The embattled director of the Orleans Parish Communications District is resigning effective immediately, two months earlier than he his planned resignation date.
WWL-TV reports that New Orleans 911 director Tyrell Morris told the board that oversees the district that his last day on the job is today--Monday, July 10, 2022. Morris initially said he would step down on September 15.
Related
"Director Morris expressed that he felt the recent overwhelming media attention was beginning to distract from the heroic work the team at Orleans Parish Communication District (OPCD) does each and every day to ensure the safety of both our residents and visitors and felt it was best to step away to protect the mission and integrity of the organization," John Thomas, the chairman of the OCPD board, told WWL-TV in a statement. Thomas added that the board did not request Morris's resignation.
This comes after public records requests filed by multiple media outlets led officials and reports to discover that Morris tried to cover up a May 7 crash in which Morris hit another vehicle while driving a city-owned car. According to a WWL-TV report, Morris told a dispatcher to mark the incident as "necessary action taken." No crash report was ever filed with the New Orleans Police Department.
The television station also discovered that Morris apparently changed a policy document to avoid taking a drug and alcohol test after the crash.
Those discoveries led the New Orleans City Council and the Office of Inspector General to launch investigations into Morris and his alleged actions. The OCPD board also launched its own investigation. Last Thursday, the board deferred action and scheduled a second meeting regarding Morris for tomorrow (Tuesday, July 10).
Related
Related
