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RESTORE: PUBLIC TRUST ADVISORY OPINION « os YA iw a DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF ETHICS Op, c/o Clerk of the Governing Authority Vey Manuel J. Maloof Center Peg 1300 Commerce Drive ~ 520 Decatur, Georgia 30030 "Thies Ig REQUEST FOR ADVISORY OPINION 50apn “The Board of Ethics is authorized to reader advisory opinions on the interpretation and application of matters set forth in Seetion 2A of the DeKalb County Code of Ordinances, known as the Code of Ethics, to all persons who seck advice as to whether « particular course of conduct would constitute a violation. Persons requesting an advisory pinion should complete the following information, sign, and detiver in person, or by U.S. Mail, or by ovemight delivery service to the Clerk at the above address. Requests for advisory opinions received by the Clerk at Teast ten (10) days prior toa scheduled mecting will be considered at that meeting. 1, Name of the (s) requesting the advisory opinion: Name(s): Address: ‘at io, SORT Daytime phone number: (770) 2S lo- OO SY Evening phone number: (GY YL -9S/ Yo E-mail address Aestore Nekoi @qmad. cam 2. State with specificity the ature of your request for an advisory opinion. Identify the specific conduct and that you seek advice on. (Attach additional pages as necessary) By opinion Ne: C 5 ya ee ¥5 Suc) lace Pubic Test bd aca Paton On er documen Thereby request that the Board of Ethics consider this request for an advisory opinion. I certify that the request is submitted in good faith. Lagree to receive sespice of notices via the email address set forth above. Yes “No __ Date: Fe f- ZOl lp Rocsved by cok — date A Restore Public Trust Advisory Opinion VIOLA DAVIS AND JOEL EDWARDS I, Viola Davis, with Unhappy Taxpayer & Voter and Restore DeKalb, submit a new request and report detailing and summarizing an ethics complaint (alleged criminal activity, wrongdoing and malfeasance) against Sharon Barnes Sutton and others within DeKalb County government to the new DeKalb Board of Ethies (2016). I had and continue to have the support of Restore DeKalb with Joel Edwards and a group of citizens striving to “restore” transparency, ethies and accountability in our local and state government. ‘We request an advisory opinion because new evidence, documentation and witnesses have come forth to prove the code of ethics and state law were violated. ‘The additional information will prove that the actions of a select group of elected officials and top administrators undermined the Jaw to the point that the ethics case against Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton would need to be forwarded to: 1, A Special Prosecutor with the District Attorney and/or Solicitor General’ office. ‘The District Attomey Robert James has a conflict of interest with Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton due to his close relationship with Warren Mosby, the prior boyfriend of Bares Sutton and James’ campaign consultant. 2. An expansion of the Public Integrity Unit to include a cross section of law enforcement such as the local police department under Dr. Cedric Alexander with the FBI/GBI as oversight agents. The Public Integrity Unit investigates allegations of wrongdoing by elected officials and appointed officials. ‘We presented an earlier ethics complaint against Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton and Judy Brownlee to the DeKalb County Board of Ethics that was well documented and showed Barnes Sutton and Brownlee violated codes within Section 22A (c) (1-7) of the DeKalb County Code of Ordinances known as the Code of Ethics. Unfortunately, Barnes Sutton filed a lawsuit against the Board of Ethics proclaiming the board was unconstitutional. She questioned the authority of the boatd to sit in judgment of officials’ behavior, arguing that it undermines the fundamental due process rights. Despite DeKalb voters approving the new ethics law by 92% back in November of 2015, Sharon Bares Sutton delayed the ethics board hearings which ultimately denied the public justice. Page 1 of 4 Erica Harris’ Complaint of Retaliation: Erica Harris-Williams worked for DeKalb County in the Board of Commissioners’ office for over five years and had a good performance record prior to being terminated. Harris-Williams experienced retaliation because she refused to conceal and/or cover up the fact that she received a directive from Morris Williams, the Chief of Staff for the Board of Commissioners, to assist Commissioner Sharon Batnes Sutton with a political fundraiser at the Mystery Valley Golf Club during county work hours. Harris sent us documentation that further proved our ethics complaint, rises to the level of a crime that needs to be forwarded to the office of the District Attomey and the Solicitor-General. We are presenting this new documentation to the Board of Ethics to review and evaluate to deliver an advisory opinion that will move this issue forward and away from the delay tactics of Barnes Sutton and her supporters. ‘The initial statement from Erica Harris-Williams is as follows: In July 2012, I was accused of writing an anonymous letter that came to the BOC Office and to the Clerk, Barbara Sanders. The letter noted how workers from the BOC Clerk's Office had worked on a campaign for Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton, «The letter was received by the Clerk's Office and Ms. Sanders, as always made copies and gave a copy to each Commissioner and Chief of Staff, Morris Williams ‘+ Mr. Williams immediately proceeded to call and we all meet in Ms. Sanders Office and Mr. Williams asked if we would complete leave slips because if we didn't it would be his ss. He offered to pay us and the conversation went about 10 minutes and we all said ‘no. Iwas not willing to lie, Because I was not willing to lie, cover up or hide anything, Mr. Mortis Williams and Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton launched an attack on me. At the time, Presiding Office Lee May stood by and supported every action of Mortis, Williams toward me and did nothing to stop it, nothing! # Twas the Special Project Coordinator who handled the following tasks and much more: Supporting the Clerk, Payroll, Benefits, Oracle, P-Card, Personnel and the list goes on. After I was accused, I was removed from under the Clerk's Office, stripped of all duties and was forced to move into a different office. Once the move happened, I was responsible to making sure the copier was filled with paper and relieving Melanie Gresham-Smith for lunch. For 14-15 months, this is what I did every day. Everybody stood by and did nothing. Page 2 of 4 # The environment was hostile, oppressing, depressing and I was the target. For months, no ‘one would have anything to do with me, I was frowned upon and looked over... but 1 came to work every day. I cried, I was confused and there was no one in leadership who cared or did anything, ‘They sat back and watched Morris Williams embarrass me, ridicule ime, talk about me, lie on me, investigate me and most of all Humiliate me in front of everyone - as word spread quickly. It was a slave mentality and the master was out to make someone pay for this anonymous letter and I was the target - WHY? This is still the questions... ‘+ Edmond Richardson knew all about what was happening and he assisted me in moving to the Human Development Department in September of 2013. Well, Morris Williams had a conversation with Dale Phillips, Director of HD and Morris response to him was "I don't give a damn what you do with her." Iwas successfully moved to HD, only to be fired at a later date. Because Mr. Phillips was connected to Mr. Williams, I endured more oppression in the HD Department. ‘+ When you do not cooperate, you are lied on and blackballed and moved to another department, only to be terminated at some point for no reason. Erica Harris claimed she was an emotional basket case. She stated that when she spoke to the DA's Office, she cried because it was as if it happened yesterday and to date, she still gets emotional Decause of the scar it left. Hostile Work Environment and Retaliation ‘The documentation and witnesses will prove that employees working for DeKalb County would receive directives to assist elected officials such as Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton and prior ‘Commissioner Connie Stoke on political campaigns during work hours. If the employees refused, they were intimidated and retaliated against to the point of termination. Top administration such as ‘Lee May is allegedly accused of having full knowledge of county workers helping elected officials during work hours and neglected to stop such practices, especially acts of retaliation. We are submitting the following documents: 1. Brica Harris? EEOC Documentation. 2, Erica Hartis’ Emails, Memorandums, and other documents. 