Alabama deputy on leave for anti-LGBT comments following teen’s suicide

An Alabama sheriff’s deputy was placed on leave after he posted a homophobic comment on an article raising awareness about bullying faced by LGBTQ people. 

Madison County Deputy Jeff Graves wrote that he was “offended” by the LGBTQ movement and that “society cannot and should not accept this behavior,” according to AL.com. The website reports that his comment has been deleted. {mosads}

The story he commented on featured a 15-year-old LGBTQ boy who killed himself last week reportedly due to bullying. 

On Tuesday, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office tweeted Tuesday saying the employee was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an audit.   

The involved employee has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the audit. https://t.co/d7IYixIzZe

— Madison Sheriff AL (@mcsosheriffAL) April 23, 2019

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office responds promptly to allegations of misconduct by any of it’s employees. The process of investigating misconduct allegations is in accordance with established MCSO policies and procedures and MadCo Personnel Department policies and procedures.

— Madison Sheriff AL (@mcsosheriffAL) April 23, 2019

 It tweeted Monday acknowledging complaints about the post.  

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office acknowledges complaints of social media post allegedly made by an employee of the Sheriff’s Office to a local media outlet’s FB post on Sunday. The Sheriff’s Office has assigned these allegations to be audited with the information

— Madison Sheriff AL (@mcsosheriffAL) April 22, 2019

Sheriff Kevin Turner said in a statement that he “offers his condolences to the family and friends of Nigel Shelby whose young life was lost to suicide last week,” according to AL.com “Bullying of any group or person in or outside of schools is unacceptable, and I welcome any and all efforts to raise awareness to bullying and bring bullying to a stop.” 

People experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.