Cleveland finance manager to take 30% pay cut after investigation

Andre Reynolds faces a major change in his career with the City of Cleveland. After a review of his conduct, city officials decided to demote him and cut his salary by more than 30 percent. Reynolds has served as an administrative manager in the Department of Finance since 2010. His previous role involved managing travel expenses for other employees.

A seven-page letter outlines the findings of the investigation. The document states that Reynolds viewed adult content on his work computer on three separate occasions between May and June. City records indicate he used his personal Google account during these instances. A city spokesperson noted that Reynolds claimed the websites loaded automatically when he logged in. He also cited his long tenure and lack of prior disciplinary history as mitigating factors.

The investigation identified additional issues beyond the computer use. Records show 13 days this year where Reynolds entered the employee parking garage late. A forensic report linked his tardiness to viewing pornography on his phone that same morning. His supervisor wrote that this behavior provided a partial explanation for his pattern of lateness. The city also found that Reynolds used his city credit card to reserve a rental car for his sister. Although he did not pay for the vehicle with the card, the city classified this as an unauthorized use of resources.

Reynolds was initially terminated based on these findings. However, he was allowed to remain with the city under a last-chance agreement. This arrangement reduces his annual pay from over 100,000 dollars to 70,000 dollars. He will work as a contract compliance officer for the Parks and Recreation Department. As part of the deal, he waived his right to appeal the demotion. His new position begins next Monday.

City officials explained the decision was meant to balance accountability with cost control. A spokesperson stated the outcome imposes substantial discipline while avoiding the expenses and uncertainty of prolonged litigation. Reynolds retained an attorney, making legal action a real possibility. The city said the resolution safeguards taxpayer resources while establishing clear consequences for any future misconduct. The spokesperson emphasized that the punishment does not minimize the seriousness of the behavior.

The city discussed the matter with an outside law enforcement agency that specializes in internet crimes. That agency determined there was no evidence a crime occurred. Reynolds is scheduled to start his new job next Monday. His attorney, listed in city records, has not returned messages seeking comment on the findings.

The investigation revealed that Reynolds' conduct breached the trust essential to his previous position. The city cited his role in handling employee travel expenses as a key factor in the disciplinary decision. The final agreement serves as a tangible punishment while limiting the city's financial exposure. Reynolds will now focus on contract compliance for the parks department.