On Tuesday, Julian McPhillips, the attorney who represents Ronita Wade, the Selma treasurer has filed a lawsuit against Selma Mayor Darrio Melton and the Selma City Council.

The lawsuit claims that Wade was placed on involuntary leave by Melton on Sept. 19, and was then terminated on Sept. 26. The lawsuit claims that Wade then appealed her termination on Oct. 2 and was reinstated by a vote from the council on Oct. 10.

The lawsuit claims that the investigation Wade is under after her work computer was turned over to the Attorney General’s office was “false allegations.”

“However, as of November, the date of the filing of this suit, Plaintiff (Wade) has never been informed by any government entity that she was ‘under investigation’ or that she had violated any law.”

The suit ends by saying Wade seeks “full-fledged reinstatement” as the treasurer and that any further interference by Melton or his agents will “result in appropriate sanctions being issued by the court against said defendant mayor.”

McPhillips called this filing a “bold move.”

McPhillips also sent a letter to all city council members asking that the council “be a friendly party, and you might, with the help of your own independent attorney, file a Motion to Realign yourselves as a party plaintiff. It is really in your interest as the Selma City Council to join in, which I hope and trust you agree.”

Melton did not return comment by press time.

Council members were contacted but did not return comment by press time.