OFFICIALS: Martin County DSS director fired for violating court order

MARTIN COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) - Martin County’s Department of Social Services director was fired last week after officials say she violated a court order and was reprimanded by the court.

Angela Ellis was let go on Wednesday from her $105,132 a year job.

According to her termination letter obtained this morning by WITN News, Ellis was fired for “substantiated performance deficiencies, failure to comply with court orders, and failure to fulfill the duties and responsibilities required of your position.”

The letter says back on April 21st, a child was moved without court authorization and in violation of a court order. The county says that was done under Ellis’ authority and they say she told them she was unaware of the court order.

“You were formally reprimanded by the Court, which further expressed concern regarding potential contempt and the safety and well-being of children under the department’s supervision,” the letter says.

Ellis was also accused of a recurring pattern of noncompliance with court orders, failed to conduct timely home assessments and drug screenings, failed to implement effective random drug testing protocols, and other issues that delayed reunification efforts of children under the court’s jurisdiction.

The 51-year-old Ellis was appointed DSS director on February 1, 2021.