A new report by the City of Atlanta's Interim Inspector General's Office concludes that six employees of the Department of Watershed Management abused their authority and met the elements of felony false imprisonment, after detaining colleagues in a conference room for hours to search for a lost wallet.

The report, released in November 2025 by Interim Inspector General LaDawn Jones Blackett, concerns an incident that occurred in April 2024.

Individuals Named in the Report

The report identifies the following individuals:

  • Yolanda Broome – Deputy Commissioner for Administration and Procurement
  • DeValory Donahue – Manager II
  • Sterling Graham – Director of Safety, Security, and Emergency Management
  • Mischa Roberson – Senior Investigator
  • Rina Bradley – Senior Investigator
  • Joe Fortson – Senior Investigator

According to the investigation, the incident began when Ms. Donahue reported her wallet missing. Ms. Broome — then a director before her promotion — allegedly ordered an entire unit into a conference room.

Allegations of Hours-Long Detention

Employees alleged they were held for over three hours, while a uniformed police officer stood guard outside the door. One employee stated that when someone requested to use the restroom, they were informed they could not leave the room.

The OIG report states:

"Based on the totality of the evidence, the OIG concluded that the aforementioned individuals engaged in a general abuse of authority and misuse of office. Their conduct also met the elements of false imprisonment under O.C.G.A. 16-5-41."

Employees also testified that they were asked to empty their bags, and their personal belongings and workstations were searched without consent. One complainant described this as a "sham investigation" where they were pressured to sign blurry, illegible documents and waive their right to representation.

The OIG stated that it received faded documents, including a declaration of Garrity Rights — a mechanism designed to protect public employees from self-incrimination during employer-mandated investigations.

Next Steps

This conclusion comes after senior staff from the Inspector General's Office sent letters in March 2025 to state and federal law enforcement agencies regarding the incident.

The City of Atlanta and the mayor's office have not yet responded to the report or the potential for disciplinary action.

The incident continues to draw attention to accountability within the city's administration.