Turmoil in Auburn a tale of sex, lies and rumors

Posted by
Mike Buffington
in Auburn Archives
Wednesday, April 13. 2011
Comments (39)
The turmoil that has slammed the Auburn Police Department in the past two weeks is one part a question of leadership, and one part Peyton Place.

Four Auburn police officers have resigned or been fired in the two weeks, including the town’s police chief Fred Brown, and his second in command, Lt. Danny Kerns, both of whom resigned under what appeared to be pressure from city officials.

Sgt. Paul Nadeau was sworn in as interim chief Monday.

Brown and Kerns were reportedly pressured to resign after city officials concluded they had not dealt strongly enough with an officer who had misbehaved while on duty and an officer whose relationship with an 18-year-old girl had raised eyebrows and reports of political pressure.

One situation involved former Auburn police Sgt. Derek Ulrich, who more than a year ago confessed to having had sex while on duty with a local waitress. Brown and Kerns gave Ulrich a verbal warning, but never reported the incident to the mayor and city administrator as required by the city’s personnel policy.

Then last month, an internal affairs investigation determined Ulrich also had falsely claimed to be patrolling subdivisions on five successive night shifts while actually spending much of the time in his parked vehicle sleeping, using his personal cell phone, and paying bills.

For the violations of eight city and departmental policies, Brown suspended Ulrich on March 25 for five days without pay. But four days later, at the apparent insistence of city officials, the chief terminated him.

The other situation that apparently undermined city leaders’ confidence in the APD leadership involved the recent hiring of former Winder Police Department Sgt. Eric Vance, who had just left his 14-year position at WPD after questions were raised about his relationship with the 18-year-old granddaughter of a Winder city councilman.

Vance said this week that he is only mentoring the girl, who for the past two weeks has resided in his home in Commerce. Sources say the girl’s family strongly objects to the friendship and has made those objections known to officials in Winder and Auburn.

The day after Brown and Kerns resigned, interim Auburn police chief Nadeau fired Vance. The termination notice states that he was fired for not coming to work the previous night, but Vance said he has documented proof of a superior officer’s permission to stay home that night.

Vance believes that the real reason he was fired was due to political pressure on Auburn leaders from Winder City Councilman Frank Dunagan and other relatives of the girl.

For the full story, see the April 13 issue of the Barrow Journal.
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#1 Fortitude on 04/13/11 at 12:51 PM [Reply]
That is sad. Though she is only 18, she is an adult and who are they to run any officers private life if it does not affect his/her job performance.
Another councilman in Winder thinking he is has power to say how police should be handled, sounds like a good time to get rid of them.
I dont approve of a relationship that big in age difference, but then again, who is to say what two adults do ?
#1.1 Cindy Robinson on 04/14/11 at 02:20 PM [Reply]
The reason the family of the 18 year old girl is so upset is because Mr. Vance is a MARRIED MAN!!!!!!!!!!!
#1.1.1 really? on 04/14/11 at 05:39 PM [Reply]
Well then I guess she doesn't have a problem because the girl lives with them. So there must not be any romantic involvement or his wife doesn't care. Either way it's none of our business. They are consenting adults doing nothing illegal.
Are you trying to say she is staying there without his wife's knowledge?
#1.1.2 really? on 04/14/11 at 05:42 PM [Reply]
What is his CURRENT wife's name?
#1.1.3 Authorized on 04/15/11 at 10:52 AM [Reply]
No, he isnt. Eric is a great man and friend. He has done a lot of wonderful things and helped a lot of people. It seems that people who want to stick their nose in other people's business need to butt out. Just because you dont like someone dating your granddaughter doesnt give you the right to try and ruin other people's lives.
#1.2 concerned on 04/16/11 at 10:40 AM [Reply]
I hope the city leaders do the right thing and search for a NEW Chief. Nothing against the interm one but is he really the best for the job. I bet there a qualified people that could come in and make that a great police department. The interm Chief was brought up under the Chief and Lieutenant that was forced out. Lets look for someone new!!!
#2 Wowzers on 04/13/11 at 08:15 PM [Reply]
18? A legal adult correct? I think Winder and Auburn could be on the hook for a lot of money here if this officer finds a half way decent attorney! Shouldn't someone look into the Winder officers that are dating other members of the Winder Police Department? I do believe this is the case for a few of the employees up there! It may be a part of a female getting hired! Gotta date a superior!
#3 bob woodward on 04/13/11 at 08:48 PM [Reply]
i think there should have been a bit more "reporting" done for this journalistic piece.
if you are going to name names, why wasn't mr. dunagan ask for his comment?
how old is mr. vance?
why is he no longer employed as a winder police officer?
just what sort of mentoring is mr. vance providing this 18 yr. old girl?
is a person not allowed to question a policemans relationship with their 18 yr old grandaughter because they are a city councilman?
#3.1 Anonymous on 04/14/11 at 05:30 AM [Reply]
Maybe someone should look into when he started mentoring her. What if he had been doing it for several years, like if she was 15 or 16. I could see the grandparents pissed not to mention the father. Mentoring and manipulating. What if you had a daughter and this happened? Look deeper into it people. Don't be quick to scream lawyers cause a guy was terminated.
#3.1.1 Anonymous on 04/15/11 at 04:12 AM [Reply]
LAWYERS, everyone sue it is the American way.
#3.2 really? on 04/14/11 at 11:07 AM [Reply]
Let me help you out here:
"if you are going to name names, why wasn't mr. dunagan ask for his comment"
Good question, they may have but I assure you he will not comment.

