Charlotte, North Carolina, January 6, 2026
The Charlotte City Council has approved a settlement of $305,000 to CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings to avoid a lawsuit stemming from threatening messages sent by former council member Tariq Bokhari. The controversy surrounding this payout has raised discussions about ethics in city government. Additionally, Bokhari’s brief tenure as Deputy Administrator for the Federal Transit Administration has been highlighted alongside his return to North Carolina to support his wife’s political campaign.
Charlotte, North Carolina – Recent discussions have brought to light details regarding a significant payout to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) Chief Johnny Jennings and the brief federal tenure of former Charlotte City Council member Tariq Bokhari. These topics, which occurred in 2025, remain subjects of public interest.
Charlotte City Council’s Payout to Police Chief
The Charlotte City Council approved a substantial $305,000 settlement to CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings in 2025. This payment was made to prevent a potential lawsuit against the city. The dispute originated from threatening text messages that Tariq Bokhari, then a City Council member, sent to Chief Jennings. The core of the disagreement between Bokhari and Jennings centered on the implementation of outer-carrier vests for police officers, a measure Bokhari advocated for enhanced officer protection.
The circumstances surrounding this settlement generated considerable public debate. In the aftermath of the payout, allegations of unethical conduct within the city government were raised by Council member Victoria Watlington. These allegations prompted an investigation by the North Carolina State Auditor’s Office. Subsequently, in October 2025, an independent investigation commissioned by the city concluded that there were no instances of “unethical, immoral, or illegal” activity by the City Council concerning the settlement.
Former Council Member’s Federal Service
Tariq Bokhari stepped down from his position on the Charlotte City Council in April 2025 to assume a federal transit role. He was appointed as the Deputy Administrator for the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) under the Trump administration. This role is part of the federal Department of Transportation, primarily responsible for awarding grants for transit projects across the nation.
Bokhari’s tenure in the federal government was relatively short, lasting approximately five months. He departed from the FTA in September 2025. Regarding his departure, Bokhari indicated that “the timing was right” to transition leadership. He also cited a desire to return to North Carolina to prioritize his family, business, and to support his wife, Krista Bokhari, in her campaign for his former Charlotte City Council seat.
During his time at the FTA, Bokhari publicly noted several achievements. He stated that he worked to clear significant grant backlogs and reduce bureaucratic hurdles that had slowed projects. He also claimed to have contributed to establishing an artificial intelligence framework for the future and setting in motion a 10-year vision for autonomous transit at a Nationwide scope.
Background and Local Impact
Prior to his federal appointment, Tariq Bokhari served as the District 6 representative on the Charlotte City Council from 2017 until his resignation in April 2025. Following his departure from the city council, Edwin Peacock III was appointed to serve the remainder of his term. The subsequent campaign by Krista Bokhari for the District 6 seat underscores the continued political engagement of the Bokhari family in Charlotte.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the amount of the payout to CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings?
The Charlotte City Council approved a substantial $305,000 settlement to CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings in 2025.
Why was there a payout to CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings?
The payout to CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings was made to prevent a potential lawsuit against the city, stemming from threatening text messages that Tariq Bokhari, then a City Council member, sent to Chief Jennings. The core of the disagreement was over the implementation of outer-carrier vests for police officers.
What was Tariq Bokhari’s federal transit role?
Tariq Bokhari served as the Deputy Administrator for the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) under the Trump administration. This role is part of the federal Department of Transportation, primarily responsible for awarding grants for transit projects across the nation.
When did Tariq Bokhari leave his federal role and why?
Tariq Bokhari departed from the FTA in September 2025, after approximately five months in the role. He indicated that “the timing was right” to transition leadership and cited a desire to return to North Carolina to prioritize his family, business, and to support his wife, Krista Bokhari, in her campaign for his former Charlotte City Council seat.
What achievements did Tariq Bokhari cite during his federal tenure?
During his time at the FTA, Tariq Bokhari publicly noted several achievements, including working to clear significant grant backlogs, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, contributing to establishing an artificial intelligence framework for the future, and setting in motion a 10-year vision for autonomous transit at a Nationwide scope.
Key Details of the Discussions
| Topic | Description | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte City Council Payout | $305,000 settlement to CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings to avert a lawsuit due to threatening text messages from former council member Tariq Bokhari. | Charlotte (State-level) |
| Underlying Dispute for Payout | Conflict between Bokhari and Chief Jennings over the use of outer-carrier vests for police officers. | Charlotte (State-level) |
| Tariq Bokhari’s Federal Role | Deputy Administrator for the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) under the Trump administration. | Nationwide |
| Duration of Federal Role | Approximately five months (April 2025 – September 2025). | Nationwide |
| Reasons for Federal Departure | Stated desire to return to North Carolina to focus on family, business, and wife’s political campaign. | State-level (North Carolina) |
| Cited Federal Achievements | Clearing grant backlogs, reducing red tape, establishing AI framework, 10-year vision for autonomous transit. | Nationwide |
| Investigation into Payout | North Carolina State Auditor’s Office investigated; independent city-commissioned investigation found no unethical conduct. | State-level (North Carolina for Auditor, Charlotte for City investigation) |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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