Allegations surface, shock Niles community

March 29, 2011|By John Paul (jpaul@wsbt.com), Click here to follow John on Twitter | By John Paul (jpaul@wsbt.com), Click here to follow John on Twitter

NILES — A local police officer faces serious sex charges and people who know this officer say the allegations are shocking.

Ivery Cross is accused of criminal sexual misconduct with a male inmate. These charges could mean life in prison if he is convicted.

For the people who knew Cross, the allegations against the Niles High School athlete and alum, former security aide and police officer are shocking.

"He was always in the crowd doing something," said Andrew Larocco, who went to high school with Cross. "He pulled me over one time. I asked him -- 'I didn't think you'd be a cop I thought you'd be in the NBA or college or something.' It's very surprising to see the trouble he is in now."

Cross faces preliminary charges including multiple counts of criminal sexual misconduct in the first and second degree.

Investigators said on March 17, Cross had inappropriate sexual contact with a male inmate while on duty, in a holding cell at the law enforcement complex in Niles.

We wanted to get reaction from Cross' parents. We called the couple at their Niles home.

When we didn't get an answer, we went to the house to leave our contact information, no one answered, but four women in a gray car kept their eye on us as we talked to neighbors about very serious allegations against the 25-year-old.

"I'm very surprised by it,' said Harry Lockridge, who knew Cross. "He was always a respectable young man. We used to golf together. He always treated me with respect."

"It's pretty devastating for everybody, especially his family," said Lockridge. "I know it's hard on them. I hope the best for him."

The Prosecutor's Office is currently reviewing the charges against Cross.

Right now the preliminary charges against him are:

One count of criminal sexual conduct in the first degree

Two counts of criminal sexual conduct in the second degree

One count of obstructing justice

Cross will be arraigned Thursday. The officer is out of jail on $25,000 bond.

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