"how old is mr. vance"
Doesn't matter one bit, she is 18

"why is he no longer employed as a winder police officer"
I thought that was obvious. He resigned. Uh...under pressure from the councilman.

"just what sort of mentoring is mr. vance providing this 18 yr. old girl"
That is his private life, and her's as well. It's really none of our buisness what she's doing over there. Who cares what the two adults are doing.

"is a person not allowed to question..."
NO especially if it results in any adverse employment consequences.

I see Eric becoming a rich man with both cases. Stay out of people's private lives or you will end up paying.
#3.2.1 Jack Legg on 04/14/11 at 03:56 PM [Reply]
Yew are a stuupid sumbitch. If this "cop" was having an affair with my kid , he would be terminated alright. You "really" are a dumbass to make your statements about parents and grandparents having no say in their kids lives just because they are 19.
#3.2.1.1 really? on 04/14/11 at 05:35 PM [Reply]
Ok, well when you want to write something that actually makes sense let me know.
#3.2.2 A Friend on 04/14/11 at 07:51 PM [Reply]
"I see Eric becoming a rich man with both cases. Stay out of people's private lives or you will end up paying."

Not by a long shot. In the state of Georgia an employee has next to no recourse when his or her employment is terminated. As long as an employer does not terminate an employee for reason of race, age, religion or other federally prohibited reason he or she is off the hook. In Georgia you can be fired for any legal reason or no reason at all.
#3.2.2.1 really? on 04/15/11 at 09:55 AM [Reply]
Yes, you can be fired for no reason or you can be fired for cause. But you can't be fired for the "wrong" reason, which includes the protected classes that you mentioned. There is a State constitutional violation and a Federal violation. You must file in State court first as the former employees in Pendergrass just found out.
As and for the claim of people being to litigious, remember suing got us minimum wage, child labor laws, women’s right to vote, the civil rights act...
Sometimes court is the only civil way of righting a wrong. Otherwise people would be killing each other to make things right. We no longer live in this barbaric state, so people sue. Courts and the Press are what keep government in check.
#4 Fortitude on 04/13/11 at 08:58 PM [Reply]
Yep, hopefully Dorsey will nip it in the bud, quickly before it hits Winder. There are good officers in both departments, just supervisors who take the job as only a paycheck.
If she is 18, the Winder Councilman (this makes two who used their position as influence) should be ashamed of himeself and hold his granddaughter accountable for her choices
#5 Auburn Oldtomer on 04/14/11 at 10:31 AM [Reply]
Who'd ever believed it Corruption in Auburn!!
MMMM!!
#6 really? on 04/14/11 at 10:57 AM [Reply]
If I had an employee that didn't show up for work I would call that employee. You don't know if something is wrong at home or if he had a wreck on the way to work...you just don't know unless you call. I find it very hard to believe Eric's supervisor did not know what was going on and he worked his whole 12 hour shift "not having any idea where ol Eric was". Sloppy, sloppy, sloppy!!! If you are going to fire someone for a reason make sure it's a good reason. Don't make up some lame excuse especially when that person has proof he had the day off. I wondering if the person who gave him permission to be off was one of those that was fired or pressured to leave the department?

