Ex-Pickens police chief threatens legal action

PICKENS, S.C. (AP) — The former Pickens police chief who resigned after using a racial slur is threatening to sue the city.

Tommy Ellenburg said Friday the city is not honoring a verbal agreement made when he voluntarily left office.

Ellenburg resigned in May over what city officials called “racially insensitive and derogatory remarks.” Local NAACP president Shelia Crawford said Ellenburg admitted using a racial slur more than a year ago in reference to two city council members.

Now, Ellenburg says the city has not honored the terms of his resignation, including severance pay and insurance coverage.

Pickens Mayor David Owens says another meeting may resolve the issue and prevent a lawsuit. Ellenburg and his attorney say they plan to attend the Pickens City Council meeting Monday to try to work things out.