CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — Charlotte City Council member Warren Turner was dismissed from North Carolina's Department of Correction on Monday.
A spokesman said Turner, who was a probation officer, did not follow directions from his chain of command. The department completed an investigation and dismissed Turner.
Controversy has surrounded Turner since March, when Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx sent an e-mail to council members warning them not to sexually harass staff members. The vague e-mail prompted calls for further explanation from several council members.
The city then hired a law firm to investigate claims of sexual harassment, and it was later revealed that there were several allegations against Turner. He denied the claims.
After the firm's report was released in April, council members voted 6-3 against censuring Turner.
The Department of Correction said Turner's dismissal was not connected to those allegations.
Through his attorney, Eric Montgomery, Turner said he plans to appeal his termination.
"The Department of Correction hasn't provided us with any documentation to support [that Turner did not follow directions from his chain of command]," Montgomery said.
It doesn't appear that Turner's termination will affect his role on the City Council. The city attorney said Turner being fired from his job has "no impact" on his duties as a councilman.
Turner has run unopposed in four straight elections. Last November, he won 98 percent of the vote. However, political expert Eric Heberlig said that the fact that Turner was fired, on top of the sexual harassment allegations, could cost him in the next election.
"Where it really could matter is in a primary," Heberlig, a UNC Charlotte professor, said. "If it draws other strong Democrats to run against him, that's where he's more likely to be beaten."
Voter Sandra Thompson said she is already eager for a change.
"I couldn't vote for him," she said.
Others, though, still support Turner.
"I'd still vote for him," voter Diane Burch said.
Turner didn't immediately respond to messages left by Channel 9 on Wednesday.
Previous Stories: May 3, 2010: Councilman Turner Speaks Out For First Time Against Allegations April 30, 2010: Councilman Turner's Lawyer Responds To New Allegations April 27, 2010: Sexual Harassment Scandal Could Stick With Turner April 27, 2010: Investigator Announces Results Of Sexual Harassment Inquiry March 23, 2010: Council Members Call For Answers After Harassment E-Mail
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