posted by: Me on Nov 19, 2008 at 03:52 PM
I am sure God is dealing with this mans heart as you sit here in your pathetic lives and bash him for a mistake he has made. How do you know what is goin on in this mans life? How do you know what is going on in is heart? Maybe your just bashing him because you have not been caught doing something wrong. Are you all Saints of God? NO, I DONT THINK SO !!!! Takes alot to kick a man while he is down. You all should be a shamed !!!!!!!!!
Posted by: ME on Nov 19, 2008 at 03:44 PM
God will judge you people for your hurtfull words just like he will judge those who deny im in there heart. So be prepared and ask for forgivness for YOUR stupidity and comments.
Posted by: tax payer on Nov 19, 2008 at 03:31 PM
Must have been trained by the chief. What next in this poor town ? We can only pray and hope.
Posted by: Spectator on Nov 19, 2008 at 03:14 PM
OMG - Of course, it had to be in KENTUCKY!! No wonder this area is always made fun of...what an IDIOT! Couldn't he just have stolen what he needed from the police department or city hall or something?? LOL
Posted by: GOD on Nov 19, 2008 at 03:01 PM
ONLY ONE PERSON IS IN PLACE TO JUDGE AND THAT ISN'T YOU!
Posted by: Sad Again on Nov 19, 2008 at 03:00 PM
Hey this is what Raceland wants these type of people. Just look at the Mayor /Chief/ and Sgt he/she. Look they are in the funny papper almost every week. And the poor folks have to pay the price.
Posted by: chuck on Nov 19, 2008 at 02:48 PM
He must have not been writing enough tickets. All they do is hangout at Superquik anyway.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 02:32 PM
I know this young man and he is a fine young man, there has to be a mistake and you are innocent until proven other wise
Posted by: Tim on Nov 19, 2008 at 02:09 PM
They must have not completed an evaluation on this officers character because only an idiot would throw away a job with benefits and decent pay for 22 dollars worth of merchandise. I mean just how stupid do you have to be in this economy to do something so dumb.
Posted by: police officer on Nov 19, 2008 at 02:02 PM
Hey Gullett do you need $22.00 I will loan it to ya if ya need it. By the way could you pick up a few things from Walmart for me.
Posted by: HAPPY on Nov 19, 2008 at 01:54 PM
THIS IS WAY TO FUNNY A COP STEALING FROM WAL MART? OH I FOR GOT HE DIDNT CASH HIS PAY CHECK?
Posted by: Gallia county on Nov 19, 2008 at 01:49 PM
WOW! Times must really be hard.
Posted by: Debbie on Nov 19, 2008 at 01:48 PM
wow really a what was he thinking moment
Posted by: John Allen on Nov 19, 2008 at 01:18 PM
LOL!! What an Idiot... Send this one to Jay Leno...
Posted by: Joanne on Nov 19, 2008 at 01:03 PM
What an idiot! This guy actually had a decent job in this area where job security is questionable at best and he does something like this. That obviously doesn't even touch upon the fact that he was in the very position of upholding the laws and setting proper examples of behavior and betrayed the badge and all those that really do put themselves on the line for us everyday. What a donkey!
Posted by: Melinda on Nov 19, 2008 at 12:43 PM
This should be on america's most stupidest criminals, how are you going to go into a walmart with 5,000 camaras and steal 22.00 worth of stuff. You have got to be out of your mind. the 22.00 is a misdemeanor and I'm sure he knew that. But he will lose his job and to me that isn't even worth it. You threw away a good job for 22.00 dollars you need an MRI.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 12:33 PM
what an embarrassment to his force and his family..$22 he could of pawned his personal gun...what a shamless man he is.and he should be charged to the full extent!!!!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 12:10 PM
WHAT WILL HE STEAL NEXT A DONUT FROM SUPER QUIK IN RACELAND HA HA HA WAY TO GO RACELAND GLAD I DONT LEAVE IN RACELAND HE MIGHT BREAK IN MY HOUSE GO RAMS
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 12:08 PM
JUST LIKE RACELAND TO HIRE SOMEONE U CANT TRUST GO RAMS
Posted by: Pee Wee on Nov 19, 2008 at 11:59 AM
They could have charged him a big fine and let him keep his job. It hurts to pay a big fine and he may have a family who will suffer from this.
Posted by: WOW on Nov 19, 2008 at 11:52 AM
22? maybe you should pay him more. Seriously though, something seems so wrong here. Why would he jeporadize everything including his job?
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 11:25 AM
HOW CAN U TRUST HIM TO WORK FOR U MAYBE HE STOLE THE MONEY FOR THE COURT HOUSE WHAT WILL HE DO NEXT GO RAMS
Posted by: gene on Nov 19, 2008 at 10:47 AM
could'nt he steal enough from the people he pulled over and checked their cars like the hpd does
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