Hampton Mayor Missing in Action

Swofford has refused to sign some payroll checks and has not showed up for work over the last three weeks. His latest course of action was turning in all of his city possessions and clearing out some personal items out of his office.

Chief Jackson says he verbally told a city employee that he had resigned, but hasn't written an official letter of resignation.

"They elected him in to do a job. He needs to do his job or step aside or resign if he's not going to be active in his duties as being the mayor," Chief Jackson says.  

According to Chief Jackson, the mayor is still collecting a paycheck even though he hasn't been to work in weeks, causing concern amongst the Hampton City Council members.

"A lot of the residents in the area, the ones that I have spoke with aren't real happy about this," says council member Floyd Gresham.

"The community is very, very upset with his actions of what has happened," Chief Jackson reiterates. 

Jackson says the mayor is still able to get paid because he hasn't formally indicated his resignation. Meanwhile he and the recorder treasurer are responsible for his duties.

"It's putting a big bearing on myself and the recorder treasurer because we're basically running the city," says Chief Jackson. 

Jackson says he and the treasurer will continue to assume the mayor's duties until he formally resigns or until further notice.

Hampton will have their next city council meeting on Nov. 12.

Swofford was unavailable for comment.