Bayou La Batre police officer fired for violating policy remains under investigation for allegations of sexual misconduct

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – A Bayou La Batre police officer who is under investigation for allegations of sexual misconduct with underage girls has been fired.

According to Bayou La Batre Mayor Henry Barnes, William “BJ” Squires was fired after a pre-disciplinary hearing on Oct. 21 for violating a department policy.

Barnes said Squires’ termination is unrelated to the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office’s ongoing investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against him.

Sheriff Paul Burch told FOX10 News this is still a very active investigation.

Last month, deputies executed a search warrant at the Squires’ home in Mobile.

He was immediately suspended with pay until he was fired.

Squires has not been charged with a crime, but Sheriff Burch said more alleged victims have come forward since allegations of sexual misconduct became public.

Gene Williams, the father of one alleged victim, told FOX10 News that his daughter was attacked by Squires 16 years ago after he asked her to send lewd photos of herself.

Williams filed a police report in 2008, but Squires was never charged.

Sheriff Burch said this investigation has hit some roadblocks, but they are still working hard.

“We know there are other victims out there and we know the allegations made against him in that 2009 complaint were a legitimate complaint,” Burch said. “My hopes are that now he is no longer a police officer and I think that under the current changes in APOST, which is the commission that oversees law enforcement certification in Alabama, he will probably lose his certification “.

Sheriff Burch is urging anyone with any new information to come forward.

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