3. Political fundraising — Staff Signatures, Anonymous Letter, Emails, Memorandum and other documents. Page 3 of 4 In conclusion: ‘This new request for an advisory opinion to the new Board of Ethics is delivered against Barnes Sutton and others. The serious complaints, an ethics and advisory opinion, against Barnes Sutton and Brownlee are presented for the purposes of requesting these issues move forward. ‘Thus far, we have presented complaints that have enough evidence to warrant criminal investigations. We have presented complaints that ate factual, well rescarched and command results. ‘There are those who claim we must end these cases for the county to move forward. However, how can we end cases that have not ever “teally been open”. Public trust and confidence in the integrity of our governing authority is at an all-time low. Laws, with respect to conduct of members of our governing authority, have been established to protect against conflicts, criminal activity, wrongdoing and malfeasance. In ofder to restore trust and confidence in our County's govemment, the "Cloud of Corruption” must be removed and we respectfully implore you, the FBI, GBI and DeKalb County Board of Ethics to take immediate action. Once again, we strive to present enough documentation and evidence to have this case classified as a RICO case. If you have questions or require additional information, we can be contacted at the phone and/or email listed below. Respectfully presented, Viola Davis Community Missionary Phone: 770-256-0034 Email: unhappytaspayers@gmail.com Page 4 of 4 = DeKalb County Board of Commissioners eee) Ta: Members, DeKalb County Commission PECK IE From Commission Central Staff Fea os Staff of the Clerk to the CEO and BOC & 2019 THicg B Date: April, 2012 OAR Subject’ Local 2012 Primaries and Elections With local elections this summer and fall, the members of both the Clerk’s Office ar Central Staff signed below will voluntarily adhere to the following guidelines concerning participation in the primaries and elections for offices in DeKalb County. A, All the signed individuals will refrain from being active participants in any individual campaigns for an office of DeKalb County during their regularly scheduled working hours, including but not limited to: + Being a candidate for public office; © Actively campaigning for or against a candidate; © Coltecting contributions or assisting in politcal fund raising functions; Organizing or managing political rallies or meetings; or Holding office in politica’ clubs or parties. 8. This prohibition does not extend to the following acts concerning campaigns for an office of DeKatb County. including bat not limited to: + Providing public information or dis DeKalb County regardless oftheir affiliation with any campaign: + Privately expressing personal opinions on candiclates and issues; * Contributing money toa political campaign: or © Casting 2 vote in any primary or election. ing information upon request to any citizen of This voluntary adherence wit! commence with each individual's signature and stay in ptace until all elections for DeKalb County offices are compiete in 2012 filer Andy 8P-—tfy fran. Ll «Lpin Je Macbror pene Ludied Hie Laton’sitedife Ze Vekleelbns. «>> Melanie Gresham Smith Dai Pcs Lo Mimi Hawkins/ Date Dionne McKenzie/Date / * Barbara H.Senglers/Daje eR J. Jak Vinicki/Date alate! ~ Mono | Meloof Center» 1200 Commerce Drive * Decatur, Georgia 30030 (404) 371-2866 « Fax (409) 371-7004 Exhcb;] | boeument A July 12, 2012 RECEIVED Board of Commissioners/WSB-TV News 1300 Commerce Drive, 5 Fl. JUL 16 2012 Decatur, GA 30030 oe CLERKS OFFICE Dear Commissioner: | write to you conceming activity in your office that should be investigated. Let's get to the point again. Your Chief of Staff Morris Williams is never in the office and recently he has been missing from Board Meeting and no one knows where he is. Mr. Williams is never in the office, he is always on the golf course or to high to come in and you stand by and do nothing, that shows your approval of his behavior and lack of leadership. He has never done any work, even under Vernon Jones Administration. How long will you deal with paying a man with tax payers money who is never in the office. Does the County pay him to play golf? Or Do you all pay him to make under the table money/deals for you? ‘Again, because Mr. Williams is never in the office, the front reception area is toud, unprofessional with no customer service skills, but much attitude just out of order and has been happening for years with your knowledge. People are always standing around gossiping, talking loud and if you think your receptionist is for you look again she talks about everybody in that office in a bad way and does what she wants and you approve of it again. Your staff was told to assist Commissioner Barnes Sutton at her campaign fundraiser at the fundraiser and Mr. Williams stated they were volunteering but according to a source they all ‘were paid and that goes against policy and the statement you had all to sign. | was very surprised to see the Clerk to the CEO & BOC serving food as a Director, oh but you all don't care, cause Morris Williams run the show that is going bankrupt. Open records request will follow on that. ‘Commissioners Mr. Williams is a liability to you all and you all need to clean up your front reception area. Eyes are everywhere, people are talking and letters will continue until something is done, July 31°. Thanks again, concerned citizens of DeKalb County. Echibst | Secumen RESTORE DEKALE RESTORE DEKALB EXHIBITS AND DOCUMENTATION EXHIBIT 1 DOCUMENT A: The Memorandum was written April 4, 2012 setting guidelines concerning participation in the primaries and elections for offices in Dekalb County. All the signed individuals agreed to refrain from being active participants in any individual campaign for an office of Dekalb County during their regular scheduled working hours to include collecting contributions or assisting in political fundraising functions. (1 page) DOCUMENT B: ‘An anonymous letter written to the Dekalb Board of Commissioners and WSB-TV News on July 12, 2012 concerning the following: 1. The staff working for the Clerk’s Office was directed to a: Sutton’s political fundraiser by Morris Williams, Chief of Staff for the BOC. The practice of making staff members work for elected officials’ campaign was a directive that had employees of DeKalb County afraid of intimidation, retaliation and termination. 2. Mortis Williams was allegedly accused of never working in the office and always on the golf course. The letter also claimed the Board of Commissioners “stand by and do nothing, even under the Vernon Jones Administration”. (1 page) RESTORE DEKALB RESTORE DEKALB EXHIBITS AND DOCUMENTATION EXHIBIT 2 DOCUMENT A: On July 16, 2012, the Clerk's staff wrote a letter documenting their beliefs of events surrounding the Sharon Barnes Sutton’s campaign fundraiser on June 29, 2012 at Mystery Valley Golf Course. (2 pages) DOCUMENT B: On July 16, 2012, Barbara Sanders, DeKalb County's Clerk, wrote a letter explaining she was directed to invite her staff to attend and assist with serving at the Golf Tournament on behalf of Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton. (2 pages) DOCUMENT c: On July 17, 2012, Morris Williams wrote a letter concerning an apparent smear campaign and false accusations. (1 page) DeKalb County Board of Board of Commissioners Commissioners woe ain Byes, Ds “Jeff Rader District 2 Larry L,Johson, Distriet3 ‘Sharon Barnes Suto, District ¢ Lee May, Distt 5 ‘Kathie Gannon, Distriet 6 ‘Stan Watson, District Larry Johnson, MPH Presiding Officer Department of the County Clerk July 16, 2012 ‘Mr. Mortis E. Williams, Ill, Chief of Staff Barbara H. Sanders, Clerk DeKalb County Board of Commissioners Decatur, GA 30030 Dear Mr, Williams and Ms. Sanders: This letter is to document our beliefs of events surrounding the Sharon Barnes Sutton campaign fimdraiser on Tune 29, 2012 at Mystery Valley Golf Course. Upon receiving an email from our Director, Barbara Sanders advising us that we should plan to attend the function, we immediately came to her office and brought a copy of the letter from our Chief of Staff dated April 4, 2012 which we all signed stating that we would not participate in any campaign functions during any scheduled working hours (see attached memo). We brought this to Ms, Sanders” attention and she advised that Mr. Williams stated that she should direct her staff to attend the fundraiser and serve. In addition, we could also have lunch. Ms. Blackman was in the office during this conversation. Melanic Gresham Smith, a clerk office employee was also directed to attend, stated that she was not going to attend to a staff member, as it violated the ‘memo signed on April 4, 2012. At 12:30 p.m, we left DeKalb County, Maloof Building, traveling to Mystery Valley Golf course with an arrival time of 1:09 p.m. Upon arrival we were advised to eat lunch and shortly thereafter, we were advised to commence eating as the golfers were arriving in the clubhouse, At that time Doris, Mimi, Erica and Barbara began serving lunch. Natasha Kennedy was the reception area hostess, handing out goody bags. At the completion of the event, staff cleaned up and was advised by Mr. Williams that we could take food home. He did not direct us to go back to work after the event. On July 16, 2012, our Director received an anonymous letter stating that we participated in serving during regular scheduled working hours for Commissioner Sharon Bames Sutton’s fundraiser at the direction of our Chief of Staff. rs and Chief Executive Omficer ‘The Manuel J. Maloof Center + 1300 Commerce Drive, S™ Floor » Decatur, GA 30030 « (404) 371-2886» Fax (404) 371-7004 www.codekalb.gaaus FxnibitZ boeumen} A ‘Our Chief of Staff was informed about the letter and upon a conversation with our Director advised her to secure leave requests for time worked during the event. Our Director called us into a meeting regarding the request and we immediately decided that we should not submit a leave slip after the fact which would contradict the memo of April 4, 2012. Our Director then contacted the Chief of Staff and informed him that we would not submit leave slips. He then requested a conference call with staff. At 1:57 pam. we discussed with the Chief of Staff how we felt it was inappropriate and not fair to direct us to submit leave request after the fact as we were afiaid of being reprimanded. He stated that he would pay each of us according to our hourly rate of time and that would rectify the situation as he felt he had made a grave mistake. After an agreement was not met or reached, he decided that he would reimburse the County for time worked during the fundraiser. Itis our desire to follow all policies and procedures of DeKalb County without compromising our integrity or character. Sincerely, ‘The Clerk’s Staff DeKalb County Board of cour, Board of Commissioners Commissioners ay ieceews taeda * ‘eff Racer, Diet? Larry LJonans, Disiet3 sseror Rares Satn Dict ¢ ‘ec May Distt Kathie Ganon ioe 6 Larry Johnson, MPH ‘Sian Watson Dist? Presiding Officer Department of the County Clerk July 16, 2012 Mr. Mortis E. Williams, II Chief of Staff DeKalb County Board of Commissioners