MARION, SC (WBTW) – After being placed on paid leave and while under investigation by SLED, former Marion Police Chief Dewayne Tennie was paid $35,600 by the city as a release agreement, documents show.
Tennie was placed on paid leave March 2, according to city officials. The city, however, would not comment on why the chief was put on leave, citing it as a “personnel matter.” Nearly three weeks later, Tennie resigned from the position of police chief.
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division spokesperson Thom Berry confirmed in early March that SLED is investigating allegations made against Tennie, but would not expand on the content of those allegations.
Marion City Council negotiated a severance package for Tennie, and on March 28, officials said the city had reached an agreement with Tennie.
That agreement, obtained by News13, says the city will pay Tennie $35,600 for the former police chief’s agreement to “fully release and discharge the Employer of and from any and all grievances, charges, employment contracts, suits, legal actions or claims of any nature whatsoever regarding the Employer’s employment policies and practices or Employee’s separation from employment with the Employer.”
Documents show Tennie signed the agreement March 27.
