Christopher Lemont Miles, a dedicated officer with the Town of Elon Police Department, has filed a lawsuit against his superiors and the department itself, alleging a series of discriminatory and retaliatory actions that have tarnished his professional reputation. The complaint was lodged by Miles on December 8, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, targeting Chief Kelly Blackwelder, Assistant Chief James Turney, the Elon Police Department, and the Town of Elon.
The case details a troubling pattern of conduct within the police department that allegedly violates federal laws designed to protect employees from discrimination based on race. According to Miles’ complaint, he has been subjected to unequal treatment compared to his white colleagues. He claims that while white officers were given opportunities to improve their performance through Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) before facing demotion, he was demoted without such an opportunity in March 2025. Furthermore, he accuses Assistant Chief Turney of making disparaging remarks and threats about his employment status and suitability for his role.
Miles outlines numerous instances where he faced false accusations and breaches of confidentiality that contributed to a hostile work environment. For example, confidential information regarding his demotion was allegedly disclosed by Sgt. Jackie Justice outside the agency in March 2025. Additionally, despite documented proof of communication in September 2025, Miles was falsely accused of failing to provide necessary information to another officer—a charge used against him in evaluations.
In seeking justice, Miles is requesting declaratory and injunctive relief alongside compensatory and punitive damages. He wants the court to acknowledge the violations against him under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 42 U.S.C. § 1981. Moreover, he seeks reinstatement or placement in a comparable position with expunged adverse records stemming from these alleged unlawful acts.
The case is represented by attorney Jason L. Keith from NXTGEN LAW based in Greensboro, NC. The presiding judge’s name is not mentioned in the document provided. The case identification number is Case 1:25-cv-01124.
Source: 125cv01124_Miles_v_Blackwelder_Complaint_Middle_District_North_Carolina.pdf
