BY RACHEL DOVE
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — In a lawsuit filed Nov. 6, Grady Paul Dotson, the former Police Chief of Williamson, alleges that he faced demotion and a salary reduction as a consequence of revealing evidence of financial misconduct by city officials to the FBI. The lawsuit targets the City of Williamson for what Dotson claims is retaliation for his whistleblowing activities.
Dotson’s career in the Williamson police force began in 2001. He rose through the ranks and, by 2017, had attained the position of lieutenant. Following the termination of then-chief Barry Blair, Dotson was appointed interim chief and subsequently confirmed as the official police chief. These events occurred under the administration of Mayor Charles Hatfield.
The legal complaint details how Dotson discovered discrepancies in the police department’s equipment fund. He alleges he reported his concerns to Mayor Hatfield, but his requests to access financial records were repeatedly denied. The lawsuit states Dotson’s persistence led him to the bank holding the account, only to discover he was unauthorized to view transaction histories.
According to the complaint, Dotson had successfully proposed a lump-sum payment from the equipment fund to Ford Motor Credit Company, aiming to save the city $5,000 in interest on police cruisers. However, he was later informed by the loan company of a delinquent account and impending repossession threats due to non-payment.
A meeting with Hatfield and then-city clerk Meredith Anderson brought no resolution, as both claimed ignorance about the account’s delinquency. Dotson, upon receiving police department bank statements at the station, reviewed them and turned over concerning evidence to the FBI and the West Virginia State Attorney General’s office. His investigation revealed that the equipment fund, expected to hold $63,000, was nearly depleted, with only $3,000 to $4,000 remaining.
Following his report to the FBI, Dotson alleges he was demoted back to lieutenant with a reduced salary, a decision made by a split council vote where Mayor Hatfield cast the deciding vote.
The lawsuit also mentions that Dotson’s successor, retired West Virginia State Trooper J.C. Dotson, who served as chief for less than a year, also noticed the funding discrepancies and reported them to the city council.
Currently serving as a lieutenant, Grady Dotson is represented by Charleston attorney David R. Barney Jr. The lawsuit contends that the city continues to retaliate against Dotson for his whistleblowing actions. It seeks his reinstatement as chief, back payment of lost wages, restoration of fringe benefits and seniority rights, and coverage of legal costs.
The case is ongoing, and attempts to get comments from Mayor Hatfield or council members were declined, citing the active legal proceedings.