The director of the Swain County, North Carolina, Department of Social Services has been fired amid a probe into the death of a 15-month-old girl who was a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Tammy Cagle was fired for insubordination and conduct unbecoming to a state employee, The Smoky Mountain News reported. No further details were provided but the paper said she is challenging her dismissal.

“Have I led or participated in any cover-up or falsification of records with this agency? No, absolutely not,” Cagle said at a DSS board meeting, the paper reported.

Aubrey Littlejohn died at Cherokee Indian Hospital on January 10. She showed signs of abuse and severe neglect, according to news reports.

County workers are being accused of failing to follow up on allegations of abuse and drug use within Aubrey's off-reservation home. There's also been allegations of falsified records.

Get the Story:
Swain DSS director fired, lodges appeal (The Smoky Mountain News 6/29)

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