Mayo closes investigation of pay irregularities, takes no action

News - Star Feb 25, 2011

Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo has closed an investigation into a payroll dispute and grievance, and no city employees have been disciplined.

"I have been unable to find any payroll irregularities, and I am closing my inquiry into that matter," Mayo said. . .

The investigation began last year. Human Resources Director Mike Rhymes was researching pay records to determine if Ricardo Nance, a traffic engineering employee, was eligible for disability leave. In reviewing the records, Rhymes reported in an investigation report that Nance was receiving 25 hours of overtime each pay period, including during a period when he was reportedly sick.

Rhymes reportedly confronted City Engineer Sinyale Morrison about the issue. . .

Morrison later filed a grievance against Rhymes citing five incidents in which her employees felt threatened and intimidated during his investigation.Rhymes in turn wrote a letter to David Barnes, director of administration, dated Feb. 14, that states: "Nance was making threatening remarks in the workplace about persons unknown." Rhymes requested personal protection for himself and a secretary during the work day. He also requested a psychological evaluation of Nance and any city employee associated with him based on Nance's criminal background. Rhymes also stated that his office is completely unprotected and the most "logical" target of a disgruntled employee.

Nance had numerous arrests before being hired by the city. Those arrests include traffic citations, drug arrests and a January 2007 arrest on one count of simple arson.

According to police reports, Nance set a couch on fire with a cigarette lighter because he was angry with his mother because she told him to get a job.

According to Monroe investigators, the fire did $96,000 in damage to the home at 903 Robin Drive. Nance pleaded guilty to attempted simple arson and received a sentence of one year hard labor with credit for time served.

Nance also was arrested in February 2006 on one count of intimidation of a witness. According to court documents, Nance reportedly asked a witness in a drug trial to not show up for court or he would "do her in." Nance was never convicted on that charge.

Barnes responded to Rhymes' letter Feb. 17 and told Rhymes he requested city Marshal Wince Highshaw to meet with him regarding security concerns. Barnes also stated in his return letter to Rhymes that he reviewed the request to move the Human Resources Department, but told him he had not been able to find a suitable location.

Rhymes also requested in his Feb. 14 letter to Barnes that he be able to talk to the media regarding the situation. Barnes said that he cannot grant Rhymes or any other employee permission to communicate with the news media without authorization from Rod Washington, public affairs officer.