FROM STAFF REPORTS

A Troutman Police Department officer has resigned rather than face possible disciplinary action for inappropriate comments he made recently at Troutman Middle School.

Philip Castronovo, who worked as a resource officer at Troutman Middle School, resigned from the TPD before an internal investigation was completed, Chief Josh Watson told Iredell Free News.

Castronovo was placed on administrative leave on Tuesday, October 10, after the TPD received a complaint about his conduct, Watson confirmed.

Citing N.C. statutes that prevent him from discussing personnel matters publicly, the chief would not comment on why Castronovo was placed on leave.

Watson was clear about the expectations for his officers.

“The Troutman Police Department expects that our officers conduct themselves to the highest standards expected of law enforcement officers and the community that they serve,” Watson said. “We will not tolerate inappropriate conduct or behavior from our officers.”

Castronovo joined the department in June of 2022.

Iredell-Statesville Schools Superintendent Jeff James confirmed that school administrators received a complaint about the Troutman Middle School school resource officer.

That complaint, James said, was referred to the TPD to address because SROs are not school district employees.

The superintendent declined to comment specifically about the incident, but stressed that the district “does not condone any speech from staff, partners or vendors that does not reflect a caring and supportive environment.”

“As a public school, we must always strive to support the diversity in our schools and ensure a safe and inviting atmosphere for all students,” James explained.