A Jackson police officer who was transferred from his job riding a Segway scooter around downtown alleges his transfer to the night shift in west Jackson was Mayor Frank Melton’s way of getting back at him for cooperating with federal investigators.
Officer Robert Watts filed a notice Tuesday of intent to sue the city for alleged retaliation for talking to FBI agents about the mayor. He is seeking more than $250,000 for “mental anguish” and punitive damages.
Police Chief Malcolm McMillin says he, not Melton, spearheaded Watts’ reassignment. His decision, he said, was based on job performance, but he would not go into detail.
“I had him transferred, but I did not make the decision as to where to put him,” the chief said Tuesday. “I said send him back to patrol, and that’s the last I heard of it.”
Magnolia Tribune
