Pelham SRO resigns after investigation into inappropriate text messages to high school students, police say

A Pelham police officer has resigned following an investigation into possible inappropriate messages with a student.

The officer, who has not been identified by police, was initially placed on leave in September.

Officials announced Friday that an independent investigation by Alabaster police into the Pelham Park Middle School officer found no crimes were committed by the officer.

“However, the SRO violated the policies of the City of Pelham and Pelham City Schools. As a result of these policy violations, the officer has resigned.”

Police Chief Brent Sugg said in a September news release that the department received information from the parent of a former Pelham Park Middle School student.

The parent reported that a student had communicated with the high school resource officer via text messages. “The messages were from late May 2024 and can be considered inappropriate,” Sugg’s statement said.

The chief said there was no evidence that physical contact occurred or was suggested.

The officer was immediately placed on leave and did not return to the school.

“The safety of our students and community remains our top priority and we will continue to work closely with Pelham City Schools to ensure our policies and procedures are strictly followed,” the police news release said. “The Pelham Police Department is committed to being transparent without community involvement and holding our officers to the highest standards of conduct.”