MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - There are questions about a city employee hired through the "Second Chance" program for felons. It gives felons the opportunity to gain employment.
Anwar Gates is a convicted felon taking part in the "Second Chance" program. He was convicted on facilitation of first degree murder and kidnapping. He served 12 years in prison. In the summer of 2011, he was hired by the city of Memphis to work at one of the car inspection stations. The first week of November, 2011 he was arrested for bank robbery. To be eligible, for the "Second Chance" program a person must have only been convicted of one felony. Gates has two convictions.
According to Gates, "Second Chance" file, he was initially rejected for the program.
He received a letter March 18, 2011 that said he did not meet the qualifications. Then a Few weeks later, he was sent a second letter that said he passed the background check and to schedule an interview.
Despite the Gates incident, Memphis Chief Administrative Officer George Little said it won’t stop the city from hiring felons.
“Quite frankly if we are going to ask the private sector to hire offenders than we have got to be the role model,” Little told abc24.com.
Mayor A C Wharton has asked for a review of the Second Chance program.
