By DEWEY TERRILL
JC Post
The story about an expletive followed by the word "pig" on a coffee cup served to a Herington police officer at the South Washington Street McDonald's in Junction City on Saturday morning was a hoax.
Police Chief Brian Hornady addressed the matter during a press conference at the McDonald's on Monday evening.
"The investigation conducted by both the Herington Police Department and McDonald's has concluded. In that investigation, we have found that McDonald's and its employees did not have anything whatsoever to do with this incident. This was completely and solely fabricated by a Herington police officer who is no longer employed by our agency."
Hornady confirmed the officer, who he declined to identify for personnel reasons, has resigned. The 23-year old patrol officer, who was a former military police officer for the U.S. Army, had been employed by the Herington Police Department for approximately two months. The former officer is a resident of Junction City.
Hornaday noted that no criminal charges will be filed against the former officer.
"The investigation that I conducted showed that this was meant to be a joke. However, we can see that how something so serious can get so out of control very very quickly. The most important thing that could have been done and should have been in this scenario would be to come forward immediately prior to damage being done, prior to this becoming a nationwide incident. However, unfortunately, that was not done. All we can do is move forward with the knowledge we know now and hopefully we can do something in the future to avoid these types of situations, and to learn from it so that we all grow and become stronger together."
On the decision not to file any criminal charges Hornaday stated he had discussed the entire issue with the Dickinson County Attorney Andrea Purvis.
"At this point, based on the information that she has been provided with, there is not believed to be any criminal charges."
Lenor Brazzi, Director of Operations for the franchisee owner / operator of the McDonald's Restaurant, Dana Cook, read a prepared statement noting that McDonald's appreciated the efforts of the Herington Police Department "to thoroughly investigate this troubling incident. While we're glad that the evidence confirmed our evaluation that the McDonald's and our employees crew members were absolutely not involved, we stand with our community in being disappointed about these actions."
Brazzi stated, "We took seriously our role to be transparent and fully cooperative with Chief Hornaday and his department throughout his investigation. We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with the department moving forward."
Brazzi said their McDonald's family maintains strong respect for all law enforcement members and the military. "It is with great pride that our restaurant is always open to them."
