SEMO responds to charges against former police chief
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — Southeast Missouri State University said it is aware of criminal charges filed against former University Police Department Chief Rich Flotron following an investigation into alleged cheating on the December 2025 Missouri Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) examination at the SEMO Law Enforcement Academy.
The university said Flotron’s commission as a university police officer has been revoked and his employment has been terminated.
According to SEMO, university officials took immediate action after learning of the allegations, including consulting with the Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the Missouri Department of Public Safety, which accredits the academy. The university also hired Husch Blackwell to conduct an independent third-party investigation.
SEMO said it implemented all personnel disciplinary actions recommended as a result of the investigation.
After being notified by the prosecutor’s office of a criminal investigation involving Flotron, the university placed him on administrative leave and appointed an interim police chief. Capt. Jason Morgan has served as interim chief since April 30.
“The University remains disappointed by the actions taken by some individuals during the administration of the December 2025 POST exam,” SEMO President Dr. Brad Hodson said in a statement. “Their actions do not represent the high standards SEMO holds all faculty, staff and students to, nor does it represent how seriously we take our role in educating the next generation of law enforcement professionals.”
Flotron was charged Wednesday by the Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office with two counts of forgery and two counts of unauthorized use of the POST exam.
