Parker resigns from TPD, receives $20K settlement

Nov. 08--THOMASVILLE -- A former Thomasville Police Department (TPD) officer who authored an 11-page letter about the police chief and other fellow officers has resigned from city government and received $20,000 in a severance agreement.

Waylon Parker, the former officer, has been on leave with pay since Feb. 19. His voluntary resignation was effective Oct. 26.

Cartersville attorney David Archer's findings after his investigation -- at the request of city council -- show Thomasville Mayor Greg Hobbs "encouraged and/or otherwise caused" Parker to write the letter.

City attorney Tim Sanders announced the resignation and settlement at a Wednesday city council workshop.

Through an open records request, the Times-Enterprise obtained the settlement agreement signed by Parker.

The settlement amount will come from city coffers, and the agreement releases the city from future claims.

The settlement states that Parker, who signed the agreement Friday, Nov. 2, will never apply for city employment or seek damages from the city.

Also as part of the settlement, Parker shall cooperate with the city in any legal proceedings, including making himself available for any legal proceeding and executing accurately-stated affidavits if requested by city legal counsel and provide documents and information in his possession as requested by the city's legal counsel.

In June, Moultrie attorney Robert D. Howell informed city council members and other city officials his clients -- Police Chief Troy Rich and the TPD command staff -- will seek $1 million in damages as a result of defamatory remarks made in Parker's letter.

"The members of the Thomasville Police Department whose reputations have been harmed by the false and defamatory letter written by (Mr.) Parker find it incredible, and even quite ridiculous, that (Mr.) Parker was given anything other than an immediate termination for his conduct," Howell said Thursday. "An independent investigation has conclusively established that the information contained in (Mr.) Parker's letter was false, that he knew it to be false when he wrote it, and that he violated police department policy in doing so. Yet, the City of Thomasville saw fit to reward this conduct with six months of paid leave, a $20,000 severance payment, continuation of insurance benefits and a favorable report to POST. This certainly looks like a situation of fellow co-conspirator council members taking care of one of their own. It's the latest in an entire string of events by the city council that simply defies logic and common sense."

POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training Council) certifies law enforcement officers following appropriate training and schooling.

The agreement calls for the city to pay costs associated with Parker obtaining COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) benefits for six months.

According to the settlement, Parker will not claim unemployment benefits and will not seek other claims against the city.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820

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