A leaked audio recording allegedly capturing Sheriff Garry McFadden using offensive racial language has gone viral on social media. In the recording, McFadden reportedly refers to another officer, former Chief Deputy Rodney Collins, using the N-word and refers to another member of his team with racially derogatory language.
Kevin Canty, who recently resigned as McFadden’s Chief Deputy, has accused the sheriff of creating a toxic and verbally abusive work environment that reportedly includes regular racially charged language and demeaning treatment of staff.
Kevin Canty’s Resignation and Accusations
Canty, who resigned on November 1 after less than a year on the job, cited McFadden’s alleged abusive and racially inappropriate behavior as a driving factor in his departure. In a resignation letter, Canty documented specific instances of McFadden using racially charged terms to describe both white and Black subordinates. Both Canty and McFadden, who are Black men, have reportedly clashed over McFadden’s alleged pattern of unprofessional and racially divisive remarks.
Specific Allegations Against McFadden
In an interview with WBTV, Canty recalled one incident occurring within weeks of his hire, during which McFadden allegedly described a white person they were discussing with a slur. The controversy intensified when an MCSO staff member released an undated audio clip in which McFadden can be heard using inflammatory racial language.
In the recording, McFadden allegedly refers to a white captain as a “cracker” while suggesting he would never promote that individual, despite needing his support.
Further into the recording, McFadden allegedly refers to his former Chief Deputy Rodney Collins with another racial slur. McFadden’s comments, which imply a deep-seated mistrust of his executive team, have triggered criticism, particularly in light of his role as a high-ranking law enforcement official and NAACP awardee.
