A former Jonesboro police sergeant alleges he was wrongfully terminated in retaliation for participating in an investigation against Mayor Donya Sartor. Darryl Tripplett, who was fired from the Jonesboro Police Department, believes his dismissal was a direct consequence of speaking to the media about accusations involving the mayor, according to a Channel 2 Action News report.
In November, Sgt. Tripplett disclosed to FOX 5, his belief that Mayor Sartor had previously suspended him in retaliation for remarks made during an administrative investigation into alleged misconduct since she took office in March. "I'm duty bound to answer those, it's not that I'm trying to throw her under the bus or have anything bad to say about her at the time. When we raise our hand and take an oath of office, we swear to be honest," he said. Tripplett's termination letter accused him of several infractions, including violation of department rules, publicly criticizing the agency, conduct unbecoming of an officer, and speaking with the media.
The conflict has roots in an incident where Mayor Sartor was accused of having a gun in city hall and allegedly pointing it at a police officer. However, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation did not find evidence to support this accusation, and the Clayton County District Attorney's Office has decided not to file any charges against the mayor. Despite these developments, the tension between Tripplett and the mayor has escalated, leading to his termination.
Reflecting on his firing, Tripplett retained legal counsel and intends to file a lawsuit against the city, citing the State's Whistleblower Act as protection from retaliatory acts such as his dismissal, he told Channel 2 Action News. Meanwhile, Mayor Sartor denied any retaliation, stating, “As of now, he is no longer a member of the Jonesboro Police Department. He has the right to due process, just like I have the right to due process,” she said, also noting that city council members unlawfully approved the independent investigation, a move she claims has taxed city finances substantially.
