1 police officer fired, another retires after allegations they belong to hate group


ANNISTON, AL (WBRC) - The city of Anniston held a press conference on Friday to address the
Lt. Josh Doggrell and Lt. Wayne Brown were placed on administrative leave on June 17 after the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) shared evidence they believe shows the men are a part of the neo-Confederate group, League of the South.
On Friday, Anniston City Manager Brian Johnson said that Lt. Brown has retired from the force. The city finds that Brown's connection to the League of the South was "cursory." He attended two meetings and was concerned about the group so he stopped going.
However, Lt. Josh Doggrell has been terminated from the Anniston Police Department.
Johnson added that he wants HR and the city attorney to reevaluate the city's policy on employees involved in outside groups. He complimented the department on how they handled this "anomaly."
Mayor Vaughn Stewart says this situation is not "indicative" of Anniston police as a whole.
"Let's make it very clear that this city will not tolerate any type of connection to racism or bigotry. Pbblic officials take an oath of office to protect and serve all citizens, and I emphasize all citizens," Stewart said.
The SPLC describes the League of the South as a neo-Confederate group that supports a new Southern secession and a white-dominated society.
LOS believes in limited government, have strong beliefs in protecting the Second Amendment, and the group's president has been vocal on who he considers his people. In a video message the group's president, Michael Hill said, "Who are our people? Out people are white European Southerners."
“The officers and staff at the Anniston Police Department are taking the recent public concern about two of its members very seriously. The safety and security of the public within our jurisdiction has been and always will be our #1 priority.Anniston's mayor and city leaders have also issued comments about the investigation.
The matter at hand is being dealt with in earnest. Know that APD cares about the public image of the City of Anniston and the reputation of all of its citizens, employees, and visitors.
One of the first paragraphs of the Anniston Police Department ‘s SOP says:
‘The principal functions of the Anniston Police Department are the protection of life and property, the prevention and detection of crime, the apprehension of offenders, the preservation of peace and order, and the multitude of tasks relating to public welfare and safety.'
We will continue to serve to the best of our ability every day.”