Decatur, GA 30030 Dear Mr. Williams: On Thursday, June 28, 2012, I was directed to invite my staff to attend and assist with serving at the Golf ‘Tournament on behalf of Commissioner Sharon Bames Sutton. In addition, we were advised that we could also eat at the event. I prepared an email inviting my staff to attend the event. See attachment. Doris Blackman was in my office during the time that Mr. Williams directed me to invite them. An anonymous letter was delivered to my office this morning and | telephoned Mr. Williams regarding the contents of this letter. He asked me to have my staff to submit a leave card for the time that they were in attendance at the event. T immediately asked my staff to submit leave cards and they advised me that they did not feel comfortable doing this because they were directed to attend and serve at the function. They stated that they felt that the form we ‘were asked to sign and submit on April 4, 2012 regarding Local 2012 Primaries and Elections forbade them from working during office hours on anyone’s campaign. See attachment. At 1:57 pm. today, Mr. Williams and my staff participated in a conference call and he advised my staff that he will prepare checks for them for 2 hours of leave time. He publicly stated twice that they were volunteers, He did not asked them to raise any money, hold up any signs or make any telephone calls, work for her in any capacity other than fo serve food. They assisted in the clean-up and were allowed to take food home. In the past Mr. Williams has always invited staff to participate in golfing events, He also stated that he had made a mistake in directing the Clerk's office to participate in the event. Upon further discussion withthe staff, they (Clerk To The Board of Commissioners and Chief Executive Offleer ‘The Manuel J. Maloof Center * 1300 Commerce Drive, 5" Floor * Decatur, GA 30030 + (404) 371-2886+ Fax (404) 371-7004 www.codekalb.ga.us Fit bt 2 bouument decided that they did not feel that it would be appropriate to submit a leave slip after the fact. Mr, Williams then stated that he would refund the money to the County rather than to each employee. ‘The hourly rate for each employee is as follows: July 16, 2012 Natasha Kennedy - $26.73 per hour Erica Williams - 28.57 per hour Doris Blackman - 24.62,per hour Mimi Hawkins - 12.01 perhour Total - $183.86 If you need any further information, please feel free to contact me. Asa Barbara H. Sanders County Clerk Attachments. Board of Commissioners ot, DeKalb County Board of Commissioners —_g¥ Ia, ee es leit Larry Johnson, MPH ei By; Larry Le Uikeon, Buiies3 es Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton, Distriet 4 Presiding Officer eee Commissioner Lee May, District $ Commissioner Kathie Gannon, District 6 Commissioner Stan Watson, District? MORRIS E. WILLIAMS, III Chief of Staff — DeKalb County Board of Commissioners TO: Commissioner Larry Johnson, District 3 Presiding Officer FROM: Morris E. Williams, III, BOC Chief of Staff SUBJECT: — Commissioner Barnes Sutton’s Golf Tournament DATE: July 17, 2012 {tis unfortunate that staff has to be subjected to the apparent smear campaign of some during this election season. Those who find it necessary to target me with false accusations, are now having an ill-effect on those that report to me. With that said, I would like to forewarn you that there may be a story in the media tomorrow. It is in reference to the attached memorandums. Referencing the memorandums, please note that I often invite my immediate staff, as well as District staff, to various events that I attend. At no time, did I coordinate participation of any staff members with Commissioner Barnes Sutton or her office personnel. | was never informed by any staff member of objection to their being “invited to attend the golf event”. As you may recall, during the actual event, I Publicly announced to all attendees that the staff was there as volunteers. In retrospect, I realize that I should not have invited the staff or asked them to assist as volunteers during the golf event. As this has become a serious matter, I have decided to take Administrative Leave during the week of July 16, 2012 ~ July 20, 2012. Iwill however, come into the office during that time. In addition, 1 will have one day’s pay deducted from iny salary, as well as refund $183.86 to the county. The $183.86 is the total amount for the time that members of the Clerk's staff volunteered during the golf event. {tis my hope that this miscommunication will have no further impact on the daily operations of the Board of Commissioners, the BOC Central Staff or the Clerk's Staff cc Bibard ‘Of Commissioners, Members DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, The Manuel J. Maloof Center, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur: GA T0050 wmendetanene EW bit Z document C, asx) RESTORE DEKALB EXHIBITS AND DOCUMENTATION EXHIBIT 3 DOCUMENT A: Melanie Gresham-Smith wrote a letter on July 17, 2012 to Mortis Williams of her “recollection of what happened on June 29, 2012 that involved a conversation with Erica Harris, Lesia Harris and herself. (1 page) DOCUMENT A document titled, “Events surrounding the composition of a letter by some members of the Clerk's staff". (3 pages) Document c: ‘The Employment Agreement for Morris Williams, II (6 pages) McKenzie, Dionne M. From: Gresham-Smith, Melanie Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2012 12:22 PM To: Williams, Morris, Subject: Events of June 29, 2012 To: Morris Williams From: Melanie Gresham-Smith Date: July 17, 2012 Re: June 29, 2012 My recollection of what happened on June 29, 2012, involved a conversation with Erica Harris, Lesia Harris and myself. Frica Harris stated to me that Lesia Harris would be covering for me to attend a Golf Tournament at Mystery Valley. I told Erica Harris that “no Lesia Harris would not be covering for me, | will cover myself and that Lesia can go if she wanted to.” | listed numerous reasons why | Aas nok going (not necessary in this order): 1) my last day of work before my vacation 2)too hot to be standing outside (on medication) 3) not my District Commissioner 4) it was an invite to attend. Erica mentioned that it may also violate the agreement we all signed and | agreed that it may have. At which point she asked me if | had a copy of the ‘agreement. | went back to ‘my desk to search and she called me and said that she found her copy. | was not present for any other conversations with my department employees regarding conference calls or otherwise, Melanie Exhi brh 3 bo cument A 7A Page | of | EVENTS SURROUNDING THE COMPOSITION OF A LETTER BY SOME MEMBERS OF THE CLERK'S STAFF On April 4, 2022, the Clerk's staff and Central Staff participated in a staff meeting Chaired by the Chief of Staff. We were informed of guidelines to prevent any confusion regarding participation in any individual's campaign for an office of Dekalb County during their regularly scheduled working hours. These guidelines were to stay in place until all elections for DeKalb County offices are completed in 2012. We were all asked to sign the affidavit and copies were given to each employee. On Thursday, June 28, 2012, Mr. Willams came to my office while | was speaking with Doris Blackman ‘egarding another issue and stated that he would like me to have all of my staf participate ina golf Outing for Commissioner Barnes Sutton. He stated that we could eat and then we would need to assist her office with serving the food to the golfers participating in the event. {stated that | would advise them of this event. | immediately prepared an email to all the staff of the Clerk’s office and invited them to attend, per the Chief of Staf. initially stated that we were directed by the Chief of Staff but by this time Erica had also come into my office and we all decided that the word direct was a bit harsh and so I changed the wording to invite, | believed that we would all attend and assist Commissioner Sutton as Mr. Wiliams had stated. He ame back into my offcea ite later and stated to Erica that he knew that we were not suppose to doit ‘ut that Commissioner Sutton did not have anyone to assist with this event. ' do not believe at any time that Commissioner Sutton knew of this arrangement. | believe that Mr. Williams saw a need for this assistance and asked that we do it. We had also done this for Commissioner Stokes during her tenure here soit was not uncommon to do these types of things. When we left, asked one of the staff about Melanie and someone stated that she had decided not to 0 because it was against the rules. Melanie never advised me of her decision. It was reported that Melanie told Mr. Wiliams it was her last day before a vacation and she wanted to stay in the office. 