Columbia, SC (WLTX) - Richland County Council held a special called meeting Monday afternoon to discuss the contract of former county administrator Gerald Seals.
Seals' contract was terminated with the county twice back in April, over allegations that he was not following council's orders with the Richland Rennaisance program, and allegations that he was physically sleeping on the job.
Seals has denied those allegations and has asked council for a public hearing. That could come as soon as next week.
While no action was taken on his contract, council did review a complaint made by Assistant County Administrator Dr. Sandra Yudice.
Council was not specific about the complaint, but Council Chairwoman Joyce Dickerson explained that the complaint was against Councilman Norman Jackson.
Norman Jackson says that Dr. Yudice accused him of bullying her and speaking harshly towards her during a recent executive session meeting.
He denied those claims and explained that this was a smear campaign by both Dr. Yudice and Seals.
"Anyone who attacks my character, I have to make it clear, I will not standby and be abused or bullied by any disgruntled employee," says Norman Jackson.
Dickerson explained that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division will be taking a look into the allegations.
"An allegation was made and council feels that we have a responsibility to respond," says Dickerson. "We are responding by saying that it is best for us to get an independent investigation without us investigating this matter."
We reached out to SLED about the possible investigation and they have not yet received a request by Richland County Council.
News 19 reached out to Gerald Seals about the allegations that this is a smear campaign against Councilman Norman Jackson. He did not want to comment and referred all questions to county council.