Seven current and former officers named after messages were uncovered during separate misconduct probe
By Coastal Carolina News Staff Writer
REGIONAL NEWS:
CHARLOTTE NC — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) has publicly identified seven current and former officers connected to an investigation involving racist text messages that were discovered during a separate misconduct probe.
The matter came to light during a July 2026 investigation into former CMPD officer Seth Elliott, who was accused of misusing the department’s Flock automated license plate reader system while on duty. According to investigators, data collected from Elliott’s phone led to the discovery of text messages that – prompted a broader internal review.
CMPD later identified the officers connected to the investigation as Seth Elliott, Mateo Juarez, Joseph Kelly, Alexander Larsen, Tredan Maronic, Matthew Osborn, and Jeremiah Todman.
During an October 15 news conference, CMPD Chief Estella Patterson said the messages displayed racial, sexual and religious biases. Patterson said the department conducted reviews of body-worn camera footage, arrest records, traffic-stop data and citizen complaints involving the officers.
She also requested federal review for possible civil-rights concerns.
According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), five officers resigned after being suspended, while Todman remained suspended pending further review. Elliott had previously resigned during the separate Flock investigation.
The case has drawn scrutiny from the North Carolina NAACP, whose state president, Corine Mack, has called for decertification of officers found responsible so they cannot serve elsewhere in law enforcement.
The investigation remains ongoing, and federal authorities have been asked to review whether any civil-rights violations occurred.
© 2026 CoastalCarolinaNews.com. All rights reserved.
Be the first to comment