Former Cabarrus County Manager Sean Newton has filed a lawsuit against Cabarrus County, alleging commissioners wrongfully terminated him to avoid paying nearly $290,000 in severance required under his employment contract.
The complaint, filed May 5 in Cabarrus County Superior Court, alleges Newton was fired under a false “for cause” justification despite no prior documented performance concerns or complaints.
Newton’s Hiring and Termination
Newton was hired as Cabarrus County Manager on March 10, 2025, replacing longtime County Manager Mike Downs, who was terminated in January 2025. Commissioners voted 3-2 to terminate Newton during a closed session on August 18, 2025. Commissioners Laura Blackwell Lindsey and Larry Pittman voted against the termination. In contrast, Lynn Shue, Kenny Wortman, and Jeff Jones voted in favor.
Kelly Sifford has served as interim county manager since Newton’s departure.
Newton’s tenure was controversial from the outset due to a prior undisclosed business relationship with former Commission Chair Chris Measmer, now a member of the North Carolina Senate. Measmer did not publicly disclose that he and Newton had previously been business partners in Measmer Newton Enterprises LLC before the board approved Newton’s appointment.
What Newton’s Lawsuit Alleges
According to the complaint, Newton’s employment agreement guaranteed a severance payment equal to 12 months’ salary if he was terminated without “just cause.” His annual salary had risen to $289,365 following a 1% cost-of-living adjustment.
The lawsuit states Newton had never received criticism or complaints about his job performance before the August 18 meeting and describes the termination as unexpected.
Commissioners reportedly cited two reasons for the termination:
- Allegations that Newton had yelled at an employee
- Concerns that he was not sufficiently present at the county government center
Newton denies both allegations. The lawsuit states he never raised his voice or disrespected employees and that no prior complaints about his conduct or performance were raised before the termination vote.
The complaint also argues that no formal requirements specified how often Newton needed to be physically present at the main government center, and notes that his role required regular travel to county facilities and work outside standard business hours.
Newton’s attorneys contend that even if the allegations were accurate, they would not meet the contract’s definition of “just cause,” which the agreement reportedly limits to conduct such as dishonesty, refusal to carry out lawful directives, or felony convictions. The lawsuit characterizes the termination as politically motivated, alleging it stemmed from conflict among commissioners rather than any performance-based rationale.
What Newton Is Seeking
Newton’s lawsuit requests:
- $289,365 in severance pay
- Release of the August 18 closed-session recording
- A court declaration that he was terminated without cause
Cabarrus County has not yet publicly responded to the lawsuit. The case remains pending in Cabarrus County Superior Court. Inform Cabarrus will continue to follow developments as they unfold.
