BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — West Virginia State Police have confirmed an active investigation into the conduct of Bridgeport mayor Andy Lang.
A city employee filed a complaint with personnel officials regarding language used by Lang during a meeting with former city manager Pat Ford.
During a special meeting last week, mayor Lang said Ford was being terminated for spending beyond the budget to conduct the investigation and then disclosing details of it.
The investigation was approved by city council and then Director of Engineering and Public Utilities, Beth Fox. Fox has threatened to file a lawsuit against the city for undisclosed reasons and reportedly ended her employment in February of this year.
Lang issued the following statement:
I am aware that an employee of the City of Bridgeport made a complaint to human resources. The complaint stems from me having to have a private discussion with our City Manager. During the lead up to my conversation with the City Manager, I used some profanity. Upon learning of this complaint, I contacted Chief Mark Rogers. He suggested that the complaint should be addressed by an outside law enforcement agency. I agreed. Thereafter the WVSP were notified and I immediately cooperated with the WVSP’s investigation. Part of my cooperation included speaking, voluntarily, to the investigating trooper and suggesting that certain surveillance cameras be reviewed. I have since apologized to the city employees who were present when I used profanities.