After Javaris Terry’s resignation as the County Marshal, he provided an explanation as to his departure. “In April 2024, I was approached by the County to assume the role of Code Enforcement Officer following Ms. Beamon’s sudden termination. I entered the position without training, a full understanding of the job’s significance, or clear insight into what I was stepping into.” He stated that despite this, we was able to draw on his experience from corporate management of multi-million dollar companies. “I relied on my leadership skills to navigate the role. Although we negotiated my salary and terms, the process bypassed Human Resources, leaving me without a formal offer letter, nor did I meet with HR regarding pay or benefits. I was informed that the County had agreed to my terms and hired me as the Zoning Administrator and Code Enforcement Officer.

Terry stated he made a suggestion. “Due to my POST certification as a law enforcement officer, I researched the role and proposed transitioning it into the County Marshal’s Office, a change that was approved.”

Terry stated his experience as County Marshal. “By May, the County had approved a Business License Ordinance that had gone unenforced. As Marshal, I focused on revitalizing blighted areas, listening to citizens’ concerns, and ensuring compliance. I achieved a 94% compliance rate for business licenses and worked over 60 hours weekly to meet code enforcement standards. Citizens, previously frustrated with the County’s inaction, expressed appreciation for the progress made under my leadership.”

He stated he then had disagreements with Interim County Administrator Douglas Eaves. “In late May, I approached Interim County Administrator Mr. Douglas Eaves regarding my compensation. Despite my rigorous duties, I was being paid $18.97 per hour, just $1.20 above a deputy’s salary. I requested a $3.00 raise, but Mr. Eaves failed to provide an answer and often dismissed my concerns. Instead, he sought to hire someone else—an older, more experienced candidate from another city—with a promised salary of over $70,000, significantly higher than my request.”

Terry commented on conflict with both Eaves and County attorney Hayden Hooks. “In September 2024, The Board of Commissioners stripped the Marshal Office from its powers after they unanimously voted to approve this office. This came after Hayden Hooks and Douglas Eaves lied about not creating the Ordinance, when it fact they had written, drafted and passed a law they created, that Javarise Terry had no idea of the ordinance being created. When I brought it to both of their intentions they had lied their response was “it’s okay, Jay don’t do anything relational”.

Terry claimed further difficulties. “Following this, I noticed a marked change in Mr. Eaves’ behavior. He consistently disregarded my ideas, forced me out of my office without notice, and displayed a lack of leadership. In the September 2024 Work Session, Mr. Eaves proposed making the Zoning Administrator a department head position with a $55,000+ salary, which was approved.”

Terry made further claims. “I was told to reapply for the job I was already performing. It became clear that the position had been promised to someone else.”

Terry stated there were issues with the current structure. “When I advised my concerns about the move and that I had already had the job, By law the only way to get out of their mess that was created they had to restructure the departments. Now placing our department under Public Works, and then I was kicked out of my office and under the direction of Jim Littlefield was effective immediately.”

Terry commented on his response. “My tenure as County Marshal was marred by political maneuvering. Mr. Eaves frequently pushed unethical proposals that were approved because he had the necessary votes. I’ve endured threats and intimidation, stripping of my powers from this leadership it was the best interest to ultimately leave and past the torch to someone who meets the eyes of the County.”

Terry made a final statement. “I love my community and have served it in various capacities—from community organizer to political candidate and police officer. However, I cannot serve where my contributions are undervalued and unappreciated. This lack of respect, coupled with what I believe to be evident racial bias, ultimately led to my decision to leave the County, I’m not an elected official, I’m not the County Administrator, I’m fighting a fight I can’t win and that what led to my departure”.

When question further, Terry providing as to whether or not he was claiming Eaves and Hooks were lying, he replied; “That is correct. Both Douglas Eaves and Hayden Hooks created the entire ordinance. They lied to the County Commissioners stated we went with what Jay provided but in truth they created the ordinance and it’s entirety.”

Terry commented further that; “I had no parts nor say so in the way the ordinance was written.”

When asked for commented, Interim County Administrator Douglas Eaves replied; “I have publicly stated in a meeting that we missed that phrase in the ordinance and that we had no intention to create a department manager. Mr. Terry’s  claims have been investigated by an independent third party and found totally unsubstantiated.”

When questioned further about the third party, Eaves stated it was an attorney.

Hayden Hooks commented during the Sumter County Board of Commissioners meeting on Sept 17. “We got this ordinance, this was provided to me by, by Mr. Terry, and we, and he got it from another County.”