MEMPHIS, Tenn. –One of the city’s top officials has been relieved of duty without pay after allegations surfaced he had a sexual relationship with a minor.
Memphis Mayor A C Wharton addressed the allegations against Robert Lipscomb, Director of Housing Development, Monday.
“This is serious stuff in terms of the allegations. Are they true? I don’t know. But one thing anyone knows about an administration and a little bit of law you take it seriously,” said Memphis Mayor A C Wharton.
Wharton didn’t mince words Monday.
He said about a week and a half ago, he got a phone call from a 26-year-old man in Seattle, Washington.
The caller claimed Lipscomb took advantage of him in a sexual way 10 years ago in Memphis.
He was 16 at the time and underage in Tennessee.
Wharton said he immediately sent Police Director Toney Armstrong and two investigators to Seattle.
“It involved a city employee,” said Wharton. “We have an Internal Affairs Bureau. This is protocol that we always follow.”
On Sunday, Wharton met with Armstrong to discuss the case–hours later, he relieved Lipscomb of duty without pay.
“Once I spoke to Mr. Lipscomb I backed out and turned it over to the police authorities,” he said.
Wharton would not discuss many details of the case such as accusations Lipscomb wire transferred money to the alleged victim to buy his silence.
On Monday Lipscomb spoke to WREG from his home.
He said the man in Seattle has been stalking him.
“The investigation will speak for itself,” he told WREG.
In the meantime, Wharton said his team would meet to look at who can fill Lipscomb’s job.
Late Monday afternoon the Memphis Housing Authority said Lipscomb has also been relieved of his role as the Executive Director during the investigation.
It has yet to be determined if he will be receiving a paycheck while he’s off the job.
The Board will meet Wednesday morning to discuss the issue.
As the Executive Director he makes $135,959.98 and at his role in the Mayor’s Office city officials said he makes $124, 637.
Lipscomb has hired attorney Ricky Wilkins.
Wilkins said he was brought on the case on Monday and has reviewed very little information, but stands by his client.
“Mr. Lipscomb denies that he’s had any improper relationship with anybody. He maintains his innocence in that regard we’re going to let this investigation unfold. We’ll evaluate it, we’ll evaluate the facts and we’ll respond accordingly,” said Wilkins.
Lipscomb has worked in some capacity for the City of Memphis for nearly 30 years.
He was a key player in bringing Bass Pro Shops to the Pyramid, he overhauled the city’s public housing projects and he’s currently working on the Mid-South Fairgrounds project in Midtown.
