Editor, The following is written in response to your article on June 10, 2015, discussing the indictment of Crystal Tilley. The Coastal Courier called the City of Walthourville earlier in the week seeking comments on the indictment. Then, as now, it would have been inappropriate for the city to officially comment on this matter. There is an ongoing criminal case, and current city officials and employees may be witnesses or called to give testimony.

All the city can add is what is otherwise publicly available. Mrs. Tilley was sent a letter of “proposed adverse action” on or about Jan. 3, 2014. The letter stated that Mrs. Tilley was to be removed from her position as municipal-court clerk for the following reasons: (1) she failed to properly account for funds turned in to the municipal court of the city of Walthourville, (2) that while the receipt log for court funds was under her control, it became lost, and (3) that when asked by the city accountant to explain several accounting discrepancies, Mrs. Tilley failed/refused to adequately explain these discrepancies. Mrs. Tilley was given the opportunity to have a hearing and rebut these allegations, but failed to do so. She was officially removed from her position on Jan. 14, 2014. During this time frame, the matter was appropriately turned over to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

In regard to former Chief Tracy A. McFadden Sr., he tendered his resignation on Feb. 17, 2015. The city of Walthourville wishes him success in his future endeavors.

Daisy S. Pray
Mayor of Walthourville