MAXTON — During a crowded Maxton Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday, representatives from the North Carolina Police Benevolent Association called for an investigation into the recent firing of a police officer, and threatened legal action if that does not happen.
“That’s not what we want, that’s a last resort,” Brandon McGaha, a staff representative for the association, said during a presentation to the town.
Jamie Oxendine, who joined the town’s department in 1995, was fired Feb. 26 after it was claimed that he improperly used a national law enforcement database. Since then, the association has advocated for Oxendine’s reinstatement at the department. The association is a division of the Southern States Police Benevolent Association, which represents the interests of law enforcement in North Carolina.
Oxendine attended the meeting but did not speak.
In a letter sent to the town, the association’s executive director, John Midgette, stated that the allegations “reek of personal bias, retaliation and other misconduct.” The letter requests that the town reach out to the State Bureau of Investigation, the district attorney and other appropriate authority to investigate the matter.
“Some of these allegations are of the criminal nature,” Midgette said.
Midgette said that he is optimistic that the town will reach an agreement and not face legal action.
“We’re certainly hopeful,” he said.
The room was packed with more than 50 residents, many of whom expressed their displeasure with the town’s handling of the situation and other matters. During his presentation, McGaha was met with a round of applause when referring to Oxendine as a “hero’’ who gave 24 years to the department.
The meeting got contentious during public forum when Gerome Chavis, the front person for the We the People movement, called out Town Manager Kate Bordeaux, and was interrupted by Mayor Emmett Morton. During the exchange, several people in the crowd yelled “Let him speak!” and “Freedom of speech!”
Police Chief John Ruppe gave Chavis the final warning, saying he would arrest him if he did comply. Chavis then took a seat.
Other town residents spoke out.
“As every hour of every day goes by, this story gets dirtier and dirtier,” Diane Dixon said. “We all learn things we didn’t know before. We deserve a right to know what’s going on.”
“You know why all these people are here and you won’t win this war,” said another resident, Sandra Jones.
Bordeaux and Morton had no comment on the matter.
At the end of the meeting, Commissioner Victor Womack made a motion to go into closed session to discuss personnel litigation. The motion failed 3-2 with Commissioners Elizabeth Gilmore, James McDougald and Virgil Hutchinson opposing.
In other business, the commissioners:
— Amended the budget to transfer $8,413 from reserves to the Public Works department to clean up debris and overgrown trees at Oak Grove Cemetery, which is owned by the town.
— Amended the budget to transfer $2,200 from reserves into the Gilbert Petterson Library to purchase lighting for the facility.
— Amended the budget to transfer $3,032 from reserves to the Public Works Department to repair a street sweeper.
— Scheduled an Arbor Day celebration for April 5 at 9 a.m. at the Gilbert Petterson Library.
