Post by Master-9 on Apr 26, 2004 17:25:54 GMT -5
Posted on Mon, Apr. 26, 2004
Macon officers step down over York case
By Sharon E. Crawford
Telegraph Staff Writer
Eight Macon law enforcement and emergency officials resigned Monday after they said Mayor Jack Ellis failed to listen to new evidence in the federal case about cult leader Malachi York.
But city officials said there is nothing they could do about the federal case against York, who was sentenced to 135 years in federal prison last week on charges of child molestation and racketeering.
Macon Police Chief Rodney Monroe said Monday that seven of his officers and a recruit have resigned. Macon-Bibb County Fire Chief Jimmy Hartley said one of his firefighters also resigned Monday.
"I've accepted their resignations although I would not like to see them go because each one of those officers have served the department and the city well," Monroe said.
In a statement released by the group of officers, former officer Joseph Hibner said the group could no longer work in the city of Macon.
"The reason for resignation is that we will not continue to risk our lives in support of a city and mayor that turns their back to obvious injustices," Hibner said.
Hibner said more than 4,000 Nuwaubians came to Macon at Ellis' request several years ago and have become productive members of the community.
"We are just the first to resign," Hibner said. "There will be others."
Representatives from Ellis' office said the mayor was out of town and could not be reached for comment.
Macon officers step down over York case
By Sharon E. Crawford
Telegraph Staff Writer
Eight Macon law enforcement and emergency officials resigned Monday after they said Mayor Jack Ellis failed to listen to new evidence in the federal case about cult leader Malachi York.
But city officials said there is nothing they could do about the federal case against York, who was sentenced to 135 years in federal prison last week on charges of child molestation and racketeering.
Macon Police Chief Rodney Monroe said Monday that seven of his officers and a recruit have resigned. Macon-Bibb County Fire Chief Jimmy Hartley said one of his firefighters also resigned Monday.
"I've accepted their resignations although I would not like to see them go because each one of those officers have served the department and the city well," Monroe said.
In a statement released by the group of officers, former officer Joseph Hibner said the group could no longer work in the city of Macon.
"The reason for resignation is that we will not continue to risk our lives in support of a city and mayor that turns their back to obvious injustices," Hibner said.
Hibner said more than 4,000 Nuwaubians came to Macon at Ellis' request several years ago and have become productive members of the community.
"We are just the first to resign," Hibner said. "There will be others."
Representatives from Ellis' office said the mayor was out of town and could not be reached for comment.