A deputy who was fired earlier this year by the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office is appealing his termination.
Atlanta attorney Grant Mannion, who is representing Todd Franklin, issued a written statement on Sunday, Aug. 30, saying his client's reported misconduct "does not reflect the truth of the matter at issue."
An internal investigation earlier this year revealed that Franklin, who was regularly assigned patrols at Forsyth County schools, billed the school system for hours he did not work. In addition, Franklin was accused of viewing sexually explicit images on his county-issued cell phone.
Mannion's statement said that Franklin, a 12-year law enforcement veteran, "did not engage in any illegal, immoral or wrongful conduct" while on the job.
Full statement from Todd Franklin's attorney:
"Mr. Todd Franklin faithfully served the citizens of Forsyth County as a deputy sheriff’s officer for the past 6 years of his 12-year law enforcement career. As a school resource officer, Mr. Franklin performed his duty to protect the schoolchildren of Forsyth County with dedication and an exemplary spirit of kindness, cheerfulness, and compassion. The statement made by the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office in regard to Mr. Franklin’s alleged misconduct does not reflect the truth of the matter at issue. Mr. Franklin did not engage in any illegal, immoral or wrongful conduct in the performance of his duties as a deputy officer. He was wrongfully terminated from the Sheriff’s Office, and Sheriff Ron Freeman’s non-final decision to terminate Mr. Franklin is currently being appealed. Because this matter is subject to ongoing litigation, and without addressing any specific allegations of misconduct, Mr. Franklin is confident that his professional reputation will be vindicated when all of the relevant facts come to light and the truth is made known."
http://accesswdun.com/article/2020/8/933579/fired-forsyth-county-deputy-appeals-termination