Lawyer faces false imprisonment charge over firing of worker
A Georgia lawyer is facing a criminal charge of false imprisonment over his handling of the termination of an employee of the Augusta Warrior Project.
Wright McLeod, who is a member of the AWP board of directors, allegedly entered the employee’s office along with the AWP staff director, told the woman that she was fired and insisted on searching her purse and backpack before she left the building, according to the Augusta Chronicle and WJBF.
The woman refused, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office was called, and charges against McLeod and the staff director resulted, the sheriff’s report says.
In an AWP news release, director Kim Elle says that “AWP believes the termination was conducted in a thoughtful, professional and legal manner, and AWP solidly stands behind the board member and staff member involved in this action. AWP believes that when the legal process is complete, it will support our position, and the board member and staff member will be fully exonerated.”
McLeod is running as a Republican for a seat in the Georgia legislature. He was released on his own recognizance.