1 had made arrangements for Lesia to cover; however, she was told that she was not needed, We arrived at Mystery Valley Golf course and it was apparent that Commissioner Sutton was surprised when we arrived. Morris told us to go ahead and eat so that we would be ready to serve when the Golfers returned for lunch. He assigned various staff assignments. We served the food unti all had eaten and he then told us that we could take some food home. He did, however, make a statement to the participants during the event that we were all here volunteering for Commissioner Sutton and that we were not on the payroll We left and the subject was not discussed again. Exhibst 3 Aocument 6 On July 16, 2012, a letter was left in my chair (copy attached). | opened it and began reading it. After reading, | immediately went to Dionne Mckenzie's office and asked her f she had becn In touch with Morris earlier. !believe she stated no, | told her that we needed to call him because someone had left this letter in my office. We did telephone him, | read the letter to him and he Immediately stated that | needed to go to my staff and tel them to complete a leave card and back-date it to the date of the event. | told him that | would. | went to my office and called them to my office, showed them the letter and told them what Mr Willams asked me to do. They stated that they were not comfortable doing that because ot the affidavit they had signed. They discussed it for a while and then | said we needed to call hhim and advise him of your decision. We did and participated in a conference call where they tld him that they were ‘not comfortable signing a leave card and back-dating it. He said that they needed to do this because it ‘would end up In the press and look bad for Commissioner Sutton. He offered to do several things, such 25 Pay them for the two hours, prepare a leave slip or he would refund the money to the County, He asked me to prepare a letter stating exactly what had happened. | did that and he asked me tomake 2 couple of changes, which | did and he then said to sign the letter and give it to Dionne, Inthe meantime, the staff also prepared a letter and Erica gave it to Dionne, representing some of the Staff. The letter was signed the Cler’s staff without individual signatures Mr. Willams met with them individually regarding their decision and the letter that was written, He asked them several times to sign the letter. They were nat comfortable with signing the letter because fhe would not tell them ifthere would be any consequences for signing. He stated that the Commissioners had the letter with the Clerk’s staff on it and they wanted individual signatures, Somehow, all of this information began to leak out to the staff and other ‘employees around the County. {have received several cals, some of them stating that | needed to resign because the word being discussed is that we are sell-outs and do not support the Commissioners and caused Mone alot of Problems with the press. The environment in this office has become almost unbearable. itis ‘apparent. that dlscussions are taking place regarding this issue. As you know most people enjoy sensationalized Sonwersations about their co-workers, Ihave noticed a grave difference in the way that |am treated and responded to. ‘The majority of my staff has been ostracized by thelr peers. It ‘appears that some of my staff have avoided the bullet. 1am not certain what constitutes this division Employees have brought to them many versions of conversations expressed in this office, up to and including termination, believe Erica wrote a letter addressing a conversation she had with someone who was told that she would be terminated. Mr. wilams called her in and she asked me to go along with her and he asked her about the letter. He sald was inappropriate and why did she feel the way that she did and who gave her the information. She, ofcourse, did not identify her source. At the end of the meeting he asked her to go back to her office and retract the statement. | believe that this matter should be dropped. We do not know who wrote the letter, we will probably never know who wrote the letter, Many letters have come through this office anonymouslyWe cannot assume who we think might have written the letter without proper proof. | feel that my reputation has been tarnished by these series of events, as it appears that | have been found guilty for not being able to force my employees to sign alletter. | understand that there will be a reorganization and if that is the will of the Board, | will accept that reorganization. | feel that | have given more than 100 percent here and will in no way change the way that | think and behave. | have always operated in truth and | will continue to do that. | don't believe that anyone can truthfully say that | am nota team player. | have bent over backwards in many ways that this Board may not even know about to keep harmony and provide for everyone here, because that is the way | believe. | may not have the best leadership skills in this office; however, | have done my best. January 4, 2011 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT FOR MORRIS WILLIAMS, III THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (hereinafter referred to as the "Agreement"), made by and between DEKALB COUNTY, a political subdivision of the State of Georgia (hereinafter referred to as "Employer"), and MORRIS WILLIAMS, III (hereinafter referred to as "Employee"), shall constitute the terms and conditions under which Employee shall provide services to the Employer. WITNESSETH: That for and in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein set forth, the Employer and Employee hereby agree as follows: Section A. Duties 1. DeKalb County, Georgia, Employer, by and through its Board of Commissioners, hereby agrees to employ MORRIS WILLIAMS, III, Employee, as the Chief of Staff to the Board of Commissioners of DeKalb County, Georgia, As Chief of Staff, Employee agrees to perform the following functions and duties: Provide technical assistance and support to DeKalb County Board of Commissioners (hereinafter "Board of Commissioners") to assure departmental effectiveness and efficiency. B. Manage and direct various operations such as communications, human services, and intergovernmental affaits in preparing strategies to meet Board of Commissioners’ goals. C. Establish relationships with the business community, citizens and other local agencies, boards, etc,, to ensure proper services are provided and to communicate future needs and services. D. Direct the planning, design, implementation, maintenance of administration functions and office procedures. E. _Act as consultant to Board of Commissioners regarding the County budget process and other issues, F. Review, monitor and research issues regarding the County budget and related fiscal matters. G. Manage and monitor budget issues for assigned area of responsibilty H. Complete special projects as assigned by the Board of Commissioners Make recommendations to resolve concems/problems of citizens by identifying issues and recommend appropriate solutions to Board of Commissioners, Exhibos 43 Docume, f C January 4, 2011 J. Research issues and draft reports for Board of Commissioners to include drafting correspondence and analyzing and preparing various reports of interest. K. Facilitate advisory, policy and other work teams to develop policies, Procedures and standards. L. Recommend organizational changes to improve programs, processes, and Procedures. M. Represent the Board of Commissioners before community groups, private agencies, and other governmental entities and officials as requested by the Board of Commissioners. N- Interact with Exccutive Assistant, Assistant County Administrator(s) and department heads to obtain information for Board of Commissioners, 0. Attend various meetings and work sessions. P. Actas a lisison with the Executive Assistant, Assistant County Administrator(s), other County departments, governmental agencies, constituents and the general public 2. Employee agrees to perform other legally permissible and proper duties and functions as ‘uthorized by the Board of Commissioners. The Board of Commissioners shall fix any Such other terms and conditions of employment as may be determined from time to time relating to the performance of Employee provided that such conditions are not inconsistent with or in conflict with the terms of this Agreement, the Code of DeKalb County, Georgia or other applicable laws. Employee shall report directly to the Board of Commissioners. Section Term 3. The services to be performed pursuant to this Agreement shall begin on January 1, 201land end on December 31, 2015 unless earlier terminated in accordance with the Provisions of this Agreement or applicable provisions of state law and the Code of DeKalb County, Georgia, 4. ‘The Chief of Staff shall serve at the pleasure of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners and shall be considered to be terminable at the will of the Board of Commissioners. Nothing inthis Agreement shall prevent, limit or otherwise interfere with the right of the Board of Commissioners to terminate the services of this Employee at any ‘ime for any reason or no reason subject only to the benefits and the severance payments set forth in Section C ofthis Agreement. The Board of Commissioners may only terminate January 4, 2011 the services of Employee by an affirmative vote of four members of the Board of Commissioners, The Board of Commissioners shall have the sole discretion to determine Whether Employee shall be terminated. No other employee or official within DeKalb Employee to resign at any time for any reason or no reason from the Position of Chief of Staff subject only to the notice provisions in Section C of this Agreement, If Employee ‘oluntarly resigns from the position of Chief of Staffor dies while employed in the Chief of Staff position under this Agreement, Employee agrees that he shall not be entitled to ‘any ofthe benefits or severance payments set forth in Section C of this Agreement. Section C. Termination, Severance and Notice Pro isions IF this Agreement ends because of Employee's ‘ermination by the Board of Commissioners, Employer agrees to continue Employee's salary payments until six © months after such termination, or until the term of this Agreement expires, whichever ovcurs eatlir ("the Severance Amount"), unless Employee elects in writing to receive the Severance Amount (or the portion of the Severance Amount still unpaid at the time of such election) as a lump sum payment instead. The Severance Amount shall be subject to termination, until the term of this Agreement expires, or until Employee obtains other health and life insurance coverage, whichever occurs carliest. Employer and Employee “gree that during the time period for which the Severance Amount is to be paid, up to a sie-month period, Employee shall remain an employee in an advisory capacity without | 10. i. January 4,2011 Ii the event that this Agreement is terminated because Employee is initially convicted of, or pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony criminal offense, Employee shall not be entitled to any Severance Amount or insurance benefits under Section C of this Agreement, In the event Employer terminates Employee for any reason, Employee resigns for any reason, or Employee dies, Employer agrees that Employee shall be entitled to be paid for unless the Employee agrees otherwise. Section D. Salary, Performance Reviews and Benefits All other applicable rules, regulations of Employer and applicable provisions of the Code of DeKalb County, Georgia relating to vacation, military leave, sick leave, retirement, and Pension system contributions, disability, life and health insurance, longevity pay, and holidays as they now exist or hereafter may be Provided to permanent status County ‘plicable rules, regulations, and ordinance provisions conflict with the terms of this ‘Agreement. In that even, the tems ofthis Agreement shal govern, 12. 