News Summary
North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek is investigating a reported financial settlement between the Charlotte City Council and Police Chief Johnny Jennings, concerning potential misuse of taxpayer funds. The alleged settlement, linked to disputes involving former council member Tariq Bokhari and threatening text messages sent to Jennings, could range from $100,000 to $300,000. Following revelations about this situation, the Fraternal Order of Police is considering a vote of no confidence against Jennings, while public interest continues to grow regarding city officials’ accountability and government spending.
Charlotte – North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek has initiated an investigation into a reported financial settlement between the Charlotte City Council and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings. The probe comes in light of claims that a settlement was reached in a closed session held on May 5, amid a dispute involving former council member Tariq Bokhari.
Reports suggest that the potential settlement could range between $100,000 and $300,000 in public funds, raising concerns about the use of taxpayer dollars. The controversy stems from threatening text messages allegedly sent by Bokhari to Chief Jennings, which reportedly led to tensions regarding the adoption of protective vests for police officers. Bokhari had previously resigned to pursue a role in the Trump administration.
Interim City Attorney Anthony Fox stated that the city intends to comply with the auditor’s request and will release pertinent public records as permitted by law. This commitment to transparency is crucial, especially considering the growing public interest in the situation.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fraternal Order of Police is preparing to call for a vote of no confidence against Chief Jennings following the revelations surrounding the settlement. This potential vote coincides with increasing scrutiny from community members and media, who have criticized the city for alleged unethical behavior related to the handling of the matter.
The auditor, Dave Boliek, has highlighted the importance of transparency in government spending, stressing that even minimal payments must be disclosed to the public. Boliek’s communication emphasized the public’s right to be informed about potential disbursements of taxpayer money. Legislators have received a letter expressing alarm over the alleged settlement and the need for public oversight regarding government financial decisions, guiding public scrutiny that no tax dollar should escape.
Following the recent disclosures, the Republican Party of North Carolina’s 12th District has called for the resignation of Mayor Vi Lyles, alleging that she concealed relevant information concerning the settlement discussions. The matter has provoked an ongoing dialogue among various stakeholders about the accountability of elected officials and the management of public funds.
The State Auditor’s investigation aims to establish the facts surrounding the settlement, including the exact amount paid, the existence of any payment, and the designated source of funds. This inquiry will scrutinize the process leading up to the alleged agreement and is expected to bring greater clarity to the situation.
Council member Tiawana Brown hinted on social media that the settlement amount could be as high as $300,000, although this figure has not been confirmed by officials. The charges of unethical behavior and the financial implications of such a settlement continue to fuel community concern and dissatisfaction with the city council’s actions.
The auditor’s office remains committed to a thorough assessment of the issue at hand. It has reiterated the necessity for accountability and transparency for the citizens of Charlotte and the broader population of North Carolina. As the investigation unfolds, community members and stakeholders are keenly awaiting further developments to understand the implications of the reported settlement and the accountability measures that will follow.
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Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
