Officer charged with DUI appeals firing

A fired Sandy Springs police sergeant is challenging his dismissal last month after he was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol while off-duty.

Vernon Sands, an 18-year police veteran, joined the Sandy Springs Police Department in 2006. He has requested a hearing before a five-member employee grievance committee, which advises the city manager, according to documents provided by his attorney, Edwin Marger.

Acting police Chief David Bertrand fired Sands on Aug. 6, 11 days after Sands was arrested in Rockdale County on a charge of driving under the influence after a one-car wreck in his personal vehicle.

In the termination letter, obtained from the city through the state Open Records Act, Bertrand said he had reviewed an internal investigation and determined Sands had violated two department policies.

He said Sands had displayed “conduct unbecoming” a police officer, for driving after drinking alcohol to “the point you were unsteady on your feet.” Bertrand also found Sands had violated professional standards by refusing a breath test.

Sands could not be reached by phone for comment Wednesday. But according to documents provided by his attorney, Sands contends he was fired prematurely and treated unfairly by top city and police officials because he is black. He contends several white officers have been charged previously with criminal offenses, but were placed on administrative leave and given time to resolve their cases.

“I was fired and lost my position, vacation leave, sick leave, and my income,” wrote Sands, who earned $65,000 a year. “I was not allowed adequate time to resolve my pending charges. I have not appeared in court for my charges and there has been no resolution to my case.”

His hearing before the city’s grievance committee is scheduled to begin Oct. 2.

The committee hearing is closed to the public, because it involves personnel, said Wendell Willard, the city attorney. He would not comment on the allegations.