The former police chief of Boiling Spring Lakes has pleaded guilty to charges stemming from an investigation involving his son, who is a convicted felon.District Attorney Jon David said Emmett Ballree pleaded guilty on Friday in Brunswick County District Court to willfully failing to discharge his duties as a police officer.Ballree received a 45-day suspended sentence and probation as a first-time offender. As part of his sentence, he must surrender his law enforcement certification.The State Bureau of Investigation had looked into allegations that Ballree allowed his son to possess and fire an automatic weapon under his supervision at a law enforcement firing range.Michael Ballree Jr. was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon and was convicted last July.

The former police chief of Boiling Spring Lakes has pleaded guilty to charges stemming from an investigation involving his son, who is a convicted felon.

District Attorney Jon David said Emmett Ballree pleaded guilty on Friday in Brunswick County District Court to willfully failing to discharge his duties as a police officer.


Ballree received a 45-day suspended sentence and probation as a first-time offender. As part of his sentence, he must surrender his law enforcement certification.

The State Bureau of Investigation had looked into allegations that Ballree allowed his son to possess and fire an automatic weapon under his supervision at a law enforcement firing range.

Michael Ballree Jr. was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon and was convicted last July.