@Fortitude,
I agree with everything you said except one thing. The grandfather has absolutely no say in the matter regarding his granddaughter. It doesn't matter how old she is the grandparents (unless they have custody) HAVE NO SAY in the matter. Her parents do, HOWEVER she is 18 so no one has a say in the matter but her. She is an adult. 18 year olds are in playboy all the time and their parents have no say in the matter. 18 year olds go to war for this country. 18 year olds have died for this country. SHE IS AN ADULT.
#6.1 Fortitude on 04/14/11 at 11:23 AM [Reply]
I agree the grandfather has no say so in her business, I dont recall saying anything different other than I wouldnt have a relationship with an 18yr old and I personally do not think anyone else who is 10+yrs older should either.
This will come out in the wash, but it is sad that Eric has to wait until POST clears him before he can get another job and that could take over a year.
Bob Woodward, sorry, but no one should use their position to influence another's job. If the grandfather does not like what his 18yr old grdtr is doing, cut her out of the will or speak to her parents, you dont interfere with a mans career. Vance might not be employed with Winder due to the influnce the councilman had over the chief, so he might went somewhere outside of the scope of Winder ? His age should not matter, she is 18, I dont agree with it, but that is her decision.
Why dont we look at our grandparents and others who married a younger spouse ? He didnt commit any crime, some of your grandparents and parents did by marrying their spouse when they were 14 or so
#6.1.1 really? on 04/14/11 at 01:58 PM [Reply]
Wow you hit he nail on the head!!!Great comment. 14 used to be the magic age for statutory rape. So you're right, there was a time (not too long ago) when 16 was a norm for a bride.
I just don't know who wronged him more, Winder or Auburn.

And by the way, she could do a lot worse than Eric if they are seeing each other. Gramps should know that.



Truncheon
#7 Raised Eyebrow on 04/14/11 at 11:30 AM [Reply]
There seems to be a few comments here with information about this "Eric Vance" situation not printed in this article. I think someone really needs to dig deeper for the rest of the story. I am sure when the effort has been made, everyone will see what kind of person he truly is.
#7.1 Kenny Roell on 04/14/11 at 02:48 PM [Reply]
Some comments are obviously being made by the stupid copper or his equally stupid cop buddies. Cops think they are above the law. Ever heard of being charged FWP?
#8 D Davis on 04/14/11 at 02:39 PM [Reply]
The 18 yr old girl's parents should be upset. A 44 y/o veteran officer of the law used this authoritative figure stature as a crutch to pick up an 18 y/o girl there for assistance. If I were to hit on everyone i picked up in my ambulance i'm sure i'd get some phone numbers, but its inappropriate. Especially for a girl in HIGH SCHOOL. Its something a deviate or a predator does. I believe Radiohead sang a song about this guy in the 90's Creep.
#9 Kenny Roell on 04/14/11 at 03:03 PM [Reply]
why is someone else using my name to post items in your paper? would you please look in to this and fix it. thanks
#10 truth on 04/14/11 at 03:15 PM [Reply]
You people don't know what you are talking about. Not only is he married he has to kids older than her and she is still in high school if it was a teacher doing that they would be fired. And if that was your kid would you be so quick to defend him yall don't have the whole story so don't judge Mr. Dunagan or his family.
#10.1 Wrong, Mr Truth on 04/14/11 at 04:13 PM [Reply]
Maybe you should check it out before you start talking. Dunigan needs to be judged, starting back to when he was in charge of Winder Housing. He was run off from there and probably should have gone to jail. Check it out. And Vance is NOT married, hasn't been for years. I agree there is an age difference, might not lke it if my 18 year old grandaughter did it, but thats her choice, not his. To use his position in Winder, then Auburn, he should be run out of town again, or better yet, charged.
#10.1.1 beachmama on 04/14/11 at 05:40 PM [Reply]
Yes Eric Vance is married he got married Novemember 18th 2006 I know his wife and 6 year old daughter personally you need to check the facts before you speak!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#10.1.2 truth for all on 04/14/11 at 06:05 PM [Reply]
Mr. Vance has been married for several years.Since 2006.He held a position of "honor" in the wpd and the military.Sure doesn't seem too honorable now
#10.1.2.1 really? on 04/14/11 at 06:30 PM [Reply]
So what's your point if he's married or not. If he's married then the girl is staying with them. So his wife obviously has no problem with the situation.

