MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Have Memphis Fire Bosses been delaying taking disciplinary action against three employees? That is the question being asked by family members former Tennessee State Representative Ulysses Jones.
Sandra Richards and two other firefighters are facing charges connected to the forging of Jones' will. The trio is facing forgery, perjury, and tampering with evidence charges. Beverly Prye and Avis Langford-Brannon were arrested and released on $20,000 bond.
Pyre and Brannon have been relived of duty with pay, pending an administrative MFD hearing.
“At this point, Sandra Richards' status is pending. We have not been able to get in contact with her, since her arrest,” said Wayne Cooke, spokesperson for the Memphis Fire Department.
“It is about time,” said Ulysses Jones III, son of the former lawmaker. “After we had the trial, the judge's ruling, I don’t know what more you would need.”
The Jones family has been critical of the fire departments lack of action against the employees. A civil court judge ruled the will was forged last spring, but the department didn’t take action against the employees.
“There has been an ongoing investigation. It has never been completed. It is still in the process. When it is concluded then the findings will be released,” said Cooke.
Jones questions, what else needs to be investigated?
According to Memphis Police two investigations were completed. One was a criminal investigation. A second administrative investigation was done by the department’s security squad on behalf of the Memphis Fire Department. It was completed and turned over to Memphis Fire bosses in August.
“It is kind of interesting these three people were allowed to stay on the job after the trial and the evidence. Seems like they are getting special treatment,” said Jones.
When abc24.com reporter Jeni Diprizio asked Cooke about any special treatment, he did not answer the question.
The Jones family is relieved criminal charges were finally filed.
“It is good to see the truth come out,” said Jones.
