Columbia, SC (WLTX)-- There are now 3 lawsuits against the Richland County Recreation Commission. Columbia attorney, J. Lewis Cromer announced Thursday that his law firm will pursue litigation against the Richland County Recreation Commission, its Executive Director, James Brown, III, and others, possibly including members of its Board of Commissioners.
Cromer represents Andrea Fripp James, RCRC’s Division Head of Financial Operations, Anthony A. Cooper, Director of Procurement, and Kenya Bryant, the former Assistant Executive Director who was terminated by Brown on Tuesday.
According to Mr. Cromer and his clients, there presently exists throughout the agency a hostile environment of bullying, nepotism, sexual harassment, and inappropriate and illegal conduct, most of which allegedly centers around Brown.
Sexual harassment charges made against Brown have been the subject of an investigation by an outside attorney. Numerous statements have been given and a report has been made to the Board, but no action has been taken.
The report has not been released to the Richland County delegation that appoints the board commissioners or to the public, to the knowledge of the attorneys and their clients.
“At this time we would urge the delegation to take immediate action to see that this report becomes public knowledge,” J. Lewis Cromer stated. “We have one of the best delegations in the state, and I know they are responsive to the needs of Richland County citizens. They have appointed all members of this board and are responsible for their appointments. The inappropriate behavior needs to be dealt with, and ineffective board members should be replaced by persons who are ready to effectively carry out the programs undertaken by the Commission. All of the programs of this agency are adversely affected by this inappropriate conduct.”
On April 4, 2016, the Board met to discuss “personnel matters”.
No action was taken, but after the session the board gratuitously gave a vote to support the Executive Director. The motion carried by a vote of 5-2.
On April 5, 2016, the Assistant Executive Director was terminated from his position after his attorneys say he opposed many of the directives issued by James Brown, III.
James Brown, III has been the Executive Director of the Richland County Recreation Commission since 2010.