15. 16, 17, 18. for his continued professional Participation, growth and advancement so long as such dues Employee shall receive an automobile allowance in an amount to be approved by the Board of Commissioners o the assignment of an “ppropriate vehicle for his use during the term of this Agreement. Performed in DeKalb County, Georgia This Agreement constitutes the sole agreement between the parties. No representations Oral ot written not incorporated herein shall be binding upon the parties. No amendment °F modifications of this Agreement shall be enforceable unless such amendment or ‘modification is in waiting and approved by official action of Employer. January 4, 2011 through its agent prepared the same, it being agreed that the agents of all parties have Participated in the preparation hereof 19. Employee understands and agrees that he has not been provided with any legal advice by ‘he County Attomey or any other attomey or employee of Employer in connection with the terms, conditions, effector provisions of this Agreement. Employee agrees that he has had an adequate opportunity to review this Agreement with anyone of his choosing and Fmployee understands the terms, conditions, effect and provisions ofthis Agreement, 20. In the event any provision of this Agreement is held to be unenforceable for any reason, the remainder of this Agreement shall be in full force and effect and enforceable in accordance with its terms. the _of 22011, MORRIS WILLIAMS, III Employee DEKALB COUNTY, GEORGIA BURRELL ELLIS Chief Executive Officer DeKalb County, Georgia APPROVED AS TO FORM ATTEST EEA Barbara H, Sanders, CCG DeKalb County, Georgia Clerk to the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Commissioners DeKalb County, Georgia REST( LB RESTORE DEKALB EXHIBITS AND DOCUMENTATION EXHIBIT 4 DOCUMENT A: Email from Erica Harris to Barbara Sanders dated August 23, 2012 concerning being “harassed, picked- ‘on and mistreated horribly regarding her approved vacation time.” (1 page) DOCUMENT B: Email from Erica Harris to the BOC to make them aware that she was being targeted and it is being assumed that she wrote a letter (anonymous letter) against members of the BOC/Staff and that she will be handled/fired. Harris was instructed to “watch her back”. (1 page) DOCUMENT c: A series of emails that concern Harris’ sick leave that caused Harris to feel attacked and harassed, (2 pages) DOCUMENT D: ‘A Memo from Erica Harris to Morris Williams in response to Williams’ request that she provide an ‘explanation as to why the letter from the Clerk’s staff was not signed. (1 page) DOCUMENT E: A series of Memorandums between Erica Harris and Morris Williams concerning the “Clerk's Staff”. (5 pages) Sanders, Barbara H. Harris, Erica L. ‘Thursday, August 23, 2012 4:36 PM Sanders, Barbara H, ‘Scheduled Time Off - Approved in June Hi Barbara, cere arate elt. In June I had a discussion with you regarding me taking vacation. 1 Completed leave slips for August 23rd - August 31st, and Nonday ie a holiday, so I will Vireinie eacetember ath. The time was approved and my husband arrived tae night from Yepeinia to assist with me driving back today, as we are currently on the road. Also time Schedule ‘in the latter part of September and October was approved” howeren’> have not completed 2 leave slip due to possible schedule changes, but agsin stance approved. Peeuiband 4s livid about the unnecessary stress I am having to deal with while on vacation. I feel like I am being harassed, picked on and mistreated horribly regarding my already Caer s vacation time. My leave has never been in question the 4 yeccs T Faw, been with the Clerk's Office and why all of a sudden it is being investigated ic Surprising. Any time that T have taken has always been approved. Tf You have any more questions, please let me know as I am on the road traveling to my home in Virginia. Erica Williams-Harris, Serving People With Excellence! Sent from my iPad Nore: UVle and Qushar Crd Ba] pull oY) 424 road 28) Addrooa aes heane Ha, Welders Win Leveaty zl ed, dione or 0 Admoon. Ore J complchid this bug ont, Aiup Done Wee Oaxnihde.S veo daptecad< are er giroe I we Correct wig tO twas Cheer « My huabarcl Was Prcod) - Fibs bi ft Socament A Harris, Erica L. From: Haris, Erica L, Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2012 5:01 PM To: Soper Cline; Watson, Stan; Rader, Jet; Bames-Sutton, Sharon; Gannon, Kathie; May, Lee: Johnson, Larry L. Ce: Sanders, Barbara H.; Williams, Morris Subject: RE: Clerk's Office Employee Concern Commissioners, County Clerk and Chief of Staff, ‘Aire speaking with Morris Willams and Barbara Sanders, was informed that lam not the target and will not be terminated. | apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused, Erica - 404.687.3560 From: Harris, Erica L. ‘Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2012 4:32 pm 22; Lover, Elaine; Watson, Stan; Rader, Jeff; Bames-Sutton, Sharon; Gannon, Kathie; May, Lee; Johnson, Larry L. Ce: Sanders, Barbara H.; Willams, Morris Subject: Clerk's Office Employee Concer ‘Commissioners, County Clerk and Chief of Staff, With all due respect, it has come to my attention today and it has been placed in the atmosphere that lam being {argeted and itis being assumed that | wrote a letter against members of the Board of Commission/Staff and that | will be handled/fired and that | am to watch my back. With all due respect; As a woman, As an employee, and As a Pastor, I walk with integrity, while displaying real character, honesty and being a team player. | have not participated nor have lever written a ettes ‘against anyone! For the life of me, why in the world would someone have it in their heart/mind to assume that | wrote letter out ofall the letters Regards, Erica L. Wiliams-Harris, Sr. Office Coordinator Clerk's Office To The Board of Commissioners and Chief Executive Officer 1300 Commerce Drive, 6th Floor Decatur, GA 30030 Phone: 404.687.3660 Email elviliams@dekalbcountyaa cov “Am Army Of Sheep Led By A Lion Will Always Defeat An Army Of Dr. Myles Munroe ions Led By A Sheep" Exhibit 4 Horamsentt b 1 Page 1 of 4 Wed 6/22/2012 2: From: Mckenzie, Dionne M, To: Harris, Eric L. ez Sanders, Barbara H.; Wiliams, Moris Subject: RE: Response to Memos date August 20, 2012 Attachments: OK, just FYL, Morris asked that I refrain from any further correspondence while you're on sick leave, He asked that I tell you to feel better. Thanks Dionne mekencie BOC Special Projects Manager 404-371-2893 From: Harti, Erica L. Sent: Wednesday, August 22, 2012 2:14 PM To: Mckenzie, Dionne M, ‘anders, Barbara H. ‘Subject: Re: Response to Memos date August 20, 2012 {Thanks Dionne. This is why I am not feeling well, all this unnecessary stress and how things are being done and how Iam being treated. Yes, we will talk when I get back, as lam neve shutting everything down. Thanks Erica Williams-Harris, Serving People With Excellence! Sent from my iPad On Aug 22, 2012, at 1:02 PM, "McKenzie, Dionne M." wrote: Erica, https://webmail.co.dekalb.ga.us/exchange/elwilliams/Inbox/RE:%20Response%20t0%20Me 9/5/2012 Exhibit Document Page 2 of 4 I realize that you are out on sick leave today, so I won't bother you with this any further today. We can talk when you return from vacation, ‘Thanks Dionne mexeneie BOC Special Projects Manager 404-371-2893 From: Harris, Erica L. Sent: Wednesday, August 22, 2012 11:02 AM icKenzie, Dionne M, Sanders, Barbara H. Subject: Fd: Response to Memos date August 20, 2012 Dionne, Per Mortis request, please be advised that October Sth is a doctor's appointment and I am Scheduled to go out of town after 5:00pm. October 12th-15th, | am scheduled to be out of town as well, All expenses have already been paid for, since time was approved monthe ago, IF there is a problem, we can discuss upon my return, Thanks Erica Williams-Harris, Serving People With Excellence! Sent from my iPad |ttps://webmail.co.dekalb. ga. ‘us/exchange/elwilliams/Inbox/RE:%20Responsc%20t0%20Me.... 9/5/2012 Memo To: Morris Willams, BOC Chie ofS From: Erica L Haris, Sr. Office Coordiator\ ec: Barbara H. Sanders, County Ck Date: 8/16/2012 Re: Response to request Sap ote" in Tesponse to your request to provide an explanation a8 o why the letter rom the Clerk's Staff was not signed, DeKalb County Board of Commissioners ? Larry Johnson, MPH Presiding Officer Board of Commissioners \ nt Commissioner Elaine Boyer, District 1 Commissioner Jeff Rader, Dariet 2 = Commissioner Larry L. Johnson, District 3 Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton, Distit 4 Commissioner Lee May, Disiet $ Commissioner Kathie Cannon, ‘Commissioner Stan Watson, : MORRIS E. WILLIAMS, Ill * Chief of Staff — To: Brica Williams-Hamris, Onfig4 FROM: Mortis E. Wil SUBJECT: Letter from DATE: July 23, 2012 DeKalb County Board of Commissioners As the person who delivered the letter. referenced above, I am returning the letter for proper signatures. Please have all members of “The Clerk’s Staff” who are in agreement with the contents of the attached letter, sign it and return it to me ‘today. ‘Thank you. Morris Exh sbrf 4 hocument & DeKalb County Board of Comml ‘oners, The Manuel J. Maloof Center, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur Ga 30050" www.co.dekalb.ga.us Board of Commissioners oun, - aie isi s Commissioner Elaine Boyer, District 1 DeKalb County Board of Commissioners ? re, icommustee sar Parae Larry Johnson, MPH a Commissioner Larry Lobe etrct’3 Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton, Disirct 4 ‘Commissioner Lee May, Distrit § Commi MORRIS E. WILLIAMS, Ill Chief of Staff - DeKalb County Board of Commis: ioners TO: Erica Williams-Harris, Office Coordinator FROM: Morris E. Williams, III, BOC cc se ZT SUBJECT: Follow up to Memorandum Dated July 23, 2042 (Letter from ‘The Clerk’s Staff) DATE: July 27, 2012 This shall serve as a follow up to the memorandum that was Prepared and delivered to your mailbox on July 23, 2012. I have not yet received a response or the signed letter as requested, Please return the letter to me todey so that | might close out my file. ‘Thank you. Morris DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, The Manuel J. Maloof Center, 1300 Comaeiee Dene Decatur, GA 30030 www.co.dekalb.ga.us Board of Commissioners DeKalb County Board of Commissioners oe Commissioner Eline Bayer, District Larry Johnson, MPH = = Comm : Presiding Officer ze Commer mea Sa Commissioner Kathie Gannon, District 6 ‘Commissioner Stan Watson, District ? MORRIS E. WILLIAMS, III Chief of Staff - DeKalb County Board of Commissioners To: Erica Williams-Harris, Office Coordinator FROM: Morris E. Williams, II, BOC Chief of Staff thghigy SUBJECT: Third Request Follow up to Memorandum Dated July 23, 2012 (Letter from The Clerk’s Staff) DATE: August3, 2012 eas 18 my third request for you to return the signed leter from “The Clerk’s Staff” dated ‘July 23, 2012. Please provide me with a written explanation os te why Ihave yet to receive a response to my requests. Thank you. Morris ce: Barbara Sanders, County Clerk PeKalb County Board of Commissioners, The Manuel J. Malool Center 1500 ‘Commerce Drive, Decatur, GA 30030 www.co.dekalbgnus DeKalb County Board of Commissioners Board of Commissioners Larry Johnson, MPH Cenminione Lary 1 Sabon Dt Presiding Officer eee) Commisoner ie May ear Dee Cimon sym: Di MORRIS E, WILLIAMS, III Chief of Staff — DeKalb County Board of Commissioners TO: Erica Williams-Harris, Office Coordinator SUBJECT: Fourth Request Follow up to Memorandum Dated July 23, 2012 (Letter from The Clerk’s Staff) FROM: Mortis E. Williams, Ill, BOC Chief of DATI August 14, 2012 ‘This is my fourth request for you to return the signed letter from “The Clerk's Staff” dated July 23, 2012. This is borderline insubordination If you de req have a written explanation, {would advise that you schedule an appointment with Dionne McKenzie to meet with me. This is my final request. Thank you. Morris ec: Barbara Sanders, County Clerk Dekalb County Bourd of Commissioners, The Manuel Maloot Conic 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, GA 30ND www.co.dekalb.ga.us Board of Commissioners - sioner Sharon Barnes tee itd Presiding Officer Be commie iste sat Die Comnisoner Kate Gannon ict 6 iron Doerr? DeKalb County Board of Commissioners a CaRmissioner Elaine Boyer, Dist % Commissioner Jeff Rader, Larry Johnson, MPH Ba Commissioner Larry L. Johuton District 3 Commissioner Siar MORRIS E. WILLIAMS, III Chief of Staff — DeKalb County Board of Commissioners TO: Erica Williams-Harris, Office Coordinator FROM: Morris E. Williams, III, BOC Baers SUBJECT: Letter from The Clerk's Staff DATE: August 15,2012 ce: Barbara Sanders, County Clerk Attachment DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, The Manacl I Maloof Center, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, GA 30050 www.co.dekalb.ga.us REST LB RESTORE DEKALB EXHIBITS AND DOCUMENTATION EXHIBITS DOCUMENT A: Erica Harris’ EEOC Complaint Harris requested an investigation into the harassment, discrimination, hostile work environment, retaliation and the defamation of character she endured in July 2012 under Dekalb County Board of Commissioners office. We requested a Special Prosecutor because Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton, Commissioner Lee May, and Chief of Staff Morris Williams engaged in an active campaign to terminate Erica Harris due to her refusal to lie and conceal the series of events that occurred June 29, 2012 during the Barnes Sutton’s campaign fundraiser. Why would there be an active campaign to retaliate against a staff member that agreed to “volunteer”? Why did District Attorney indict CEO Burrell Elis for using staff during work hours for political purposes; yet, he refused to indict Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton or Morris Williams for the same acts? (10 pages) September 4, 2012 EEOC ‘Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center 1100 Alabama Street, SW, Suite 4R30 Atlanta, GA 30303 : Re: ‘ling Charges To Whorn It May Concern: am asking the EEOC to investigate the discrimination, harassment, hostile environment, retaliation, and defamation of character endured since July 2012 under DeKalb County Board of Commissioners office. Since July 2022, | have been wrongly accused without proof, ostracized, moved from under the Clerk’s Office, and stripped of all duties as the Sr. Office Coordinator because | have being accused of writing an anonymous letter, ‘along with many other things. 11am highly stressed and under doctors care and have no one else to go to. No ‘one should have to work in a hostile environment and be subject to reticule for no reason. | sent an email regarding my concerns to all Commissioners and no one has reached out to find out why the ‘email was sent or what was/had taken place. I was able to speak with Commissioner Lee May; however his statement/response was get ready because the move is going to happen. | ask that you assist me, as | believe | am being set up to be fired upon my return from vacation and doctors care. Please accept the attached questionnaire and documentation as official documents regarding charges | want to file and have investigated immediately. Hf someone from your office can call me to discuss further atf ‘that would be great. Sincerely, Erica L. Harris Exhibits eee: On April 4, 2012, Morris Williams — BOC, Chief of Staff called a staff meeting with Central Staff and the Clerk’s Office and the topic was Elections. Mr. Williams wanted us to understand that election season ‘was approaching quickly and what our stand would be during that season. All staff members including both Directors signed in front of each other and 2 copy was given to each of us, as well as a copy sent via email. See attachment A - Memo date 4-4-2012 (signed copy by all members) & Attachment B (email sent on 5-25-2012 to all BOC members as a reminder of agreement signed) Election season was underway and as always anonymous letters were coming into the office, Being the Sr. Office Coordinator and assistant to the County Clerk, these letters are not surprising when they show up in our office and nothing is ever done. No one is ever questioned, accused and no one has ever launched an investigation regarding who wrote it or the content of the letters. A copy is given to all Commissioners, BOC Chief of Staff and a copy is filed in the Clerk’s Office and that’s the end of it. On June 28, 2012, our Director, Barbara Sanders stated that she was given a directive to assist ‘Commissioner Barnes Sutton with her campaign fundraiser. As she began to send out the email, myself and Doris Blackman advised her that stating “directive” was too harsh and to say invited. See ‘Attachment C. © While | was sitting in Ms. Sander’s office, Mr. Williams came in and stated “I know | had you all, to sign that document, but she don’t have anyone to help her and | need you alll out there to. help serve the golfers as they come in.” While we were all concern about his directive, we went as we were expected to be there, period. We didn’t want to feel like we were disregarding a directive. On June 29, 2012, the Clerk’s Office (Barbara Sanders, myself, Natasha Kennedy, Doris Black and Mimi Hawkins) traveled to Mystery Valley Golf Course during regularly scheduled work hours. We were not ‘asked to volunteer or submit leave for attending this function during regular scheduled work hours, which clearly goes against the policy Mr. Williams generated himself and with him being there upon our arrival, he was already in violation of his own policy. Barbara, Erica, Doris and Mimi served food and Natasha was the hosting giving out giveaway bags. On July 11, 2012, the Clerk’s Office received an anonymous letter. Copies were made and sent to the Parties mentioned in the letter and business went on as usual. Attachment D (many more will be shown) (On July 16, 2012 ~ the Clerk's office receives another anonymous letter (see attachment E). This is where the turbulence began would begin to break loose © Onthe same day, Ms. Sanders had to inform Mr. Williams of the letter, as she always does. Immediately he asked Ms. Sanders to inform us that he needed us to complete leave slips. Ms. Sanders called me, Natasha Kennedy and Doris Blackman in a meeting and informed us that he wanted us to submit leave slips. We informed her that we would not submit leave slips after the fact because it’s lying and would look suspicious. Ms. Sanders informed him of our decision and he wanted a conference call immediately. © Ms. Sanders got the conference calll underway and he asked us to complete leave slips and together we stated that we felt uncomfortable and it would be lying and everyone would know as its four weeks later - afterthefact. Doris Blackman, asked him to drop it twice and he stated “no, | can’t cause my ass will be on the line.” He advised us that he would pay us individually, we stated no. He began to get frustrated and say, what we didn’t understand about his request and said he will just pay the County back for the time used. © Weeall stayed in Ms. Sander’s office discussing the matter, as it was frustrating because we didn’t want to lie or get in trouble for lying. We didn’t know what to do. © Mr. Williams had Ms. Sanders to write a sequence of events of that day and she did — and he told her what to put in the letter. Again, we were all in her office. (see Attachment F) dated July 16, 2012, ©The Clerk’s staff then decided that we needed to write our beliefs of what happened that day, especially