Winston-Salem Police Chief William Penn sued for defamation and emotional distress

A woman who alleges she was in an intimate relationship with Winston-Salem Police Chief William Penn is now suing him for defamation of character and emotional distress.

The lawsuit filed by Quamekia Shavers states she became pregnant in June 2023 after having unprotected sex with Penn. The filing says she felt pressured by the defendant to then have an abortion.

According to the lawsuit, Penn gave her money for the procedure but following an argument stopped receiving her calls.

The filing also says she was "troubled by dreams of hearing babies leading to a decrease in her sleep duration."

Shavers in her lawsuit says she received a letter in September 2023 from attorney Michael Grace, who represents Penn. Grace was not immediately available for comment Friday.

Shavers alleges she was threatened she would be charged with a crime if she kept contacting Penn. She says in her suit these legal accusations were a form of intimidation and a tactic intended to cause distress.

Shavers is seeking $50,000 in punitive damages.