By Miles Layton

COLUMBIA — A motion to remove the phrase “faithful slaves” from the Tyrrell County Confederate Memorial failed 4-1 Tuesday, as commissioners sparred over pending litigation tied to the inscription and accused one another of misconduct during recent legal depositions.

And before our readers start this story, I’m just going to say it — wow and dang!

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Commissioner Rob Thompson made the motion at the tail end of the board’s regular meeting, calling on his colleagues to take up the question of how to remove the phrase from the monument, which stands in front of the county courthouse. For those who don’t know, the official phrase engraved on the statue reads “In appreciation of our faithful slaves” — see here to learn more about what’s engraved on the statue.

“I am not Black, but I can understand if I’ve got a child who gets old enough to read and read that, then I’ve got to explain to him what a good and ‘faithful slave’ is,” Thompson said. “I think it’s about time to turn the page on that situation. No child should have to be told what a faithful slave is, and there’s no way that don’t mark a child.”

Board Chairman Jordan Davis acknowledged a motion was on the floor but noted the county is already involved in litigation related to the monument.

That didn’t stop Thompson from speaking out about legal matters often discussed in closed session because of the lawsuit — Thompson argued that removing the phrase would resolve the lawsuit before it becomes more costly to the county.

Thompson pointed to the commissioners as he said, “If you understand what these two did this week, you will understand we’re not going to win the case. And right now there is no damages. We remove that, everything’s fine.”

Thompson continued, “These two pulled some stuff that once you see what they’ve done, I don’t think we’re going to win. We’re going to be over for $100,000 (legal fees). Y’all worried about money? Let’s save that money and go on to fix this problem.”

Regarding the cost of removing the inscription, Thompson suggested the work could be done for around $1,500 or perhaps Pocosin Arts could handle the job.

The motion failed, with Thompson casting the lone vote in favor. Davis explained his opposition after the vote.

“We’re in litigation on this, that is why I voted the way I did,” Davis said.

Undeterred, Thompson pressed his case further, warning that the financial stakes of losing the lawsuit were significant and that the county had been given a clear path to settlement.

“The litigation stops as soon as we agree — that’s what’s on the table right now,” Thompson said. “That’s what’s been proposed. If we’ll take that off, everything’s ended. If we lose this case, it’s going to cost us over a $100,000 in legal fees.”

Deposition Dispute Erupts

The discussion quickly escalated into a heated exchange over what Thompson described as improper conduct during recent depositions in the litigation.

Thompson alleged that Commissioner Nathan Everett had accessed his private Zoom deposition session without authorization, claiming Everett had obtained his personal access code. In no uncertain terms, Everett denied Thompson’s assertions.

Pointing at two unspecified commissioners, Thompson said, “These two made a mockery of the county during the depositions, and you’ll be able to see it if you go listen to them.” Thompson added that the incident was captured in the deposition record. “Mr. Everett got my code name (to gain access to the meeting) and got all my depositions and was trying to listen in on the audio.”

Thompson also alleged that someone had erased Everett from the call when the intrusion was noticed, and that County Manager David Clegg had told opposing attorneys Everett’s presence was a carryover from a prior Zoom session.

Everett shot back, “That’s not how that works. I had a private code I had to push in.”

Everett denied the allegations directly. “Yes sir, I am saying you weren’t” on his Zoom, Everett told Thompson. “I can prove that. I was on the number” — indicating he was on a separate device in a separate location.

When the exchange continued, Thompson grew more pointed toward Everett, calling him a liar.

Thompson also told the board that the county had parted ways with its attorney following the deposition incident.

NOTE: Davis texted me after reading this story — he said the county has not fired its attorney.

Chairman Davis moved to restore order, cutting off further debate.

“We’re not going to have this argument any longer right now,” Davis said before calling for a motion to enter closed session to discuss attorney-client privilege matters. “It’ll be a lengthy closed session.”

As commissioners prepared to move behind closed doors, Thompson directed a pointed remark at Davis.

“You need to do your job, sir,” Thompson said.

Davis did not respond, and the board proceeded into executive session.

To read our previous story about the lawsuit, click here.

More commission news will appear in a separate story.