Investigation launches into claims against Columbus DSS Director

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) – The director of the Department of Social Services in Columbus County is now on investigative leave with pay after a specially called meeting Tuesday afternoon of the board.

The meeting comes on the heels of a DSS worker being fired for personal misconduct regarding profane postings made on Facebook about her job and clients.

Gerald Fogle is the director now on leave.  Board Chairman Michael Lewis said the board has received complaints from employees stating there's been unfair treatment and discrimination. He says most of the claims were made by minorities and women who felt Fogle treated them poorly.

Joanne Stephens, a program manager at DSS, will be the interim director while the investigation takes place.  Lewis says board members will conduct the investigation by talking with employees, looking at reports, and getting statements. That process began Wednesday, less than 24 hours Fogle was placed on leave.

Last month a black employee was fired for allegedly posting profane messages on Facebook, some employees have said a white employee did the same, but wasn't punished.

According to Lewis, Fogle has been the director since June 2010.  Because he has not been with the department for two years, he is still under a probation period, Lewis said.

The DSS investigation should be complete within the next 30 days.  Board members will also look at the department's budget and how funds were spent.

Fogle has not returned phone calls from WECT requesting a comment on the situation.

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