Walthourville’s police chief has been suspended and was ordered to turn in his badge and gun, according to a Nov. 9 letter from Mayor Daisy Pray to the chief, Bernie Quarterman.
The letter cites various unsuccessful attempts to hold a “show cause” hearing, though it’s unclear what hearing Pray is referring to. She declined to comment, and Walthourville’s city attorney, Jeff Arnold, said it would be inappropriate for her to speak.
“Mayor Pray has always stood for the practice that any personnel action is privileged for the benefit of the employee and that with any potential adverse action involving an employee the employee is made aware and given the opportunity too address the adverse action,” Arnold said.
Quarterman, who earlier filed a federal “whistleblower complaint” against the city through the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, said Saturday he doesn’t know what adverse action he faces or why.
He said he was told about the suspension by WPD Sgt. Stephen Wright and turned in his badge and gun.
Quarterman, who will be paid during his suspension, claims he and his officers face a hostile work environment and the city did not have adequate police protection at night.
Pray disputed that claim.
More on this story to follow.