The Fort Oglethorpe city council has taken steps toward possibly removing one of its members from office, in the wake of allegations he sexually harassed a female police detective.

The council voted unanimously Monday night to move forward with an investigation into allegations against council member Charles Sharrock, who is serving his second four-year term and is now in his fifth year on the council.

"The council and mayor met in executive session Monday night to discuss the process from the city charter regarding the removal of officers," city manager Ron Goulart said. "The matter was discussed, then the council and mayor reconvened in public and voted 4-0 to proceed with that process."

Sharrock declined this morning to comment on the matter.

The ordeal began with the accusation that Sharrock allegedly sexually harassed the female detective by touching her.

Goulart confirmed that the incident in question is the third such accusation against Sharrock by a city employee since 2008.

Goulart said the next step in the process is a public hearing involving both parties before the mayor and council, followed by a decision on whether to remove Sharrock from office.

Click here to continue reading.