In 2020, Lieutenant Derek Farr posted an allegedly racist message on his personal Facebook account, leading to community controversy. The incident contributed to the election of a new mayor, Jill Patterson Hicks, who was a friend of Farr. The former police chief, Adam Melton, recommended disciplinary action against Farr for the post. However, Patterson Hicks did not reappoint Melton as police chief, leading to a lawsuit alleging retaliation. The court granted summary judgment in favor of the city, finding no causal connection between Melton’s recommendation and his non-reappointment. [Source: Melton v. City of Roanoke, 2:22-cv-00411-NAD (N.D. Ala. Jan. 31, 2024)]
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