A report released today by the City of Chattanooga states City Court Clerk Edward C. Hammonds had a “strong pattern” of sending sexually explicit e-mails to subordinates as well as starting sexually explicit conversations.
“There is conclusive evidence that Mr. Hammonds has sent numerous sexually explicit and objectionable e-mails” to several female employees, the report states. “There is evidence from employees that Mr. Hammonds participated in or has started sexually explicit conversations on numerous occasions. There is a strong pattern of these behaviors that have been going on repeatedly over a period of time.”
Mr. Hammonds resigned Monday amid the allegations, for which he had been on administrative leave since July 3 while an investigation was being conducted.
A woman in the City Court reported the problems the same day. According to the report, Mr. Hammonds began sexually harassing her in May and threatened her job.
Mr. Hammonds was responsible for the daily operations of the city court, which has jurisdiction over traffic, parking and garbage violations, as well as other city ordinance offenses.
Mr. Hammonds denied many of the allegations, according to the report. In his resignation letter, Mr. Hammonds apologized for his behavior, citing “inappropriate decisions.”
The City Court clerk is appointed by the mayor and requires the approval of the city council. Mayor Ron Littlefield is expected to submit a candidate to replace Mr. Hammonds within 30 days.
For complete coverage, see tomorrow’s Chattanooga Times Free Press
Mr. Hammonds has resigned. Why is it your job to destroy him?
I worked with Mr. Hammonds for eleven years and he always conducted himself in a Christian and professional manner. I believe he may have been setup for a fall... I am proud to call Ed a friend and wish him well. Ed D.
Someone named "Ed" -- presumably male -- probably was not subjected to sexually harassing emails from Mr. Hammond. I don't know whether Hammond sexually harassed female employee(s) and/or threatened their jobs, but a male colleague's endorsement is kind of beside the point.
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