In a memo to City Manager Rashad Young today, suspended Greensboro police Capt. Charles Cherry raises issues about fellow suspended Officer Robert Reyes in an alleged pattern of what Cherry calls "continued discriminatory, retaliatory, harassing, unfair, intimidating investigations and continued hostile work environment under the direction and orchestration of interim Chief Dwight Crotts."
Cherry also addresses an administrative investigation targeting himself noticed in a memo from Sgt. Alan McHenry.
The purpose of the investigation is to determine whether Cherry violated the department's general conduct directive in disclosing information from a meeting for which he signed a confidentiality agreement. In a grievance filed by Cherry on March 30, the captain alleged, "In a past meeting of commanders only, one commander [Capt. John Wolfe] stated that he did not trust individuals involved in the indiscreetly publicized lawsuit. Assistant Chief Crotts agreed with the commander and felt the same. This meeting was facilitated by Terri Wallace, who was at the time an interim manager of the city of Greensboro's human resources department."
Capt. Jane Allen, commander of the Professional Standards Division, informed Cherry on Wednesday that the internal investigation has been completed and a determination has been reached that Wolfe's actions do not constitute a violation of departmental directives or policy.
Cherry says, "Mr. Young, first let me state that I did take the comment from the room after signing a confidentiality agreement. The reason is that the comment alone without explanation is discriminatory and retaliatory unless Capt. Wolfe and Assistant Chief Crotts can explain why they do not trust the individuals on the lawsuit."
Cherry cites the department's Code of Ethics and Conduct, which reads, "Whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature or that is confided to me in official capacity will be kept secret unless revelation is necessary in the performance of my duty." Cherry argues, "Surely, reporting discrimination, retaliation, harassment and unfair treatment of another officer and me is within the official capacity of my duty."
Cherry responds to Young's statement about allegations of a subculture of corruption within the department.
"Mr. Young, you are correct," Cherry writes, "interim Chief Crotts' actions do not comport with organizational norms or values. Utilizing the writing of grievances, as a criterion, for recommending a fit for duty psychological evaluation is clear retaliation."
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