Mercer's representative read the temporary suspension notice. Administrative leave with pay pending investigation. He said, "You understand this is not a final disciplinary action." Mercer looked at Maya, who stood near the doorway with Reeves.
"Do I have a choice?" "No," Maya said. Mercer gave a bitter laugh.
"You waited until you had the badge." Maya's expression did not change. "No, I waited for independent investigators to preserve the evidence. You could fire me right now.
I could make a decision before the process is complete. I'm not going to." Mercer looked surprised. "You think that makes you better than me?
This isn't about me." He stared at her for several seconds. Maya continued, "You'll have representation. You'll have the opportunity to respond.
The evidence will be reviewed outside this department." Mercer looked down at the notice. For the first time, he seemed to understand that Maya was not going to give him an argument he could later describe as personal retaliation. He signed the acknowledgement.
In another office, Dugan received notice that he had been removed from operational command pending investigation. He read the document slowly. "Who approved this?" Reeves answered.
"The county has authority to restrict administrative access during an independent investigation," Dugan looked toward Maya. "You haven't even been here one full day. That doesn't change what happened last night. You're going to tear this department apart."
Maya answered calmly. No, the investigation will determine what needs to be repaired. Dugan shook his head. You still think policy fixes people?
No. Policy makes it harder for people to hide what they do. Dugan said nothing after that.
By 9, Maya walked to a small podium outside the sheriff's office. The North Carolina flag and the American flag moved lightly behind her. Reeves stood several feet away. Blake remained near the entrance.
Reporters began calling questions before Maya reached the microphones. Sheriff Williams, were you arrested last night? Did a deputy destroy your car? Was this an undercover operation?
Are you firing anyone? Maya raised one hand. The questions stopped gradually. My name is Maya Williams.
As of midnight, I am the sheriff of Carver County. Cameras clicked. Last night before my commission took effect, I was involved in a traffic stop conducted by members of this office. Evidence connected to that incident is now under independent review.
A reporter called out, "Were you treated unlawfully?" Maya looked toward Blake. "That question will be answered by evidence, not by my title."
Another reporter asked, "Did the deputies know who you were?" "No." "Would this have happened if they had?" Maya paused.
That is one of the questions this county needs to think seriously about. She continued, "No employee will be protected because of rank. No employee will be punished without due process. Records connected to this matter have been preserved and outside investigators are handling the criminal and evidentiary review.
Are you saying there was a cover up? I'm saying investigators have identified evidence handling issues that require examination. I will not go beyond that until the facts are established." The press conference lasted less than 10 minutes.