Email charges city with bribery, racism

A Warner Robins City Councilman is alleging racial discrimination amid the city’s governing system. In an email sent Sunday evening, Councilman Daron Lee outlined concerns in regards to the mistreatment of African Americans employed by the city.

Lee sent the email to all city employees, members of Warner Robins City Council and Mayor Randy Toms; it was titled, “As A Representative of the People, I Can’t Move On Until A Wrong Is Made Right.” In it he says he could no longer “keep a straight face and a positive calming mindset with what has taken place in the city of Warner Robins Municipality.”

He continues by comparing the treatment of African American employees to that of Caucasian ones. “It is obvious that African American employees and the Caucasian do not have the same human resources employee handbook/playbook,” he said in the email. “African American employees are arrested, fired, and continuously harassed with wanting to incarcerate them. On the other hand, Caucasian employees who were found guilty of their wrongdoing were given a slap on the wrist and allowed to continue working with the city, even though they used city property for personal use, received payment where we have a copy of the check that was received by the employee and potentially bribed the system in place in order to get out of repercussion of the illegal activities that had taken place.”

It’s likely Lee was referencing three city employees who were fired in September by interim public works director Krag Woodyard. Kenneth Allen, Michael Odum and Keith Watson appealed their terminations and were reinstated following the administrative law judge’s ruling. All except Allen, who retired in November. Woodyard is currently on administrative leave pending an investigation.

Lee accused mayor Toms of granting leniency to a former employee who had filed a lawsuit against the city. Lee alleges, although he was not sure, that Toms worked out a deal with the employee who promised to drop the lawsuit if his wrongdoings were let go. “It seems to me that some type of deal was made because he got away free with his retirement package.”

Lee went even further to address Toms directly and stated that he had overheard him speaking ill about his family. He warned Toms against trusting individuals who were of the same race, implying a white person set him up. “Just because they are white like you, does not mean that they did not set you up on a three way call with someone else on the other end (which was me) that heard every thing that came out of your mouth. I smile at you, but I did not know you hated me that bad and anything or anybody connected to me. But it is okay. At least I know how you feel.”

Tuesday morning, Toms responded to Lee’s allegations by email. He started out questioning the sincerity of Lee’s opening statement.  ”Few people believe that you “hope all of you connected by way of this email are doing well,” he wrote. “To even use the words “calming mindset” is laughable.   If you would actually face the facts you would never say, “I tried my best not to make this a situation that has to do with race but the decisions made by the city of Warner Robins made it that way.”

He addressed Lee’s concerns about African American employees being fired, harassed and incarcerated by stating that Lee was referencing an employee he was connected to. It is likely Toms was referencing Warner Robins Economic Development Director Gary Lee, Daron’s brother, who was indicted and arrested this year following an investigation by the Houston County Sheriff’s Office. Gary was released on bond and has since returned to work. He recently announced a lawsuit against the city as well. Toms continued by denying any ill will to the Lee family.

“I still like your brother (Gary). I have also said, in so many words, I do not like your (Daron) actions, attitude, demeaning and accusatory emails and statements, and though I have tried, we apparently have a mutual dislike for each other. I suppose it is better with us acknowledging that fact.”

He dispelled any involvement with bribery, saying the allegation was “hefty and simply cannot not be overlooked.” Toms called upon Lee to provide the names of all parties involved. “I will call on you to identify the perpetrator/perpetrators in this bribery allegation and be prepared to defend it.” He also said he would inform the proper authorities about the allegations.

Toms attached a pdf version of a city of Warner Robins employee grievance form as well. Listed in the form were examples of “non-grieve issues” and “grieve issues.” non-grieve issues included, any conduct or discipline addressed in the city’s disciplinary policy, issues that are currently pending or have been concluded, appointments, transfers or promotions unless motivated by unlawful discrimination, decisions, policies resolutions or ordinances passed by the governing authority and more. Grieve issues included sexual harassment, sexual discrimination, discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry or political affiliation, gambling and more.