Atlanta Watershed Employee Sues City Over Alleged False Imprisonment

Lawsuit claims worker was illegally detained and searched by coworkers and police officer

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:19pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of an employee ID card or security badge, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the abuse of power and lack of accountability within the City of Atlanta's municipal workforce.A harsh, dramatic close-up of an employee ID card symbolizes the abuse of power and lack of accountability within the City of Atlanta's municipal workforce.Atlanta Today

A senior management analyst for the City of Atlanta's Watershed department has filed a lawsuit against the city and seven coworkers, alleging he was illegally detained and searched while on the job in 2024. The lawsuit follows an investigation by the Atlanta Inspector General that found six of the employees responsible for false imprisonment and abuse of power.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about potential abuse of authority and misuse of power by city employees, as well as questions about the adequacy of the city's disciplinary response to the incident. The lawsuit also alleges ongoing retaliation against the plaintiff, highlighting the need for robust whistleblower protections for public sector workers.

The details

According to the lawsuit, on April 17, 2024, Charles Hobbs and four other Watershed employees were locked in a conference room for approximately four hours after a manager, DeValorie Donahue, could not find her wallet. The lawsuit claims Donahue later found the wallet in her car, indicating she had never actually brought it into the office that day. Hobbs alleges the employees were denied bathroom breaks and guarded by a police officer during the detention.

  • The incident occurred on April 17, 2024.
  • Hobbs filed the lawsuit in Fulton County Superior Court on Monday.

The players

Charles Hobbs

A senior management analyst for the City of Atlanta's Watershed department who is suing the city and seven coworkers.

Yolanda Broom

The director of the Atlanta Watershed department and one of the named defendants in the lawsuit.

DeValorie Donahue

A manager in the Atlanta Watershed department who allegedly initiated the detention of Hobbs and other employees.

Quentin Green

An Atlanta Police Officer who was present during the alleged detention of Watershed employees.

Shannon Zacek

The Atlanta Inspector General who investigated the incident and found six of the employees responsible for false imprisonment and abuse of power.

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What they’re saying

“The managerial staff that prevented us barked orders to the security staff and to the APD police officer to hold us while under investigation.”

— Charles Hobbs

“You held these people in a room together and would not let them out. That's like hostage. We cannot send a message to the city leaders that what was done is okay.”

— Gina Pagnotta, President, Professional Association of City Employees Union

What’s next

The city of Atlanta has not commented on the specific allegations in the lawsuit due to the ongoing legal matter. It remains to be seen how the city will respond to the lawsuit and what, if any, additional disciplinary actions may be taken against the employees involved.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures within city government to prevent abuse of power and ensure fair treatment of public sector employees. The alleged retaliation against the plaintiff also underscores the importance of robust whistleblower protections to encourage reporting of misconduct without fear of reprisal.