City of Rincon terminates contract employee charged in 2011 murder-for-hire plot
On Tuesday the City of Rincon announced its decision to terminate the city's golf course superintendent, an independent contractor position, who officials learned of his criminal history in a murder-for-hire scheme.
According to multiple media reports from 2011, Jim Watkins, who was living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was arrested and charged with solicitation to commit murder after investigators determined he was in a legal fight with his brother over his parents’ estate, which was estimated to be worth $20 million.
“We have taken swift and immediate action to address the city’s liability as soon as we were able to confirm the allegations regarding the background of Mr. Watkins,” said City Manager Jonathan Lynn.
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Rincon resident Laurie Eichmann brought forth the information during a city council meeting. A hush fell over the room when she addressed Rincon Golf Course Manager Bryan Bessinger.
“I wonder if anyone let the golf course manager know that,” said Eichmann regarding Watkins. She then turned to Bessinger and said, “I just wondered if they let you know that so you can properly protect the children out there.”
He responded by saying, “I knew nothing of this.”
According to Rincon City Clerk Dulcia King, Watkins has been a contract employee since July 2022. He was paid a salary of $6,480 per month since March 2023.
The city does not conduct background checks on contracted employees. Lynn admitted that hiring policies would have to change moving forward.
“I’ve been getting a lot of concerned comments from residents being at our golf course,” said Lynn. “We were made aware of the situation. I think the city failed in doing our due diligence and we have to do better.”
According to a statement from the city, “The city is working to finalize their updated policy on background checks for anyone associated with the city.”
Latrice Williams is a general assignment reporter covering Bryan and Effingham County. She can be reached at lwilliams6@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Jim Watkins fired after City of Rincon learns about criminal past
