Three Deputies Fired

McReynolds, Shipley and Scott

McReynolds, Shipley and Scott

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

FAYETTEVILLE — Three Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies were fired after being accused of sexual harassment, according to Sheriff Tim Helder.

Helder identified the deputies as Cpl. Tiffaine Scott, Deputy Mercedes McReynolds and Detention Officer Brandy Shipley.

He said two employees complained the three deputies had conversations that were sexual in nature.

“The bottom line is there were some policy violations dealing with conduct, allegations of harassment and conversations in a sexual manner in the presence of people who complained about it,” he said. “There were also allegations of retaliation.”

Helder said an internal investigation determined the allegations were “sustained.”

George Butler, county attorney, said the deputies, who were fired about a week ago, filed a grievance through the Human Resources Department to appeal their termination.

“We’re in the process of getting a hearing scheduled,” he said.

By filing the grievance, the deputies are considered suspended with pay for up to 14 days unless more time is needed for a hearing. The Personnel Committee will conduct the hearing much like a trial, including sworn statements, witnesses and opening and closing statements, according to the county’s employee handbook. Once completed, the committee will give an opinion on whether Helder should keep the deputies.

“I’ve seen a lot of these over the years, and there have only been a couple where they have given the person another chance,” Butler said. “In some cases, the sheriff kept the person, and it still didn’t work out.”

Butler said none of the terminated deputies have been the subject of an internal sexual harassment investigation.

Additional information about the three deputies’ employment and about the internal investigation can’t be released, he said, pending the outcome of the grievance hearing.

Butler said complaints from a male and female employee prompted the sheriff to launch an internal investigation.

At A Glance

Harassment Policy

All employees have the right to work in an environment free of all forms of harassment. This agency does not condone, and will not tolerate, any harassment. Therefore, this agency shall take direct and immediate action to prevent such behavior; and to remedy all reported instances of harassment, sexual or otherwise.

Source: Washington County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Policy Manual

“There have been several things going on with this group that we felt like, administratively, we had to address,” Helder said. “I obviously wish we didn’t have to do it, but staff wants us to maintain the integrity of our employees.”

The three deputies aren’t the first to be the subject of a sexual harassment investigation at the Sheriff’s Office.

In 2011, Washington County settled a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by two former Sheriff’s Office employees for $395,000. The money, which came from a risk management fund, was split between the plaintiffs, former Cpl. Stephanie Guenther and former Sgt. Lori Schmidt. The women sued in November 2009 claiming Sheriff Tim Helder and subordinates tolerated male employees talking openly about sexual practices and watching strip searches of female prisoners.