Bluffton Police Chief Investigation Continues Amid Allegations
BLUFFTON — The Bluffton community is buzzing with the news surrounding their Chief of Police, Joseph Babkiewicz. Town officials are currently digging into claims made against him by a former colleague, and the whole situation has everyone talking.
The investigation into Chief Babkiewicz was sparked when Town Attorney Terry Finger received an affidavit on October 21 from Sean Cecchini, a former police officer from Bloomfield, Connecticut. Cecchini, who claims to have helped train Babkiewicz over 20 years ago, alleges that the chief’s motivations for probing into four members of his department might not be as pure as some would hope.
From Training to Tension
The affidavit reflects an array of allegations against Babkiewicz, including a questionable detail on his job application from 2008. Cecchini accuses him of not disclosing involvement in a lawsuit regarding an alleged incident of police misconduct. Besides that, there are claims about Babkiewicz engaging in a *side gig* related to a colleague’s moving business, hinting at all sorts of potential *grifts* and personal vendettas.
In a cautious response to these serious allegations, Babkiewicz stated that he is wary of commenting further due to the ongoing criminal investigation. “I trust the legal process will bring clarity as the case unfolds, and I will let that process run its course,” he expressed, emphasizing his desire to respect the legal proceedings ahead.
Investigation Details
Despite the weight of these allegations, Town Manager Stephen Steese announced that there is currently no need to place Babkiewicz on administrative leave. He mentions that the inquiry is mainly *personnel-related* and necessary to ensure the integrity of the police department. Still, he leaves the door open for further investigation if circumstances change as new information is uncovered.
The saga began in May when Babkiewicz made the decision to place four officers on administrative leave. This step led to investigations involving both the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and the State Law Enforcement Division, but details have trickled out slowly, often redacted in public records. The lack of clarity has left residents anxious for more information about their local law enforcement.
Looking Back at Past Incidents
Breaking it down further, two former department members, Sgt. Bonifacio Perez and Thomas Rauchfuss, have been indicted for stealing guns from the department. Perez, who has been fallen from grace, is accused of public official misconduct, which adds a layer of complexity to Babkiewicz’s decision to investigate. The other two officers on leave, Sgt. Matthew Ferrelli and Capt. Donald “Scott” Chandler, have not faced charges, though Ferrelli briefly returned to work after a short suspension.
A Personal Examination
Interestingly, Cecchini is not a random whistleblower. He is very much intertwined in this situation, having previously worked alongside Babkiewicz and even lived next door to him. In fact, he’s the godfather to Babkiewicz’s daughter! After witnessing issues within the department, Cecchini felt compelled to speak out, hoping that the investigation would help the agency move forward on solid ground.
A Community in Suspense
Amidst all this drama, the Bluffton community is left waiting to see what unfolds. Many are hopeful that clarity will be achieved soon, so the town can return to the safety and peace it deserves. Babkiewicz, who joined the Bluffton Police Department in 2008 and rose to chief in 2022 after a competitive selection process, now finds himself under intense scrutiny.
As Chief Babkiewicz’s future hangs in the balance, the community watches closely, waiting for resolution in this ongoing investigation. Will the truth come out, and will Bluffton’s police force emerge stronger from this situation? Only time will tell.