@the first Kenny (maybe not the real one)

If you are talking about me, I'm not a cop. I just believe that cops have it hard enough with the job they do and they certainly do not need their personal life splattered all over the paper. What adults do, as long as it's not illegal, is none of anyone's business. Period. And I'm not the only one who feels this way, just ask the courts.
By the way, what the heck is FWP?
#11 truth on 04/14/11 at 08:28 PM [Reply]
will let me tell u his wife is no longer with him and has filed for divorce u want the truth go to court house look it up alot of truth is fixing to come out so like i said before don't judge Mr. Dunagan
#11.1 Kenny Roell on 04/16/11 at 03:06 PM [Reply]
If he has "filed" for divorce, then he is still married. Thus, he is adulterous vermin and deserves all the opprobrium heaped upon his pointed head.
#12 Fortitude on 04/14/11 at 08:57 PM [Reply]
Most of you are missing the point.
They are both ADULTS ! in whatever relationship it is, there is nothing illegal. Heck, most of you only have an issue with it because he was a police officer. If it was "buddy" who works at Walmart and his girlfriend, no one would care. So why is it a big issue ? because of Winder Councilmen sticking their noses where it does not belong.
2nd, Vance could sue Auburn, Winder and Dunagan for harrasment in the workplace and loss of wages since it can be documented he was singled out and did not violate any law and the punishment he received was more severe than those officers who faced similar issues (missing a day of work w/permission)
#13 dawn on 04/16/11 at 06:22 AM [Reply]
Anytime there is police involved there is always lies, if a police officer can lie to their family, wife they can lie about ANYTHING and Auburn police is good at that trust me I know.
#13.1 Anonymous on 04/18/11 at 04:59 AM [Reply]
This really does not have much to do with the City of Auburn. They had another issue and they handled it. The Mayor and councel did what was the best for there citizens, not like Barrow County or the City of Winder. Many people and close Police friends probally knew of Vance and his little friend. The main fact is here is a Veteran Officer, that mentors a high school student when she is like 15 or 16, then is caught by the girls father doing something wrong. Winder Police does a hush hush and he resigns. Vance was in the military doesn't make him an allstar, Military was glad to get rid of him, go check. A local community group with kids didn't allow him to join them as well they guy had issues. Do some investigating. Put yourself in the grandfathers and Dads shoes for a moment. Go pull some police documents that are public record. The guy was reackless and few fries short a happy meal.
#14 WOW!!! on 04/24/11 at 08:27 PM [Reply]
Dawn, does that mean everyone named Dawn are drug addicts? Must be, if we are going to a stereotype. I went to school with a Dawn and she was bad into drugs. What do you have against the Auburn PD? Did you do something that they needed to act on? Everyone lies at some point in there lives cops, doctors, lawyers...he'll our former president Bill Clinton lied. Start looking in the mirror because people in glass houses Shouldn't throw stones.
#15 jus saying on 04/26/11 at 04:16 PM [Reply]
who cares? No ones business what he does in his private life.
#16 Robert on 04/28/11 at 06:52 PM [Reply]
If anyone wants to know why Barrow County is so backwards they only need read the comments. Emotional comments from people who do not know the law. There are a lot of officers for Winder and the Sheriff's Department that should lose their jobs for not doing them. And it is amazing some people have so much free time to get so involved in other people's private lives.
#17 CA on 05/22/11 at 01:53 PM [Reply]
Another story about your criminal Nazi police force! There is a surprise! Wake up Auburn. The real criminals in Auburn work at the Nazi criminal, civil rights violating police department! They can do what ever they want to!! You have no rights in Auburn or Barrow county!
#17.1 WOW on 05/22/11 at 04:19 PM [Reply]
It's absolutey amazing you beat out a million other sperm!!!
#17.1.1 CA on 05/22/11 at 08:52 PM [Reply]
Dear WOW it was easy! your were one of them!!
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