MEMPHIS, Tenn. — City of Memphis Housing and Community Development Director Robert Lipscomb has been relieved of duty without pay pending an investigation into potential criminal sexual misconduct, according to the Mayor’s Office.
Lipscomb has temporarily stepped down from his position as Director of the Memphis Housing Authority.
Mayor A C Wharton and Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong spoke with an adult male who made a complaint against Lipscomb.
The complaint was criminal in nature; the man said he was a minor at the time of alleged sexual encounters with Lipscomb.
Lipscomb told WREG he does know the person who made the complaint and said that person has been harassing him since 2008.
In light of this complaint, Wharton relieved Lipscomb of duty while an investigation is carried out.
“These allegations are extremely disturbing.” Wharton said. “To ensure that we leave no stone unturned, in addition to referring this matter to the District Attorney General’s Office, we will also seek legal counsel as to if any other state or federal agencies should be involved in this investigation.”
Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong and two detectives flew to Seattle to interview the accuser.
In 2004, an employee at the Memphis Housing Authority filed a complaint against Lipscomb claiming Lipscomb sexually harassed him and made an unwelcome sexual advance in 2002.
The man claimed he was discriminated against following that incident.
The case was later dismissed.
Lipscomb has headed the Housing and Community Development Division since 1999 and earns $124,637 per year.
He also heads up the Memphis Housing Authority where he earns $135,959 per year.