A former Pendergrass employee and the owner of the tow truck company used by the city have filed a lawsuit against city officials over their claims of unfair treatment due to their association with the “whistleblowers” who accused the city of corruption.
Lawsuit filed against Pendergrass officials
Darrell Moore, owner of I-85 Garage and Towing, and his daughter Felicia Scroggs filed the lawsuit against Pendergrass Mayor Monk Tolbert, city administrator Rob Russell, police officers Becky Davis and Mark Abruzzinio and the City of Pendergrass.
Scroggs, who was employed by the city from 2004 until her termination on Oct. 20, served in several positions with the city, but was assistant to the chief when she was fired.
Moore’s business, I-85 Garage and Towing, was the sole provider of towing services for the city until the city ended the relationship on Oct. 16. Moore was also responsible for the maintenance of the city’s automobiles and worked as a contract laborer for the street and road department where he operated the city garbage truck, tractor and bush hog. Moore stated in the lawsuit that he also created an outdoor firing range on his property which the city police officers used for practice and to qualify to meet required firearm standards.
In the lawsuit, Moore states that Davis called 911 and asked that his business be taken off of the 911 list. Moore said he asked Davis why she did this and she said Mayor Tolbert told her to because Moore was seen associating with Mike Buffington, editor of MainStreet Newspapers Inc.; and Peter Val Preda, an investigator for the law firm that represents the whistleblowers and Lt. Bill Garner, one of the whistleblowers, at a court hearing.
According to the lawsuit, Sroggs was fired “due to her continued associating with individuals the defendants did not approve.”
“Defendants Tolbert, Russell, Davis and the City of Pendergrass discriminated against plaintiffs Moore, Scroggs and I-85 due to their continued associations with the whistelblowers, the media and other individuals,” according to the lawsuit. “…Defendant Russell stated that Lt. Garner was not a member of the family and if Moore wished to remain in the family he would disassociate himself with Garner.”
Last year, Garner and two other former city employees made allegations of corruption against city officials. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is still looking into these allegations.
Scroggs, who was employed by the city from 2004 until her termination on Oct. 20, served in several positions with the city, but was assistant to the chief when she was fired.
Moore’s business, I-85 Garage and Towing, was the sole provider of towing services for the city until the city ended the relationship on Oct. 16. Moore was also responsible for the maintenance of the city’s automobiles and worked as a contract laborer for the street and road department where he operated the city garbage truck, tractor and bush hog. Moore stated in the lawsuit that he also created an outdoor firing range on his property which the city police officers used for practice and to qualify to meet required firearm standards.
In the lawsuit, Moore states that Davis called 911 and asked that his business be taken off of the 911 list. Moore said he asked Davis why she did this and she said Mayor Tolbert told her to because Moore was seen associating with Mike Buffington, editor of MainStreet Newspapers Inc.; and Peter Val Preda, an investigator for the law firm that represents the whistleblowers and Lt. Bill Garner, one of the whistleblowers, at a court hearing.
According to the lawsuit, Sroggs was fired “due to her continued associating with individuals the defendants did not approve.”
“Defendants Tolbert, Russell, Davis and the City of Pendergrass discriminated against plaintiffs Moore, Scroggs and I-85 due to their continued associations with the whistelblowers, the media and other individuals,” according to the lawsuit. “…Defendant Russell stated that Lt. Garner was not a member of the family and if Moore wished to remain in the family he would disassociate himself with Garner.”
Last year, Garner and two other former city employees made allegations of corruption against city officials. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is still looking into these allegations.
Furthermore, since they do whatever they want and get away with it, they will continue to do so. I commend the whistleblowers and the victims that came forward. It is very difficult to blow the whistle. It rarely turns out right, only in the movies. The three victims are paying dearly for their chivalrous actions. I commend Mr. Buffington for trying to right this wrong, but I unfortunately see no end to their BS.
That being said, where and when will accountability be achieved? I just don’t see it happening. Keep the light on them Mr. Buffington, roaches can’t stand the light.
Not an outstanding citizen of our community.