Official who filed suit against police authority speaks out

WARM SPRINGS, Ga. — In a small rural town an hour south of Atlanta, an entire police force has been essentially disbanded while a department-wide investigation continues.

The City of Warm Springs announced on Wednesday, June 19, the firing of Police Chief Emilio Quintana and the suspension of the police force, with the exception of Deputy Police Chief Aisha Al-Khalifa, who was named interim chief. The suspension affected 11 officers of the Warm Springs Police Department.

At the time of the announcement, the city said, “The decision to terminate Police Chief Quintana and suspend police service was made after careful review of recent events and emerging concerns regarding leadership and operations within the department.”

The statement also said: “The goal of the investigation is to ensure the integrity and accountability of our police officers and to restore public confidence in the Warm Springs Police Department.”

On Friday, 11Alive confirmed that the firing of Police Chief Quintana and the suspension of the 11 officers had indeed occurred a week before the city’s announcement.

In a letter dated June 12, officers were informed that they would be suspended “with immediate effect.”

11Alive was also able to confirm that the letter was dated two days after a former Warm Springs police officer filed a civil lawsuit. The lawsuit was served on the defendants, including Chief Quintana and the City of Warm Springs, on June 11.

Former officer Sean Thompson, who filed the lawsuit, spoke to 11Alive’s Cody Alcorn in Marietta Friday afternoon. Thompson said he was hired by Warm Springs in August 2023.

“I loved Warm Springs. I loved the city I worked for,” Thompson explained.

He said things started out great. However, he said things changed when he tried to address issues within the department.

“I had a personal problem with a member of the command staff. I expressed my concerns,” he said.

Thompson said that after he raised his voice, things went downhill from there until he was fired on May 20 for alleged insubordination.

Thompson said he was “wrongfully dismissed” for raising his concerns.

“You know, I feel like I’ve been completely ignored,” Thompson said.

On June 10, Thompson filed a civil lawsuit in Meriwether County District Court, alleging wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation and a hostile work environment.

“I want my name cleared. I want my past cleared,” Thompson said.

He added: “I didn’t think it would come to this, but like I said, some things were revealed, some other things were revealed, I guess it was just meant to be.”

11Alive has reached out to the City of Warm Springs for comment on the civil lawsuit, but our calls have not been returned.

In a prepared statement released along with the announcement of Police Chief Quintana’s firing, Warm Springs Mayor Robyn Pynenburg said, “Our most important commitment is to the safety and well-being of our community. We take these matters very seriously and will conduct a thorough investigation to resolve any issues within our police department. We ask for the community’s patience and support as we work toward transparency and justice.”