Former Chattanooga Police Chief Indicted on Felony and Misdemeanor Charges

Former Chattanooga Police Chief Celeste Murphy was indicted on 17 counts of felony and misdemeanor charges, including illegal voter registration, false entries on official documents, forgery, and perjury. The indictment stems from an investigation into her residency status, which allegedly resulted in her providing false information on several government documents.

The indictment of former Chattanooga Police Chief Celeste Murphy on 17 felony and misdemeanor charges has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting Tennessee Mayor Weston Wamp to express his disappointment and concern.

Former Chattanooga Police Chief Indicted on Felony and Misdemeanor Charges

Murphy, who was sworn in as police chief in April 2022, resigned from her position on Wednesday, June 26, just one day before the indictment was announced. According to the indictment, Murphy is accused of knowingly entering false information on several government documents related to establishing residency in Chattanooga.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) initiated its investigation into Murphy's residency in April, and the resulting grand jury indictment includes charges of illegal voter registration, false entries on official registration or election documents, false entries in governmental records, forgery, perjury, and official misconduct.

Former Chattanooga Police Chief Indicted on Felony and Misdemeanor Charges

Murphy, who was booked and released after posting a $19,000 bond, is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on July 18. She faces a range of potential penalties, including imprisonment and fines, if convicted.

The indictment has cast a shadow over the Chattanooga Police Department, which Murphy had led for just a few months. Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly has accepted Murphy's resignation and vowed to preserve the integrity of the department.

Former Chattanooga Police Chief Indicted on Felony and Misdemeanor Charges

While Kelly expressed respect for Murphy's desire to protect the department's reputation, he did not elaborate on the specific circumstances surrounding her resignation or the allegations against her.

Harry Sommers, the Chattanooga Police Department's current Executive Chief of Police, will now fill Murphy's vacated role while the mayor's office launches a search for the next chief.

Former Chattanooga Police Chief Indicted on Felony and Misdemeanor Charges

The indictment of a high-ranking law enforcement official on such serious charges highlights the importance of accountability and integrity within law enforcement agencies. The community will be watching closely as the case unfolds and justice is sought.

In the wake of the indictment, Mayor Wamp has urged the community to remain calm and trust in the legal process. He expressed confidence that the Chattanooga Police Department will continue to serve the community effectively under new leadership.

The allegations against Murphy have also raised questions about the department's hiring practices and internal oversight mechanisms. The TBI's investigation into Murphy's residency status suggests that there may have been a lack of due diligence in verifying her information before she was sworn in as chief.

As the case progresses, it is crucial that transparency and public trust are maintained. The community deserves to know the full truth about the allegations against Murphy and the actions taken by the police department and city officials in response.