since we did not complete the leave slips and together me, Natasha and Doris Benerated a letter to Ms. Williams and Ms. Sanders (see Attachment G) dated July 16, 2012 * On Tuesday, July 17, 2012, Mr. Williams arrives at work, as itis our BOC Committee of the Whole ‘meeting day. There is a rumor already out that Mr. Williams is stating that the letter came out of the Clerk's Office and that |, Erica Harris wrote it. The atmosphere was crazy and everyone was on edge. The accusations were out and I was the target. Mr. Williams told Commissioner Barnes Sutton, who later came in Ms. Sanders office to meet with her and stated “Who wrote that letter, you know and we know and we are going to handle them”, Ms. Sanders stated “she didn’t know and could not speculate who wrote it as she did not know.” Commissioner Barnes Sutton stated “you can’t look at that letter and tell which one of your staff members wrote the letter”, Ms. Sanders again stated “no.” ner Barnes Sutton then stated “we know who did it and they will be handled.” (© Ms. Sanders informed me of their conversation and | stated how in the world did Morris and. Barnes Sutton come up with that mess, how? Ms, Sanders stated she did not know but they did. Iwas speechless to say the least. Commis + Later that day on Tuesday, July 17, 2012 Mr. Williams met with the following employees individually: he met with Melanie Gresham Smith, the Receptionist and had her to complete a statement, he met wit ‘Mimi Hawkins and had her to complete a statement, and he met with Doris Blackman and Natasha Kennedy to ask about the letters. I was never called in a meeting. © Employees began to come by my office and say they are going to fire you because they believe you wrote the letter and that | need to watch my back, because they are out to get me. It is now 4:32pm and my Director Barbara Sanders had heard the same thing and also found out that he had met with everyone except me. | then generated an email (see Attachment H, dated July 17, 2012). Mr. Williams then replied and asked me to meet with him immediately. | was not ‘comfortable with meeting with him alone since he started the retaliation from an anonymous letter, so | asked my Director to go with me and she did. He was surprised that she was with me, however we sat down and he started pointed his finger and being loud ~ Barbara immediately stated don’t point, put your finger down ~ he calmed down a little and asked me why | generated that email to the Commissioners as it was inappropriate. | did not respond. He then asked me who told me | was going to get fired and | stated | was not giving up my sources and get them in trouble as well. He then stated you are going to tell me and | stated, | will not. © I then asked him why is the Clerk's office being blamed for the letter and why am | being accused, he then replied | receive hundreds of those letters, so | don’t care about that, as people write them all the time. | stated to him, all this mess is going on over an anonymous letter and it doesn’t make sense and that he stated he needed us to go and help her cause she didn’t have any help. He then stated | and Barbara are the only ones that can fire you and you need to retract that email and state that you have meet with me and Barbara and that your job is not in Jeopardy. (See Attachment |, dated July 17, 2012). thought things had calmed down, but little did | know a whirl wind was about to explode. Since my meeting with Mr, Williams, people began to not speak and the atmosphere became hostile because everyone was informed that | wrote the letter and felt like we did not support Mr. Williams. It then came out that they thought Barbara Sanders was covering for me. So since Mr. Williams had nothing, he decided to send me memos. Now rumors are that the entire Clerk’s staff should be fired and that Erica will be handled because she wrote the letter and Barbara is covering for her. On July 23, 2012, | received a memo from Mr. Williams (see Attachment J), My Director Barbara Sanders was not copied on the memo, as he wanted to target me. He was holding me responsible because | delivered the letter to his Assistant, Dionne McKenzie. © limmediately informed my Director, Barbara Sanders and she had me to call Doris and Natasha down to the 5* floor to inform them on what was going on. We all agreed that we would not sign, as he already knew we wrote the sequence of events letter, dated July 16— Attachment 6. On July 27, 2012, | received another memo from Mr. Williams (see Attachment K). Again, my Director Barbara Sanders was not copied on the memo. Again, we called Doris and Natasha down to the 5" floor and informed them of what he wanted and again we all agreed not to sign or write anything, © Atthis point | am feeling harassed because of a letter | delivered and Mr. Williams was not copying my Director on anything. On August 3, 2012, received another memo from Mr. Williams (see Attachment L) - this time he copied my Director. Again, we called Doris and Natasha to the 5" floor to inform them of what was going on and they were afraid of losing their jobs, Natasha stated that she would call one of her friends (an attorney) and ask him for advice. He recommended that we not sign or write anything else. She informed us and we all agreed that we would not do anything (On August 14, 2012, | received another memo from Mr. Williams (see Attachment M) -this time insinuating that | was being borderline insubordinate. Again, | went to my Director and we called Doris ‘and Natasha down to the 5'* floor. Ms. Sanders met with us and informed them about the memo and asked what we were going to do. Doris stated that she had already wrote her memo and met with Mr. Williams, Natasha requested a meeting with him and stated that she felt he was not going to let this go and she was going to write her letter, Istated, | thought we all agreed that we would write one letter and they stated they were going on their own. o Mr. Williams had pressured them to a point where they generated letters and lied about writing the letter and being in the office. Letter dated July 16, 2012 — Attachment G. When Barbara called them both to the carpet, Doris changed her letter and submitted a new one and Natasha stated that what else were they going to do. Barbara stated, you should have told the truth! 9 [wrote my letter individually dated August 15, 2012 (see attachment N) ‘On August 14, 2012, | was informed by my Director that Mr. Williams had gone to Commissioner May and stated that | had been speaking with the Lisa Chang, the County Attorney about him. | was pissed and immediately started crying, as | was ready to confront him. | informed Barbara that | am not afraid of him and he will stop this lying on me, enough was enough. | then stated that | needed to leave and she agreed, | left and returned the next day. (Can not reveal her source as they are afraid of being terminated for sharing information). On August 15, 2012, | receive another memo from Mr. Williams (see Attachment O) and at this point | ‘am stressed and exhausted from being harassed about a letter he know the Clerk's Office wrote (Attachment G) know we all wrote. | don’t see the point at all, as itis unnecessary at this point. On August 15, 2012 | have a meeting with a new hire (Michelle) to complete paperwork for District 6 and complete termination paperwork as (Corrin) had resigned and because | was due to go on vacation, wanted to make sure all paperwork was complete. In between time, Channel 2 news did a story on the campaign fundraiser and he was pissed and stated to my Director, somebody is going to take the fall for this - it’s her (Barbara) fault and she was wrong. (On August 16", somewhere in between another meeting took place with Morris Williams, Barbara Sanders and Commissioner Lee May. Commissioner May stated to Barbara Sanders that you know Erica wrote that letter and you are lying for her, you are covering up for her (he repeated several times). © Somewhere another meeting took place with Barbara Sanders and Commissioner Lee May and she stated to him that she was not going to lie on me and if she had, then she would not be experiencing none of these problems and he agreed. She then stated that she could not lie on someone because someone wanted her to, that she had to answer to God and could not rest if she did that to me. Since she did not lie, things got worst. (On August 16, 2012, Mr. Williams calls a staff meeting and we are informed that we are being realigned and | am being moved from the Clerk’s Office to Central Staff (see realignment Attachment P). The meeting lasted 5 minutes and no explanation was given as to why | was being moved out of the Clerk's Office. Iwas furious. Some Commissioners are now questioning whether he has the authority to touch ‘the County Clerk and her staff, as the County Clerk is in the DeKalb County Code, since S852 passed, * On August 16" Commissioner May walks by my office and he asked me how | was doing and | sald not good. He then came into my office, closed the door and | stated to him, why in the world did you all allow Morris to move me under his supervision and he has been trying to fire me since day one, why ‘would you all do me like that. Explain to me what the purpose is and why, why, why....Commissioner Lee May had nothing to say. | then proceeded to say, you al allow him to get away with murder, he is not a leader, he divides, keep up mess, and is never here and you all do nothing. You all stand by and do nothing, while he does whatever he wants without consequence. He then began to say that he had no idea it was this bad, | stated to him, it reflects leadership. | stated to him that you all wouldn't know cause you all are out taking care of citizens issues and you all don’t meet with him to find out anything, It's as if you all don’t care and you all let him get away with murder. © I then stated that Morris had gone around telling everyone that | wrote the letter and | stated why would I? He stated yes, everyone thinks you wrote the letter like Morris said and well did you write the letter Erica and I said No Commissioner May, for what? He stated, well yeah it could have came out of Jeff or Kathie office, | said | don’t know. | then stated, Morris is pissed that he finally got caught in his mess and he has defamed my character, harassed me with all these memos and we are in a hostile environment, no one is speaking to anyone. We should have never been out there, but because of a letter me and Barbara is being split up. You all allowed him to lie on Barbara and ruin her reputation and you all sit back and do nothing. Commissioner May stated, | know all of Morris weaknesses, his faults, etc... and | stated ok, you all stil sit back and let him do whatever, its wrong and we should not have to work in an environment lke this. | stated to him, all this stuff is going on and not one time has leadershi come to me, but everyone believes the lie that came from Mr. Williams. | stated to him that if sued it would be for discrimination, harassment, defamation of character and working in a hostile environment and all the Commissioners would be held accountable because Mr. Williams report to you all. He stated no one is going to get fired, but weren't you going to transition anyway. Huh? That's has nothing to do with anything. 