Days before the New Hanover County Board of Elections and county elections staff recount ballots to verify the outcome of two close county races, elections director Marvin McFadyen was arrested on charges of assault on a female.
Board secretary Marlene Mitchell and board member Tannis Nelson called an emergency meeting of the elections board Nov. 17 to discuss personnel matters and attorney-client privilege. Chairman John Ferrante did not attend, but Mitchell, acting as chair, noted a quorum was present in Ferrante’s absence.
The board immediately went into closed session with county attorney Kemp Burpeau and assistant county manager Avril Pinder for one-and-a-half hours. County elections staff members were called to join the board one-by-one and as a group during the closed session. Following the closed session, Nelson said no action was taken and confirmed McFadyen was still employed as elections director. She declined to answer further questions.
“This is a personnel issue, and we have no further comment at this time,” Nelson said.
The board announced another meeting for 9 a.m. Nov. 20 to discuss personnel issues and other election matters. The board will meet again at 9 a.m. Nov. 21 if necessary.
McFadyen was booked at the New Hanover County jail around 11:30 p.m. Nov. 15. He was released two days later on a $1,500 unsecured bond after his first court appearance before District Judge James Faison. His next court date is Feb. 16. If convicted, he faces 150 days jail time.
The Wilmington Police Department responded to the 2500 block of Croquet Drive, near the intersection of Independence and Shipyard boulevards, following a 911 call placed by the victim. She told the 911 responder McFadyen threw her against the wall when she asked him to leave her bedroom, then tried to shut the door on her foot.
“I just want him gone,” she said to the 911 responder. The victim declined medical treatment.
When asked if McFadyen had a history of violence, she replied, “No, not at all. Not that I knew of.”
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