Watch CBS News

Richmond Police Officer Loses Job Over Explorer Program Scandal

RICHMOND (CBS/AP) -- A Richmond police officer is out of a job after allegations that he armed adult Explorer scouts so they could work for his private security firm.

Deputy Chief Ed Medina said that Officer Danny Harris was fired Monday but Harris' attorney said his client resigned under pressure.

A second officer, Ray Thomas, was fighting to keep his job and remains on paid leave. He's denied wrongdoing.

Both men also are under investigation by the FBI.

The officers once ran the Police Department's Explorer scout program. Two former scouts said they gave Harris $500 each and he bought them guns illegally, which they carried while working as housing project guards for the officers' security business.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services may have contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.