ROWLAND — An emergency meeting of the Rowland Board of Commissioners will be held today after the town’s mayor unexpected resignation.

James Hampton, 53, handed in a letter of resignation on Friday and cited personal reasons for leaving, Town Clerk David Townsend said. The commissioners’ meeting will be at 5 p.m. in Rowland Town Hall and will focus on accepting the resignation and what steps will be taken. Commissioner Marvin C. Shooter, who serves as mayor pro tem, is expected to lead the meeting.

Hampton came to The Robesonian’s office Monday and said he resigned because the police department refused to take a report when he said he was the victim of a burglary.

Rowland Police Chief John Reaves denies the allegation.

“He’s given you false information,” Reaves said. “He didn’t stay around long enough to file a report.”

Reaves said Hampton came to his department to file a report, saying someone had broken into his home using a key. However, before a formal report could be made, Hampton left the department, Reaves said.

Reaves said he was concerned for Hampton’s health and hoped family members would step in.

“He really needs help, he has some problems,” Reaves said.

In his brief visit to The Robesonian on Monday, Hampton expressed concern that a particular reporter was not present before speaking of a conspiracy against him. He then left the building quickly and drove off.

In November 2015 Hampton won a tight race for the mayor’s seat against incumbent Doris Elizabeth Hunt. He was sworn in to a four-year term in December 2015.

Hampton has had problems since beginning his term as mayor. In February 2016 the mayor was arrested on two counts of misdemeanor simple assault. Those two cases are to go to court in April.

Hampton was convicted of armed robbery in 1983 and served almost 10 years in prison in New York. He has also been convicted of burglary and grand larceny, according to New York State Department of Corrections record. He has worked to have his rights restored, including the right to vote and run for office, since his release from prison and completion of parole.

In 2003 he was convicted of violating a protective order in Mecklenburg County, according to North Carolina Department of Public Safety records. He served probation for that offense.

James Hampton
https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_James-Hampton2017327172945383-1.jpgJames Hampton
Town’s commissioners to meet today

By Mike Gellatly

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Reach Mike Gellatly at 910-816-1989 or via Twitter @MikeGellatly