APD chief Mayer back on duty after being suspended with pay

by Camden Easterling
Staff Writer

Athens City Police Chief Richard Mayer has returned to duty after a paid suspension while he was under investigation by the city regarding a harassment claim. APD officer Thomas Withers filed a claim with the city against Mayer on Aug. 20. The complaint focuses on Mayer allowing the police department to get involved in Withers' personal life. Withers said the police chief has been harassing him for several years, but did not elaborate in the complaint.

Withers said in the complaint that Mayer created an unpleasant work atmosphere for him.

"Chief Mayer has caused a hostile work environment for me as well as intentional, undue stress on me," Withers stated in the complaint.

Athens Mayor Richard Abel said the police chief was suspended on Aug. 22 and returned to work yesterday. While he was suspended, Capt. David Burnette filled the position.

Abel said the police chief was suspended because city officials wanted to be sure Mayer did not influence the investigation. Administrative officials for the city have finished the investigation, and Abel is waiting for their official report. Abel expects the report sometime in the next two weeks, he said.

Mayer also is waiting on the report to be finished.

"I am awaiting the report to the mayor and (think) it would be inappropriate for me to comment at this time," Mayer said.

In his complaint, Withers said Mayer drug out an investigation pertaining to a complaint filed against Withers by his wife, Lesa Withers. Mayer allegedly let the investigation continue past the allotted 90 days, Withers said in the complaint.

Withers' complaint also stated Mayer made a comment that included the chief's "personal opinion and had no bearing on the investigation."

Mayer allegedly went on to give Withers two written reprimands and then ordered him to apologize to Lesa Withers.

When asked for comment, Withers said he could not discuss the complaint or the investigation.

"Under department policy, I'm not allowed to talk to the media," Withers said.

Withers said in the complaint that he is seeking a written reprimand for Mayer, as well as an apology and the cessation of Mayer's harassment toward him.