Embattled cop out as new allegations emerge
Staff writer
As new allegations emerge, police officer Eric Watts has left the Peabody police force, a spokesman for Kansas Commission on Peace Officers Standards’ and Training confirmed Friday.
His departure came after a Marion County Record investigation revealed allegations against him by Bill Ferguson, sheriff of Mineral County, Nevada.
Since those allegations were brought, additional local allegations have been made.
This week, a Peabody woman shared a recording of a phone call with Watts, in which he repeatedly propositioned her to send a picture of her breasts.
Watts asked the woman 12 times over two minutes. The woman declined or changed the subject seven times.
Watts also says of several women in town: “They want my d—! Just like you, you want my ‘D.’”
It remains unclear whether Watts resigned or was fired. The city of Peabody has not responded to requests for comment made over the phone and over email.
Peabody also has not notified the public over any official channels.
In the Nevada allegations against Watts, Ferguson alleged that the officer had purchased painkillers and solicited sexual favors from a former inmate.
An internal report produced by the Mineral County sheriff’s department outlined further allegations of misconduct and sexual harassment toward inmates.
Watts’ provisional license as a Kansas law enforcement officer was automatically revoked with his departure from the Peabody police force.
It will be reported to a national database of decertified officers, a KSCPOST spokesman said.
The spokesman noted that revocation of Watts’ license was not because of wrongdoing but occurred because he no longer was employed and had not completed full certification.
Watts’ departure leaves the city without a police force. Former Police Chief Philip Crom resigned in early April, citing stress and frequent criticism of the police by locals.
From late 2022 to March 2023, the city also had a stretch without any law enforcement.
Residents reported issues with regard to loose dogs during that stretch.
Sheriff’s deputies will fill in for the meantime.