Governor’s top aide denies SBI director’s allegations of meddling, intimidation
Gov. Roy Cooper’s chief of staff told state lawmakers that her office wasn’t meddling or attempting to intimidate the director of the State Bureau of Investigation when asking about personnel allegations, despite his accusations.
Instead, Kristi Jones said she was doing her job, which includes ensuring state agencies follow the law and meet professional standards.
“We expect agencies to uphold state personnel laws and implement the best human resources practices,” Jones wrote in an opening statement shared with the House oversight and reform committee. “In my role, I assist them administratively but also warn management when agencies are at risk.”
Jones, along with Cooper’s General Counsel Eric Fletcher appeared before the committee Tuesday to respond to accusations SBI director Bob Schurmeier’s made in March.
In addition to accusations that the governor’s office meddled and intimidated him, Schurmeier said he was accused of racial discrimination in two separate instances, without disclosing details.
Despite some dramatic build up to Jones’ appearance, not much appeared to be resolved. Cooper’s aides said they couldn’t answer many of the questions due to personnel confidentiality rules.
But there was evidence of discord.
Committee members were given 10 minutes each to question Jones, Fletcher and Angel Gray, the SBI’s general counsel.
Rep. Sarah Stevens, a Surry County Republican, was the first to query the Democratic governor’s chief of staff, asking whether SBI employees work directly for the governor. Instead of answering, Jones acknowledged SBI employees and asked those present for a round of applause in their honor.
“We don’t do that in this committee. We don’t,” Stevens said.
“You don’t acknowledge and thank people?” Jones asked.
Rep. Harry Warren, a Rowan County Republican and co-chair of the committee, interrupted and asked Jones to respond to the questions that were asked.
“The chair would appreciate greatly if you would respond to the questions and discontinue any attempts to divert attention to this hearing,” he said.
Jones then said she doesn’t believe SBI staff work directly for the governor.
March testimony
Schurmeier alleged in his March testimony that meddling by the governor’s office, along with intimidation with personnel issues was harming the agency and hindering its independence. Cooper’s aides were blocking some of his hiring and promotions decisions, Schurmeier testified.
He asked the General Assembly for support in making the SBI an independent agency, separating it from the Department of Public Safety, whose secretary is part of the North Carolina governor’s cabinet. The House’s current budget proposes doing so.
Asked to resign
Schurmeier has said he was asked to resign late last year during meetings with Jones, Fletcher and others. During those meetings, a racial discrimination claim against Schurmeier was discussed.
Schurmeier said Cooper’s aides said if he didn’t resign there would be an investigation that the SBI would have to pay for. Jones said Tuesday she didn’t threaten an investigation, but called for a review by human resources personnel of the allegations.
Chris Swecker, Schurmeier’s personal attorney, told The News & Observer Tuesday that allegations against Schurmeier involve one person. He confirmed that an employment discrimination complaint, still active, was filed against Schurmeier.
Before the hearing closed, Warren noted that not all representatives were able to ask questions and said he didn’t think they made a lot of progress.
“We may find a need to come back and ask you to reappear,” he said.
Virginia Bridges covers criminal justice in the Triangle and across North Carolina for The News & Observer. Her work is produced with financial support from the nonprofit The Just Trust. The N&O maintains full editorial control of its journalism.
