A lawsuit was filed against Mount Vernon Mayor Shawn Patterson-Howard for alleged misuse of power, according to court documents.

Some of the allegations include illegal use of city funds, unauthorized use of police resources and potential interfering with a criminal investigation.

The lawsuit claims Patterson-Howard warned a man accused of child sex abuse before an investigation began. Mount Vernon basketball coach Dwayne Murray is named in the lawsuit and charged with sexually abusing a child.

Mayor Patterson-Howard says, “This is a politically motivated and frivolous lawsuit filed by a so-called activist. Unfortunately, it will force the City to divert valuable resources at a time when we are focused on public safety, economic development, and housing for our residents."

“It seeks to drag Mount Vernon back to an era of chaos and confusion we’ve worked so hard to move beyond. When I took office, I promised to lead with integrity and not to do anything that would embarrass our community and I have kept that promise."

“We will allow this matter to play out in court.”