Title
Ethics Complaint - Event Eleven involving Councilman Jesse Kerley
Body
SUMMARY:
Councilman Kerley and Interim City Manager Steve Hill did go to Tony Perry and Jim Young, press agents with a news story. Using their City offices, they did release information of a false nature to do harm to Rodney Shoap, the former Police Chief and open up the City for legal action from E.O.C. On or about July 1, 2016 Councilman Kerley notified Tony Perry and Jim Young about Chief Shoap being under investigation for mistreating City employees and his involvement and action surrounding a “gay employee” and claim the Chief had an affair in Lee County, and committed a felony. On a later date, Mr. Hill told Jim Young there was no investigation, it was political talk. Then later Mr. Hill stated it was not true, he had not made that statement (however it was recorded). The fact that Councilman Kerley used his capacity of office to release liable information about a gay police officer shows the recklessness of Councilman Kerley in regards to the liability of the City. This act being an abuse of his office and official oppression.
City Council shall either determine that the complaint has merit, determine that the complaint does not have merit or determine that the complaint has sufficient merit to warrant further investigation. If the Council determines that a complaint warrants further investigation, it shall authorize an investigation by the City Attorney or another individual or entity chosen by the City Council. (§ 1-710(3))
BUDGET ACCOUNT:
Recommended Action
NECESSARY COUNCIL ACTION: Determine merits of complaint