This story has been updates to include a statement from Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed.
On Thursday, Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed officially accepted Police Chief Darryl Albert's resignation more than a week after he was placed on administrative leave for unspecified reasons.
The immediate cause of Albert’s termination and his placement on leave have yet to be announced. City officials say more information will follow.
“Today, Darryl Albert informed me that he is resigning from his post as Chief of Police, and I have accepted his resignation," Reed said in a statement. "MPD Deputy Chief John Hall will continue to serve as acting chief. Improving public safety is a priority for our city. We are committed to confronting violent crime with community-based solutions.”
Albert was placed on leave two months after a former female Montgomery Police Department (MPD) officer accused Albert of retaliation for refusing his sexual advances.
In March, Renee Helton, a former MPD officer, said she was fired from the MPD after a period of poor treatment for refusing to engage in a sexual relationship with Albert. She claims her termination came months after filing an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) complaint against the department.
Helton detailed events in which Albert allegedly propositioned her for a sexual relationship, which she reportedly declined since Albert is married. After the relationship between Marcus Webster and Helton became public, the pair claimed they were subject to retaliation. Helton claims Mayor Reed was made aware of the EEOC complaint on Aug. 4, 2023, and that three uniformed police officers served her termination paperwork at home with a notice signed by Reed on Nov. 29, 2023.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
