Several months ago, my matter with the Town of Kenly was resolved following an investigation by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. In its May 2024 Letter of Determination, the EEOC found reasonable cause to believe that I had been discharged because of my race and in retaliation for previously engaging in protected civil rights activity.

 

Because the circumstances surrounding my departure from Kenly were highly publicized, I believe it is important that the public record also reflect the outcome of the reviews and investigations that followed. At the time the allegations arose, the Town commissioned an investigation conducted by a neutral third-party investigator. That review did not corroborate the allegations that had been publicly reported, as the Town acknowledged.

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The EEOC’s subsequent findings further affirmed what I had maintained from the outset: the account publicly presented during that period was inconsistent with the conclusions later reached following review of the evidence. These matters were reviewed independently and through separate processes.

 

Although the matter was ultimately resolved through settlement, the process took far longer than it should have. The findings and resolution nonetheless represent an important acknowledgment of what occurred and helped correct a public understanding that, for a significant period of time, did not accurately reflect the facts.

 

Because the events surrounding my departure received substantial public attention, some online articles and records continue to reflect the allegations initially reported during that period. Those reports do not reflect the later findings of the third-party investigation or the EEOC’s determination following its review of the evidence.

 

Being publicly accused of conduct that was not substantiated carried significant professional and personal consequences. Although later findings reached conclusions inconsistent with the allegations that shaped the public discussion at the time, the effects of that period have been lasting.

 

Throughout this process, I remained committed to conducting myself professionally and in a manner consistent with the values that have guided my career in public service. I remain committed to integrity, accountability, transparency, and principled leadership in the communities and organizations I serve.

 

My purpose in issuing this statement is not to revisit past events, but to ensure that the public record reflects the outcome of these reviews and that my professional character is understood within its proper context.

 

With this matter now resolved, I remain focused on moving forward and continuing the work that has defined my career in public service.

 

At this time, I will not be offering additional public comment regarding the matter.

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Related Document:

 

EEOC Letter of Determination (May 2024)