Fired MCSO employee sues Sheriff Garry McFadden for wrongful termination

CHARLOTTE, NC — A former Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office employee is now suing her former boss.

Dr Angelia Riggsbee was fired last November by Sheriff Garry McFadden. Ten months later, the former MCSO business operations director is fighting back.

“I want to set the record straight and I want justice,” said Riggsbee at a news conference.

Riggsbee and her lawyers announced on Friday they are suing the sheriff’s office.

“We believe, as laid out in the complaint, the sheriff must accept this is not a reality TV show,” said Riggsbee’s attorney, Mike Doyle.

The lawsuit claims discrimination, unlawful retaliation and wrongful termination against Riggsbee. Stating she told McFadden there was a pay disparity among black and older employees.

Riggsbee told WCCB last year, McFadden wanted her to doctor travel expenses when they were requested by a member of the media. When she refused, she says McFadden had it out for her ever since.

“I need for everyone to know that I was doing what was right. I was standing for what was right,” explained Riggsbee.

Riggsbee claims she has not been able to get work despite applying for more than 200 jobs in the last 10 months.

“This retaliation has shattered my life. Because of the sheriff, I have suffered financially, mentally and emotionally,” said Riggsbee.

The lawsuit comes three weeks after MCSO Chief Deputy Chris Allen quit. Making him the second chief deputy to quit because of McFadden in the last year.

The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office sent us this statement:

“We acknowledge Dr. Riggsbee’s right to pursue this matter through the courts. Given our role of serving one of the largest counties in North Carolina, we understand that legal actions are not uncommon. Out of respect for the judicial process, we will not be making further comments while this litigation is pending.”