Former Meck County director sues sheriff for retaliation

A former director of Business Operations for the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office is suing Sheriff Garry McFadden and alleges she was fired in retaliation for making reports of racial pay disparities, and claims she was asked to alter expense reports by the sheriff.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Former manager accuses Sheriff McFadden of asking her to alter expenses

She also claims, amongst other things she “…discovered and exposed that several employees were employed and being paid for services not performed.”

Angelia Riggsbee served as the director of Business Operations for the sheriff’s office for nine months in 2024 – one of her jobs was to review the salaries and expenses in the department – which is where she first noticed discrepancies within department payroll.

Riggsbee held a news conference on Friday updating the public that she had filed a lawsuit.

“Because of the sheriff, I have suffered financially, mentally and emotionally,” Riggsbee said. “My 35-year career, reputation was severely damaged. I’m a single mother and a grandmother, but I have been unable to secure employment despite my skills and many years of excellent performance. This has been one of the most difficult times of my life.”

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“During this review, Dr. Riggsbee noticed a clear issue – there was a pay disparity between a Black, female manager compared to other white employees in the same or lesser roles,” according to the lawsuit.

Following her review she issued a memo highlighting her concerns and even stated, “if not corrected could result in legal action for the MCSO.”

Riggsbee claimed that then-Chief Deputy Kevin Canty, who later resigned in protest to McFadden approved an increase to adjust the disparity, but the sheriff denied it.

In September 2024, in response to a records request from The Charlotte Observer for this story, Riggsbee claims McFadden’s assistant, on behalf of the sheriff, asked her to alter his expense reports, saying he did “not want all of that” … “to go out”.

Riggsbee said she refused and was fired in November 2024 shortly after Canty resigned.

“I’m not going to doctor up documents,” Riggsbee told Channel 9 in a previous interview.

Riggsbee said she came forward now because people must understand what’s happening at the sheriff’s office.

“There are so many stories that come out, and I think people just kind of skim over them,” she said. “I think they need to understand the magnitude of what really goes on behind the doors of the sheriff’s office. And I need justice. I need to be heard. I need for everyone to know that I was doing what was right. I was standing for what was right.”

Riggsbee claims unlawful retaliatory conduct by the sheriff and seeks back pay and benefits and future lost earning. In addition to attorneys’ fees and at least$ 75,000 in damages.

In the lawsuit, Riggsbee also claims McFadden, “…created a toxic culture of retaliation and racism within the Sheriff’s Department.”

The lawsuit makes three separate legal claims including violations of anti-discrimination laws, namely Section 1981 and Title VII, as well as wrongful termination for violation of public policy.

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The sheriff’s office said in a statement:

“We acknowledge Dr. Riggsbee’s right to pursue this matter through the courts. Given our role of serving one of the largest counties in North Carolina, we understand that legal actions are not uncommon. Out of respect for the judicial process, we will not be making further comments while this litigation is pending.”

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