LINCOLNTON, N.C. — The mayor of Lincolnton is investigating whether the city manager traded political favors for gifts.
“I just want to make sure the right thing is done,” Mayor John Gilleland said. “We want to make sure we keep the public's trust.”
Two weeks ago, all council members received a copy of an anonymous letter that led to an investigation of Lincolnton City Manager Jeff Emory.
The anonymous letter appears to be written by an employee of Pease Associates, a Charlotte company with a contract to work on city water lines. It suggests Emory sought tickets to a Panthers game as a favor for a winning bid.
“If the documentation is true, it is something that is illegal,” Gilleland said.
The letter also said Emory received NASCAR tickets from another vendor.
Eyewitness News went to Emory's office and asked him about the allegations. He said he would not comment on an anonymous letter.
Eyewitness News called Pease Associates and a representative said Emory had bought its leftover corporate tickets and paid with a check.
People in Lincolnton say they are upset by the news. One man said it came at a bad time.
“We are in sort of period where people have lost their faith in government,” Steve Klensehmit said.
But he said he wants to hear more before passing judgment.
The mayor is asking for the city attorney to give an update on the investigation Thursday evening.
Accepting gifts by a public official is illegal, but it is a misdemeanor. That means if the investigation were to lead to charges and Emory were found guilty, he would not face jail time.