Title
Ethics Complaint - Event Seven involving Interim City Manager Steve Hill and Councilman Jesse Kerley
Body
SUMMARY:
On July 3, Councilman Kerley and Interim City Manager Hill, under the veil of their office, did release a story to reporters Tony Perry and James Young that Chief Shoap resigned because of a City investigation on mistreatment of employees and an incident with a gay officer. There was no investigation. This press release was malicious; it violated EOC laws and was done to impede Chief Shoap’s right to freedom from slander by officials of the City of Crossville. Councilman Kerley and Interim City Manager Hill, while acting as a public servant, did with malicious intent produce a slanderous story and did commit official oppression T.C.A. 39-16-403
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