Mooresville, North Carolina – A dispute involving allegations of misconduct and political interference has engulfed the Town of Mooresville, as Mayor Chris Carney and Police Chief Ron Campurciani publicly refuted claims made in two recently filed federal lawsuits. The lawsuits, brought by a former IT employee and a former assistant police chief, allege a pattern of cover-ups and retaliation within the town’s leadership.
At the heart of the controversy are two late-night incidents involving Mayor Carney. The first, occurring on January 30, 2024, involved a brief encounter with Police Chief Campurciani. Both officials maintain this was not a traffic stop, but a coincidental meeting while driving home from a fundraiser for Iredell County District Attorney Sarah Kirkman. The second incident, in October 2024, centers around allegations that Carney was found in Town Hall in a compromised state, prompting a separate lawsuit from former IT employee Jeffrey Noble.
Frank Falzone, the former assistant police chief, alleges he was pressured to retire after raising concerns about irregularities surrounding these incidents. His lawsuit claims a “deliberate and coordinated campaign” by town officials to silence him for refusing to participate in concealing “serious governmental misconduct.” Specifically, Falzone identified discrepancies in electronic evidence – missing or misclassified records, body-worn camera metadata, and access logs – related to both incidents.
The allegations detailed in Falzone’s 37-page complaint center on the handling of evidence following the January 2024 encounter between Carney and Campurciani. The lawsuit suggests an attempt to downplay or obscure the nature of their interaction. Similarly, concerns were raised regarding the handling of surveillance footage and access control data related to the October 2024 incident at Town Hall.
Mayor Carney vehemently denies the accusations, characterizing them as “bogus” and “unfounded.” He stated that independent investigations, including one conducted by U.S. ISS, found no evidence to support the claims of wrongdoing. He expressed frustration at the damage the allegations are causing to his reputation and to the town itself. “I just can’t sit back” and allow these claims to stand unchallenged, Carney said.
Campurciani corroborated Carney’s account, stating that Falzone’s retirement was voluntary and followed standard procedure after being placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into his conduct regarding a separate matter – a dispute with the owner of a local boat repair company. According to a letter provided by Carney, the boat repair company owner alleged Falzone exhibited “unethical and outrageous” behavior, including damaging the owner’s property, during a disagreement over boat repairs.
The lawsuit filed by Noble, the former IT employee, specifically alleges that Carney was found in Town Hall without pants during the October 2024 incident. Carney has acknowledged being unwell after a combination of medication and alcohol consumed at a bar near Town Hall, but disputes the characterization of the event. He claims a family friend sent a photograph of him in distress to his wife, and that he was simply seeking his phone when he became ill.
The Mooresville Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to release the findings of the independent investigations into both incidents, aiming for full transparency. The reports, conducted by U.S. ISS and internal town investigations, were expected to be released shortly. Commissioners cited a desire to address the negative publicity surrounding the allegations and restore public trust.
The unfolding situation raises questions about accountability and transparency in local government. The lawsuits and subsequent public statements have created a climate of distrust, and the release of the investigative reports is expected to be a critical step in resolving the matter. The financial implications for the town, including potential legal costs and damage to its reputation, remain uncertain. The case highlights the potential for conflict when political leaders are subject to scrutiny, and the importance of maintaining the integrity of law enforcement investigations.
The allegations against Mayor Carney and the subsequent fallout underscore the challenges faced by municipalities in balancing transparency with the protection of individual privacy. The town’s decision to release the investigative reports represents a move towards greater openness, but the long-term impact on public trust remains to be seen.
