A Scottish domestic abuser who landed a high-ranking position as a jailer in the US has been dismissed after his past came to light. Andrew Parr, also known as Drew Gillespie, managed to secure the role of deputy sheriff by marrying an American woman he met online within three months. However, it has been revealed that Parr, 36, failed to disclose two convictions to the authorities, including one for domestic abuse. The Bremer County Sheriff’s Department in Iowa took action by terminating his employment.
Originally from Hawick, Parr had deceived his Scottish partner, claiming he was working in Amsterdam before moving to the US and marrying another woman. His ex-wife in the US has expressed her desire to see him prosecuted for fraud and returned to Scotland. She met Parr on TikTok in December 2021 and was told various fabricated stories about his background, including false claims about serving in the military and being an ambulance driver. Despite having five children in Scotland, Parr had lied to his US wife about not having any kids.
After their marriage, Parr’s abusive behaviour emerged as he accused his wife of infidelity. His lies began to unravel when she conducted her own investigation and discovered his true background, including his previous marriages and children. The sheriff’s office where Parr was employed has been approached for comment on the matter.
The exposure of Parr’s deceptive history has shed light on the need for thorough background checks in hiring processes, particularly for roles involving law enforcement and public safety. The case serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of dishonesty and the importance of transparency in professional settings.