An investigation has confirmed California City Public Safety Director Justin Vincent’s claims that the mayor and a council member plotted to fire him. This comes after Vincent was placed on paid administrative leave by city officials.
Vincent filed a lawsuit against the city last week, alleging that Mayor Marquette Hawkins and City Councilmember Smith planned to fire him during a recorded conversation in December.
“In terms of evidence, you usually don’t have an audio tape to prove the case. Steve, that audiotape is a smoking gun. “It actually proves our case,” said Vincent’s attorney, Steven Haney.
The city hired an outside investigator, Robert Ratcliffe of The Titan Group Professional Investigations, to investigate the claims. The investigation determined that Vincent’s allegations were correct.
Vincent’s lawyers maintain that the audio recording was obtained legally through an unnamed third party and Vincent himself.
“It’s a confidential source, but it’s a good source and we’re very comfortable that the audio tape is real, valid and legal,” Haney told reporters.
While the city is not commenting at this time, Mayor Hawkins issued the following statement regarding the lawsuit: “I urge the public to allow any official investigations to proceed without interference and to resist the urge to pass judgment based on hearsay or misinformation. “We believe that truth and transparency will eventually triumph.”
On Wednesday, California City officials put Vincent on paid leave. Shannon Hayes, a Cal City police officer, is now the acting director of public safety.
On Tuesday, City Manager Lopez notified Vincent that the investigation had been completed and confirmed the findings that back up Vincent’s claims.
