Troy Williams: Columbus sheriff’s racist remarks caught on tape
Columbus County’s Republican Sheriff Jody Greene is suspended after leaked phone calls disclosed his racist remarks about African-American department staff. There is no doubt that Greene crossed the line when he promised to fire all the “Black bastards” in the department.
Last week District Attorney Jon David filed a petition requesting Greene be removed from office. Superior Court Judge Douglas B. Sasser agreed to David’s request until a hearing on the petition for removal could be held.
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Greene’s alleged remarks were made in 2019, not long after he took office. Wilmington-based WECT TV 6 first reported the existence of the recording two weeks ago. David wrote in his petition that he is seeking Green’s removal from office because, “Defendant has committed willful misconduct and maladministration in office,” and “The acts committed by the Defendant … constitute corruption while in office.”
The North Carolina Sheriff’s Association (NCSA) said: “The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association (the Association), representing all 100 sheriffs in our state, is aware of racially-charged comments allegedly made by Columbus County Sheriff Jody Greene that shock the conscience. The comments made on the recording are inflammatory, racially derogatory, insulting and offensive.” Greene, also under investigation by the SBI for obstruction of justice, resigned from the NCSA after being informed they would hold a hearing to determine what action it may take against him, up to and including expulsion from the Association.
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In an emergency session, the Columbus County Board of Commissioners voted to appoint Bill Rogers, a former state trooper with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, to fill the sheriff’s office following Greene’s suspension. Columbus County’s Board of Commissioners comprises seven single-member districts, all men, with one African-American and six whites.
How does someone like Jody Greene get to be sheriff? According to his website, he has over 30 years of law enforcement experience. He began his career as a Chadbourn Police Officer, was later hired as a Columbus County sheriff’s deputy, continued his career with the Highway Patrol, and moved through the ranks to retire as a first sergeant.
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Did he form his views about African Americans in 2019? It’s not likely, and what impact did those views have on his policing? The scary thought is that he was in law enforcement for over 30 years with those biases.
I often wonder how someone could remain friends with a colleague with racist views. Many of these folks are esteemed citizens in our communities. Racists have always invaded the ranks of elected officials, and church and civic leaders have become infected too. These are folks who maintain high levels of respect. And let me emphasize I’m not calling out any particular race because bigotry infiltrates all colors.
It would be easy to blame what’s going on in Columbus County on politics. But systemic racism is much deeper than that. Greene got caught because he thought his comments would remain private.
Racism is a problem that has to be fixed openly and not behind closed doors.
Troy Williams is a member of The Fayetteville Observer Community Advisory Board. He is a legal analyst and criminal defense investigator. He can be reached at talk2troywilliams@yahoo.com.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Troy Williams: Columbus sheriff’s racist remarks caught on tape
