The Atlanta VA Medical Center has found itself at the center of controversy as allegations of sexual assault and harassment have led to the retirement of Deputy Chief of Police Johnnie McCullor. Despite an ongoing investigation, McCullor opted to retire at the end of June. The Atlanta VA confirmed his retirement, stating, "Retirement is a personal and voluntary choice, and VA cannot force employees to retire early," according to recent reports from FOX 5 Atlanta.
This comes against a backdrop of serious accusations by former dispatcher Shaneka Jackson, as stated in a FOX 5 interview. Jackson, a retired Air Force military police officer, alleged that McCullor sexually assaulted her, a claim investigated by the VA’s internal affairs office, which found her reports "accurate and truthful." McCullor, who has not responded to requests for comment, has been suspended with pay since May, along with Police Chief Beverly Banks, over "allegations of unacceptable behavior," which, according to a VA statement, include both sexual assault and harassment.
In a parallel development reported by FOX 5 Atlanta, the Veterans Administration took sweeping "immediate action" by placing three top police officers on paid suspension pending the outcome of an investigation. This investigation was said to address long-standing issues within the police department and lead to the installation of a new leadership team, with a national team assigned to "internally investigate this situation in the Atlanta VA police department, make recommendations regarding the Atlanta VA PD, and identify other changes that might be needed to improve the culture."
The allegations first came to light when Jackson sought to join the department in 2021 but faced delays due to the pandemic. It was during this time she alleged McCullor offered to help her get a job, with expected sexual favors in return. "He sexually assaulted me … He inappropriately touched me. He groped me," Jackson told FOX 5. The misconduct reportedly continued leading up to her termination from a subsequent position, after which she filed an Equal Employment Opportunity complaint, later dismissed by an administrative judge. Jackson has since appealed the decision.
As the situation unfolds, the VA has voiced a commitment "to ensuring a safe, welcoming, and harassment-free environment for Veterans and employees," according to a statement from VA Press Secretary Terrence Hayes obtained by FOX 5 Atlanta. The agency has also placed a new Medical Center Director at the helm in Atlanta, promising a focus on "optimizing operations and the culture at the VA facility in Atlanta, including within the police department."
