Myth vs. Fact

Myth: David Wray was fired.
Fact: Wray submitted his resignation to the City Manager on January 8, 2006, when asked for a response to an initial investigative finding.

Myth: The FBI cleared David Wray of all wrongdoing.
Fact: The FBI investigation focused solely on whether Wray criminally violated the federal civil rights of Lt. Hinson. The FBI and US Attorney's Office of the Middle District of NC concluded that "the evidence is not sufficient to establish a violation of the federal criminal civil rights statutes." Inquiries regarding any other alleged criminal or civil improprieties were not addressed by the FBI.

Myth: David Wray was wrongfully locked out of his office.
Fact: It is standard procedure in investigations involving suspension of employees for their workspace and records to be secured. This procedure applies to all levels and all departments of City employees. 

Myth: Questions have arisen regarding the propriety of the release of the Project Homestead audit documents.
Fact: NCGS 132-1 states that all records generated by a municipality are presumed to be public records. Unless a record falls into one of these exceptions, it is and always will be a public record. The law clearly states that the audit report and all supporting documentation are public record. The City's Legal Department, at the request of the Police Department, sought out multiple legal opinions, including the School of Government and the NC Attorney General's Office, on the propriety of releasing these documents. Both agencies confirmed the public record status of these documents. Despite these legal rulings, Wray contacted the FBI and asked them to pick up the records to avoid release to the media.

Myth: No "black book" existed containing photos of African American officers.
Fact: This book not only existed but had been secured by the Deputy Police Chief at the Police Chief's request. It was, in fact, in the trunk of the Deputy's car. Wray failed to disclose that the "black book" existed or had been secured from public view. 

Myth: David Wray's public statements explaining his resignation were justified.
Fact: Disclosure of personnel information violates North Carolina law.

Myth: The City is intentionally withholding public information.
Fact: The City is prohibited from releasing criminal investigative and personnel information by state law.

Myth: City management has implied that David Wray is a racist.
Fact: No City official or employee, acting in an official capacity, has ever called Wray a racist or any other derogatory or disparaging name. The City Manager was investigating allegations from officers of all ranks, gender and races concerning the Chief's behavior, as well as concerning the "black book." The Manager's review focused on Wray's responsibility to fully apprise his supervisor of all relevant information regarding the operation of his department.

Myth: Allegations against Lt. Hinson have never been investigated.
Fact: In 2002-2003, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) investigated and found no credible evidence to support criminal charges, at which time they referred the matter to Internal Affairs.

In 2004, the Internal Affairs Section of the Police Department re-investigated Lt. Hinson for allegations of prostitution, assault, and associating with known offenders. The IA investigators concluded that these allegations were not sustainable.

In 2005, retired IA Detectives Thacker and Wyrick were hired back by former Chief David Wray to investigate Hinson for these same allegations. Thacker and Wyrick came to the same conclusions that insufficient evidence existed to sustain any administrative policy violation against Lt. Hinson.

A motor vehicle accident involving Lt. Hinson that occurred in 2000-2001 was raised for review in 2005. This issue, too, was investigated by Dets. Thacker and Wyrick. Lt. Hinson was found to have followed the same procedures regarding supervisory notification as other officers followed, a finding verified by then retired Capt. Julian Davis, Hinson's supervisor. 

Myth: Lt. Hinson was the target of a federal drug investigation.
Fact: The US Attorney's Office denies that James Hinson was ever the target of a federal drug investigation.

Myth: Stacey Morton was given preferential treatment by the City Manager regarding his discipline.
Fact: It is critical to the checks and balances of local government personnel policy that every level in the chain of command retain the right to review and support or not support disciplinary actions taken at a lower level. In this case, previous incidents within the police department which were similar in nature had not resulted in termination. The public is protected and well served by the ability of the manager to alter subordinate decisions. Any definition of "support" that includes the unscrutinized affirmation of a subordinate's actions is inconsistent under the City's core values.

*All information on this website related to Lt. James Hinson or Officer Stacey Morton is authorized for release by the Greensboro City Council in the interests of protecting the public trust.