TERRELL, Texas — Attorneys for the city of Terrell are reviewing a complaint of sexual harassment against outgoing city manager Torry Edwards according to city officials.
TERRELL, Texas — Attorneys for the city of Terrell are reviewing a complaint of sexual harassment against outgoing city manager Torry Edwards according to city officials.
Edwards announced his retirement in a press release he wrote and instructed a city employee to distribute to local media outlets on Monday according to city staff.
The announcement came on the heels of council action in September when they voted 4-1 to not renew Edward’s contract and approved a $30,000 disbursement to his supplemental retirement account. Edwards current contract was set to expire May 31 of next year. The announcement did not mention any pending allegations or complaints or details of sexual harassment.
Numerous high-ranking city officials all reported to inForney.com that a sexual harassment complaint was filed by a city employee against Edwards and was reported to the city’s human resources department before the Thanksgiving holiday. Terrell Mayor DJ Ory confirmed the allegations to inForney.com Thursday evening via email.
“The Human Resources Director has informed me of a complaint involving the City Manager. The matter has been referred to our city attorneys for review,” Ory said.
The city declined to provide a statement about the allegations but confirmed that Edwards was not under any criminal investigation at this time. The city has also not released details about the separation of employment agreement with Edwards.
The council appointed current assistant city secretary Mike Simms as Edwards replacement during an emergency council meeting held Thursday at city hall. The city said Simms, who has been with the city since 2008, new appointment is effective December 4. Edwards final day is December 3.
Edwards has not responded to inForney.com’s email request for comment as of press time.
This is a developing story.
