Weeks of internal and criminal investigations have resulted in the firing of one Ironton city employee on grounds of alleged misconduct and suspected theft.

Todd Davis, a 15-year employee in the flood department and former American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 771 president, has been accused of theft for putting gas in his personnel vehicle and charging it to the city.

Davis does not deny this claim but insists that he was encouraged to do so because he used his personal vehicle.

Mayor John Elam initially hit Davis with a 5-day suspension while the situation was being investigated, but has now fired him.

"Mr. Davis employment with the city has been terminated (as of last Friday," Elam said. "He has filed a grievance (seeking reinstatement) as part of his rights under the collective bargaining agreement."

Following the advice of a labor consultant for the city of Ironton, Elam declined any further comments.

Davis contends the entire situation is unfair treatment because he is being singled out for something that many employees are instructed to do.

Davis has filed two grievances - one for wrongful termination and another for wrongful suspension - and plans to file five separate lawsuits against the city and its officials.

"They are just trying to get me out of the way for Judge Collins and his court workers," Davis said.