LATTA, SC (WBTW) – The town of Latta is hoping they put they Crystal Moore employment dispute to rest Thursday night after voting in support of the administrator’s decision to fire the former chief.
A unanimous decision was the result of the meeting. The item was added to the agenda on Wednesday after a week of back and forth between Moore’s attorney and the town’s legal counsel. Latta officials hope the vote Thursday night finally draws that controversy to a close.
Strong opinions on both sides were evident as council sat before a room packed with residents–many showing support for Moore who they say is still their chief.
“I just don’t approve of what they’ve done,” one supporter exclaimed.
Five yea votes officially removed the now-former chief from power. After town administrator Jarrett Taylor fired Moore following the town’s September 8th meeting, Moore’s attorney Malissa Burnette sent council a letter claiming the town broke the law when they did not vote to fire her during a public session.
She said therefore, Crystal Moore was still the town’s police chief.
On Tuesday, the town’s attorney fired back, claiming that the town’s administrator had sole authority to fire Latta’s police chief.
Town officials hope to move on after Thursday’s vote and continue the search for a new chief. Moore says regardless of the outcome, she intends to fight.
“If that’s what they feel they need to do then I’m going to do what I need to do for me and that’s continue our litigation against the town,” said Moore.
Moore–who says she’s currently battling cancer and weak from chemo treatments–did not want to sit through the meeting, but wanted to express her gratitude for all the support she’s received.
“people in town, people that’s out of town that’s messaged me, facebooked me, called me, send me messages, I just wanna ask yall to keep me and my family in your prayers,” Moore said.
Council declined to comment citing pending legal action from Moore’s attorney. They say none has been filed so far, but Moore said she and her lawyer still plan to proceed regardless. Moore is still a candidate for Dillon County Sheriff in November.