0 He said, well Erica it’s going to happen and so you might as well have a conversation with Mr. Williams sooner rather than later, cause all the Commissioners support the move. | said why is the move necessary? He could not answer and advise me to pray about it, because | was upset and I stated yes | am, but when | calm down and speak with my husband and parents | will be better, how in the world do you think we have survived under Mr. Wiliams thus far. He stated yes, pray about it and I stated you know | am not praying anymore, because God is going to deal with this and he walked out of my office, © On August 17, 2012, | saw Mr. Williams and asked him if | could meet with him and he stated yes. Because | didn’t have anyone to go with me, | decided to record the conversation — Mr. Williams is not a ‘trustworthy leader and information gets twisted when he speaks, so | had to protect myself. | went in his office, around 1pm. informed him about my leave and he stated ok and that he would meet with face was calm and his tone was at ease. The Barbara on the 20% and then the move can begin. moment | asked about the letter, Mr, Williams voice became very firm and direct and he would not allow me to get too many words in, as he was and is stil pissed about not knowing who wrote a letter ‘and why | didn’t respond in a timely manner to all the harassing memo's—he stated | disrespected him. Even after | apologized, he still brought it up again, so | now know he is not letting it go. He stated that | willbe reporting to Dionne McKenzie and | laughed. Dionne has never supervised anyone; she has had a reputation since my tenure with the County. We don't realty talk and again why would he place me under someone who has no supervisory experience. ‘On August 17, 2012 @3:48pm, payroll is the following week and so | wanted to enter time, as my vacation time was approaching, | went to enter in Barbara Sanders time as usual, and to no avail my login had been disabled without notice. Tried to log in to Kronos on 4 separate occasions and could not log in. | then called Melissa Liburd and asked her was | locked out or something and she stated, you should know. I then replied, know what — she then proceeded to state that she received an email stating to disable my access. She then advised me to speak with my supervisor and | said no need —| got it. She then stated, | hate when that happens because you should have known first. We then hung up the phone and | proceed to work. ‘On August 20, 2012, Mr. Wiliams, Dionne McKenize, Barbara Sanders and | had a meeting and he went ‘over the admin duties that | was responsible for and wanted to know about files. Again, the meeting lasted all but 5 minutes, because his mind was made up and he was moving forward with moving me very quickly. (On August 21, 2012, Mr. Williams wants my office moved by Thursday ~ so Dionne came to Barbara office and gave us both some memos regarding access to files and needed information on scheduled training. She asked me about the move and | stated it will not happen because | am in the middle of a new hire and termination. She stated ok, whatever, no problem. While in the middle of the new hire, Dionne came to my office and stated that Mr. Williams told her to get the new hire and termination paperwork from me, I stated no problem, You can walk with me to Michelle's office, as | am completing her paperwork. | explained to Michelle what just happened and stated that if anything went wrong she Is to see Dionne. | handed all paperwork over. ‘© Isstated to her, it appears that they only concern is about my Admin responsibilities and that is not all | do and no one is discussing the Clerk responsibilities | have and being an assistant to the County Clerk, she stated I know. ‘On August 21, 2012, | receive the email to run the payroll register, which verifies that time entered is, correct and I check this every pay period. | tried to log into Peoplesoft and my login had been disabled, (On August 22, 2012, | called in sick and sent an email to Dionne McKenzie, Morris Williams and Barbara Sanders. many staff members have sent her emails regarding time taken without completing a leave slip. No ‘questions asked and no investigation done. 1n2011 two staff members were caught stealing ime and Mr. Williams did nothing. They were not docked any pay, suspended or anything, Nothing was done ata in 2012, 7. Mr. Willams have called me Hazel many of days, ast was my responsibilty to handle the food ordering and setup/breakdown on Tuesdays. This was degrading and was said in Front of other staff members. | reported it to my supervisor, but to no aval no one can do anything with Mr- Williams, as he is out of control 8. Why is Mr, Wiliams holding me responsible for having all Clerk's Staff members sign the letter ~since he stated that is what he is dwelling on. ifthat’s the case, why didn’t he write me UP instead of sending continued harassing memo’s and he agai, knew who was inthe office. Why wasn’t Natasha and Doris, sent the same memo? 9. Why am the only one being targeted, held responsible for signatures and stripped of all duties, when no one else is being targeted? 10, There has been no business reason as to why | was moved from under the Clerk's office. The Commissioners (Barnes Sutton and Lee May) feel that | wrote the letter and that Barbara is covering for me, whichis aie. She has stated that to several Commissioners. Because of their assumptions, 1am being moved and have been stripped. 11. My computer has been swept as well as Barbara Sanders, and again no information has been found to prove any accusations stated. How many other computers were swept n 2 effort to find information? 12, people take vacation all the time and have been free to do so without harassment Why am | having to pul over while traveling and justify time already approved, why is that even 2 question when it was approved before this mess happened. Everyone inthe bulldng is wondering what inthe world i going on with me and questioning have | gotten fired yet. 413, Allof my responsibilities Admin and Clerk duties have been taken away and why? What are my new responsibilities? Central staff was only responsible fr the Agenda and Commies Meetings, which Teaves nothing for me. All of my Clerk duties have been given to other staff members who are not familiar with the Clerk's office roles and responsibilities. 114, P-Card was revoked last week without my knowledge. Witness List «Barbara Sanders, County Clerks, 1300 Commerce Drive, 5" Floor, Decatur, GA 30058 (678.641.8962) Stacey Chavis, District 4 Office Coordinator, 1300 Commerce Drive, 5" Floor, Decatur, GA 30056 ~ may have to contact anonymously as she may fear her jobis in jeopardy. «bors Blackman, Deputy Clerk, 1300 Commerce Drive, 6" Floor, Decatur, GA 30056 ~ may have to ‘contact anonymously as she may fear her job is in jeopardy. «5 Natasha Kennedy, Deputy Clerk, 1300 Commerce Drive, 5" Floor, Decatur, GA 30056 ~ may have to contact anonymously as she may fear her job is in jeopardy. © Edmond Richardson, District 5, Chief of Staff, 1300 Commerce Drive, 5t* Floor, Decatur, GA 30056 - may have to contact anonymously as he may fear his job isin Jeopardy. (678.463.6487) RESTORE DEKALB RESTORE DEKALB EXHIBITS AND DOCUMENTATION. EXHIBIT 6 DOCUMENT A: Dekalb County Board of Ethics Complaint form dated May 30, 2014 and the Amendment dated June 10, 7014 submitted by Joel Edwards and Viola Davis. (3 pages) DOCUMENT 8: The first page of the 1* Amendment to the Ethics Complaint filed @gainst Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton and the Ethics Complaint against Judy Brownlee dated june 10, 2014. (1 page) DocuMENT c: Email from Joe Stone to Kelvin Walton that highlights parts of Purchasing policies that point to areas where a “conflctof interest” may exist with paying employees as vendors and via contracts. (Sec. 20-20 Conflict of interest) (4 pages) DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF ETHICS ca Gutes Gree pace Mavucl neat veb iw Geer Decatur, Georgia 30030 NAY 90 2014 COMPLAINT ETHICS BOARD Sei aT isis autorized to recive and hear complaints of alleged violations ofthe mater set forth in Persons alleging a violation creme tis should complete the following infomation sig, and deliver inporen ee eae Mail, or by pian ah delivery service othe Clerk atthe above address. Complaints received by he Cle Teast ten (10) days Prior toa scheduled mecting willbe considered at that necting. 1. Name ofthe individyal filing the complaint: Daytime phone number: 170) 2.Jo PIV SY Evening phone number: OBLSE PSP 5 E-mail adres: Let did La 2g mebeor, 2. Identify the member of the ‘governing authority against whom the complaint is being filed: Name: Lemmsddrel Naso osact Sulit. Postion DepatmenvBoant: Asi vad

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