Ladner Allegations Send Shockwaves Through Community

Allegations surfaced Monday that Holly Springs police officer Shane Ladner lied about earning a Purple Heart in Iraq to attend the "Hunt for Heroes" benefit event last November, where he and his wife were injured by a train that crashed into the parade float they were riding on.

Due to an unrelated matter, Ladner's employment with the Holly Springs Police Department was terminated on April 5.

Fallout from the accusations against Ladner, whose wife Meg lost her left leg in the train collision, is only just beginning.

The popular "Prayers for Shane and Meg Ladner" Facebook page, which promoted fundraisers, pancake breakfasts, and status updates on the Ladner family, has been taken down at the request of Meg Ladner in light of the allegations against Shane.

"...please continue to keep both of them in your prayers, as noone Has been found guilty at this point...we love you all for continued prayers and support!!!!," wrote the administrator of the page in an e-mail.

Others believe the allegations against Ladner are without merit. Holly Briscoe Ertley wrote on Facebook that she believes that military secrecy caused Ladner's personnel records to omit his earning of a Purple Heart.

"There are things we are not supposed to talk about due to the nature of the mission and this was likely one of them," she said.

Holly Springs-Hickory Flat Patch user Jeff Wilbur said that he was reasonably certain Shane Ladner had a Purple Heart license plate, and was curious to learn more about how strenuous the process to get a Purple Heart plate is.

Renee Wilson responded that applicants must bring their DD-214 (military service record) with them to get the tag. DD-214s will show any decorations earned, including a Purple Heart.

Ladner's former employer, the Holly Springs Police Department, had this to say about the allegations:

We are aware of the allegations of false documents against Shane Ladner related to his military service. We are investigating what jurisdiction may have authority over these said allegations. We have been in contact with the local, state and federal agencies that would have authority to bring forward potential criminal charges and prosecution once all evidence is presented.

Stay with Holly Springs-Hickory Flat Patch as this story develops further.

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