Correction: In the print version of this story, Chris Lovell is erroneously listed as president of Richmond Hill Bank. He is no longer in that position. We regret the error.

When Richmond Hill released the names of six candidates for the position of city manager Friday afternoon, city officials said the list was based solely on resumes and the city was in the process of doing background checks.
But a quick search of the internet turned up surprising news on the first candidate on the alphabetized list, Stevie Cox, town manager of Chadbourn, N.C.

According to WECT Channel 6 News’ website and a 2011 story on the Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer’s website, Cox was indicted last year for impersonating a police officer, among other charges stemming from a March 15, 2011 traffic stop.

In an email returned late Friday afternoon, Cox gave a statement about the incident.

"On March 15, 2011, I was travelling with the Mayor and two members of the Town's ABC Board on town business.  I was driving a grey Ford Explorer normally driven by our police chief.  I was stopped by an officer and charged with speeding and 'impersonating a police officer.' I admit that I was driving a little too fast. I certainly was not acting as a police officer, but as the town manager driving an unmarked vehicle due to the fact that no other town vehicle was available for our trip to Raleigh.  This matter should be resolved in the near future," his email said.

Read more in the April 14 edition of the News.

Note: The printed article in the April 14 edition of the News does not include comments from Cox due to the receipt of his response after presstime.