Associated Press
WASHINGTON – Two District of Columbia police officers assigned to the unit that provided an 80-mph escort for actor Charlie Sheen from a Virginia airport to his show in Washington have been transferred.
An internal police document obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press shows that Lt. Stuart Emerman and Capt. Robert Atcheson have been removed from the department's Special Operations Division, which provides escorts. D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier said Wednesday evening that the transfers weren't punishment for the Sheen escort and that the investigation into the ride continues.
Officers from that division gave Sheen an escort April 19 from Dulles International Airport to a performance at DAR Constitution Hall. The escort drew attention after Sheen tweeted about it and posted a photograph showing a speedometer register about 80 mph. The concert promoter reimbursed the city for the cost of the escort.
Emerman was a lieutenant in the division's planning unit, which oversees escorts and major details, and Atcheson was his captain. The two were transferred to patrol services and school security bureaus in different police districts. A third member of the division who was involved in canine patrol was also transferred. Three officers were transferred into the division.
Reached at home Wednesday evening, Emerman said he was not told the reason for his transfer, but suspected it had to do with Sheen.
"I am aware I am under investigation and this is the only investigation that I have had in many years. That is the only investigation I am a target of," Emerman said.
Atcheson declined comment.
The department document, dated Friday and signed by Lanier, lists nearly two dozen transfers and special detail assignments for officers. Lanier said such transfers are published weekly.
"Numerous personnel changes were made for the efficiency of the Department. None of those personnel actions on Friday's teletype were disciplinary in nature related to this investigation," she said in a written statement.
Lanier said in April that Sheen's escort appeared to violate police protocol, though she stressed last month that police escorts can be given to celebrities when there are concerns about security or crowd control. The internal affairs division has been investigating the escort. Lanier said the investigation is continuing.
The Associated Press reported last month that other celebrities, including Jay-Z and Bill Gates, have received escorts in the last two years. The D.C. Council committee that oversees the police department has scheduled a hearing for later this month on the escorts.
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