Cleveland manager loses $30,000 salary

Andre Reynolds loses $30,000 in annual pay and his position as a finance manager in Cleveland. The city reached this agreement on Thursday after a seven-page investigation concluded he violated multiple workplace policies.

The findings detail three instances between May and June where Reynolds viewed x-rated material on a city computer. He told investigators that the websites opened automatically when he logged into his personal Google account. He also cited his long service record and lack of prior discipline as mitigating factors.

The investigation linked his tardiness to his phone usage. A forensic report showed he accessed adult content in the mornings on 13 different days this year. On those same days, he entered the employee parking garage late. His former boss noted that the report revealed a partial explanation for this pattern of tardiness.

Reynolds has worked for the city since 2010. His previous role involved managing employee travel expenses. The inquiry found he used his city credit card to reserve a rental car for his sister's personal use. Although he did not charge the rental to the card, the city classified this as an unauthorized use of resources.

The city initially terminated Reynolds but allowed him to remain under a last-chance agreement. Under this deal, he moves to a contract compliance officer role in the Parks and Recreation Department. His salary drops from more than $100,000 to $70,000. He waived his right to appeal the demotion.

A former director described Reynolds' conduct as a breach of the trust essential to his position. A city spokesperson explained the decision imposes substantial discipline while avoiding the expense and uncertainty of prolonged litigation. They noted Reynolds retained an attorney, making a legal challenge a real possibility.

The spokesperson said the agreement safeguards taxpayer resources by imposing tangible punishment. The city also consulted an outside law enforcement agency specializing in internet crimes. That agency determined there was no evidence a crime occurred. Reynolds' attorney has not returned messages seeking comment.

Reynolds is scheduled to begin his new job next Monday. The demotion and salary cut take effect immediately under the terms of the agreement. The city will monitor his performance as part of the last-chance arrangement.