Former Chattanooga Police Chief Celeste Murphy is facing serious legal trouble following her resignation from the department. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation revealed that a 17-count indictment has been issued against Murphy, including both felony and misdemeanor charges. This comes after special agents launched an investigation into her residency back in April.
According to the TBI statement, it was found that Murphy intentionally provided false information on various government documents related to establishing residency in Chattanooga, despite swearing to the accuracy of the information by signing the documents. The charges against her include Illegal Voter Registration, False Entries on Official Registration or Election Documents, Forgery, Perjury, and Official Misconduct.
After turning herself in at the Hamilton County Jail, Murphy was booked and subsequently released on a $19,000 bond. Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly accepted her resignation immediately, acknowledging the challenging circumstances surrounding the situation while also expressing his respect for her decision to uphold the integrity of the police department.
In light of Murphy’s departure, Executive Chief of Police Harry Sommers has assumed her responsibilities while the mayor’s office begins the search for a new chief. The Fraternal Order of Police expressed disappointment in the situation, emphasizing the impact of such indictments on the reputation of law enforcement personnel.
The organization commended the thorough investigation conducted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and pledged its support to the interim chief and the mayor’s office in selecting the next police chief for Chattanooga. This development serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding the law and maintaining the trust of the community in law enforcement officials.