With a unanimous vote of 4-0, the Fort Oglethorpe city council voted late Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 27, to oust one of its own.

With the unexpected, sudden death of council member Eddie Stinnett on Wednesday morning, Nov. 28, this leaves the council with just three members. Stinnett suffered an apparent heart attack while driving in Fort Oglethorpe.

Following a lengthy public hearing on charges he had sexually harassed a city police detective, Charles Sharrock was removed from the body he had been elected to serve for a second term this past year.

Sharrock was found guilty of malfeasance in office and unbecoming conduct.

Afterwards, except to say that “we will appeal this decision to Catoosa County Superior Court,” Sharrock declined to answer questions.

On Oct. 9 Sharrock made physical contact with Fort Oglethorpe detective Sgt. Tammy Davis at police headquarters. According to testimony, Sharrock came up behind Davis and placed his arm around her waist. He then proceeded to rub her back from her shoulders to her waist and then, after pulling her towards him, kissed her on the jawbone.

“I don't know why, but I like this girl,” Sharrock said at the time, in the presence of witness Beverly Neal.

This is the third time Sharrock has made unwanted physical contact with Fort Oglethorpe female employees. The previous women testified that Sharrock had hugged and kissed them, as well.

On both previous occasions, Sharrock was counseled by city manager Ron Goulart. Asked why he had decided to bring this incident before the council, Goulart remarked, “Apparently what I was doing was proving to be ineffective and it was time to bring the council in on his actions.”

The first occurrence was in September 2008 when he accosted city employee Jill (Lacy) Wynn. The second occurred in May 2009 when he hugged and kissed former city police employee Stephanie Gowan.

Wynn stated that she felt Sharrock was continually pursuing her for physical attention and these moments made her feel violated. On one instance when Sharrock grabbed her in a front facing hug, she testified that she felt as if he were trying to “cop a feel.”

Wynn is an employee in the code enforcement section.

Gowan, a former employee in the police department, testified that Sharrock would give her hugs that made her feel uncomfortable. Following her revelations against Sharrock, Goulart spoke with him and had Sharrock agree not to have physical contact with anymore female employees.

Davis testified that she had been made to feel afraid and intimidated. She said Sharrock's touching her had made her feel disgusted and violated.

The three women all testified that they were made to feel intimidated by Sharrock's attention and worried that they might lose their jobs if they said anything.

The councilman did not deny the majority of the allegations but was unclear as to kissing the women. “I may have done something I didn't remember I did,” he said. “I'm such an outgoing, friendly person.”

Speaking for his client, Ringgold attorney Ken Poston said Davis appreciates the action taken by the city council in doing the right thing. Asked if there might be a civil trial in federal court, Poston said, “Right now we are taking it one step at a time.”

The city was represented by attorney Robert Stultz, while Sharrock had retained Renzo Wiggins as his counsel. Sharrock's removal was immediate.