North Carolina Auditor Investigates Alleged Charlotte Police Chief Settlement

North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek has launched an investigation into an alleged legal settlement between the city of Charlotte and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings, with estimates of public funds involved ranging from $100,000 to $300,000. In a letter to Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, Boliek emphasized the need for transparency regarding the existence, amount, and source of any such payment, urging timely public disclosure. Despite these calls, city officials, citing employee privacy laws, have not confirmed details of the settlement, and the city attorney is cooperating with the auditor's office. The investigation arose amid concerns about potential undisclosed disbursement of public funds following reports and social media posts, including a city councilmember's claim of a $300,000 settlement. The Republican Party of North Carolina's 12th District has demanded Mayor Lyles' resignation, accusing her of concealing information related to the settlement. Boliek underscored that all public expenditures are subject to scrutiny, regardless of amount, reflecting widespread public interest in the matter.