Updated 03/07/2013 04:56 PM
Two Ellenville police officers under investigation for drug-related video
Two Ellenville police officers are under investigation after being recognized in a rap video that surfaced on YouTube. YNN's Alexandra Weishaupt has more on why this issue is causing such controversy.
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ELLENVILLE, N.Y. -- “I, as the chief, unfortunately, heavy as the head that wears the crown, in this case am very embarrassed,” said Ellenville Police Chief Phil Mattracion.
The Ellenville Police Chief expressed extreme disappointment after two of his men are seen in “20 Bags 30 Bags.” It’s a rap video shot at a private birthday party and produced by local artist “R.H. Bless,” allegedly advocating illegal drug use.
“It doesn’t represent the people of this department and it doesn’t represent the officers. It’s just a momentary lapse of judgment,” said Mattracion.
Pictures obtained by YNN show images of the video in question, which has since been removed from the video sharing site. Officials say they’re now looking into whether their actions violated department protocol.
“Cameras are the great optical allusion of the world and things can be done and that’s what we’re looking into. How much was it edited? Was there knowledge? Did they actively participate?” said Mattracion.
It’s an internal investigation the mayor is calling, “unfortunate.”
“You're held to a higher level when you are a police officer and the ramifications can be far reaching,” said Village of Ellenville Mayor Jeff Kaplan.
And the chief is calling a learning lesson for all.
“We live in a technologically advanced society. Social media with all its benefits can be so detrimental to a person’s life it can be disastrous and follow you around forever,” said Mattracion.
A 7 p.m. meeting will be held Monday in Ellenville. There the village board will take up the issue behind closed doors.