Greece, N.Y. -- Chief Todd Baxter says he learned in early September of allegations against Officer Sam Ross after receiving a phone call.
Ross remained on the job while police learned more information about the allegations. Ross is accused of providing alcohol to an 18-year-old on three separate occasions.
Once police realized there was potential criminal behavior, the Greece Police Department contacted the Monroe County Sheriff's Department.
Officer Sam Ross was charged Friday. He was also suspended with pay. Ross turned in his gun, badge and I.D. and take home car, but was allowed to keep Hunter, his K-9 dog.
Chief Baxter says the dog is "inactive" and will not be used for any police function or investigation.
Baxter says the decision was made to allow Ross to keep Hunter because he is the handler who has trained the dog and worked with him.
He says, depending on the results of this investigation, there is a possibility the two could be a team again.
In the mean time, Greece is once again without a K-9 officer. Chief Baxter says it is disappointing, because he fought for this after he became chief.
He says Ross had successfully trained the dog and used him to track information in several cases.
For now, Greece will have to rely on other police departments if a canine unit is needed.
Hunter is named after Hunter Resch. The young boy was shot and killed by his father.
