(FixThisNation.com) – On Thursday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation announced that former Chattanooga Police Chief Celeste Murphy will be facing a 17-count indictment following her resignation. The decision was announced following a special agent investigation and was made by a Hamilton County Grand Jury.
In the statement released, it was noted that during the investigation it became clear that Murphy to establish Chattanooga residency had frequently entered false information on many government documents and had sworn and signed the documents as being true. Murphy resigned on Wednesday after over two years of serving as police chief since her assignment in April 2022. As part of the charges against her, she is facing both misdemeanor and criminal counts.
On Thursday morning, Murphy had surrendered at Hamilton County Jail before being booked. For her release, she had to post a $19,000 bond.
Yesterday, Tim Kelly, the city’s mayor, argued that he had accepted her resignation and argued that the situation relating to it has been challenging. He added that he respected her desire to have the integrity of the Police department preserved.
Until the mayor’s office decides on the next chief, the role will be temporarily handled by the current Executive Chief of Police Harry Sommers.
The Fraternal Order of Police noted that it is a disappointing day when a police chief or officer has been “acting outside the law.” The organization also expressed their appreciation for the investigation and noted that they would provide their support to the interim Chief and Mayor’s office until the next police chief is selected.
Copyright 2024, FixThisNation.com
