By By Robbie Byrd, News Editor
Shortly after the appointment of a new police chief, a former assistant police chief has filed an official complaint claiming he was discriminated against by the City of Atmore.
Former Assistant Police Chief Donnie Nunley said in an interview on Monday that he has filed a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, alleging the City of Atmore has discriminated against him and violated his civil rights.
The claim was filed last week, but because of advice from his counsel, Nunley was unable to comment.
On Monday, however, Nunley had a few comments to make regardless of his counsel's advice.
Nunley served as Assistant Police Chief from December 2000 until November 2001, when he abruptly resigned, claiming that he was denied the ability to perform his job and was not given any respect from subordinates, peers or superiors.
Nunley, who served under former Chief Danny McKinley, said that he did not willingly resign, but was forced from his position as assistant chief.
Nunley said that he believes the city discriminated against him, solely based on his race.
If Nunley's accusations are found to be true, the city would be in violation or Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which established the EEOC and fair employment practices concerning civil rights.
The Act states that no employer shall "limit, segregate, or classify employees in any way which would deprive or tend to deprive and status as an employee because of such individual's race, color, religion, sex or national origin."
Nunley said that the people of Atmore were very supportive, but Mayor Howard Shell and the City Council were not.
Shell said that he was unable to comment on the claim, however he did confirm that the claim had been filed. The city has turned the claim over to its attorney.
Nunley said that he was saddened that he felt he was forced to step down.
Nunley said he felt as if he was the "token."
Nunley accepted the position of assistant chief in December of 2000. Before coming to the APD, Nunley served with the Flomaton Police Department as well as the Escambia County Sheriff's Department.
Nunley currently resides in Brewton.