FERNDALE, Wash. — City of Ferndale Spokesperson Riley Sweeney told Whatcom News via email today, August 23rd, that Ferndale Police Officer Michael Scott Langton’s employment had been terminated effective yesterday.
Langton was arrested July 26th and has been charged with suspicion of 2nd degree attempted child molestation. He posted a $40,000 bond on August 1st.
Sweeney said Bellingham Police are continuing to investigate the charge while an internal investigation is being carried out by the City of Ferndale.
Langton had been on paid administrative leave since his arrest. Sweeney said since Langton is not allowed to carry a firearm while awaiting trial, he is not able to respond in case of an emergency. As a result, the city terminated his employment due to “an inability to carry out his duties.”
Sweeney said that was not the case while Langton had been on a paid administrative leave last year due to a claim that he violated his terms of employment that was deemed unsubstantiated after an internal investigation. “In the event of an emergency, he could have been called in and performed his duties,” Sweeney told Whatcom News.
The decision was made by Ferndale Police Chief Kevin Turner in consultation with the city’s attorney and administrative staff according to Sweeney.
Does it take an act of Congress to improve our screening process for these people? For cryin’ out loud, we citizens are at risk from those expected to protect us.