WDEF 12 NEWS – The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says former Chattanooga Chief of Police Celeste Murphy faces 17 counts of felony and misdemeanor criminal charges.
On Thursday morning, Murphy surrendered at the Hamilton County Jail where she was booked and released on a $19,000 bond.
Chief Murphy says the investigation was initiated about her place of residence.
On Tuesday, a Hamilton County Grand Jury indicted Murphy on the following charges:
- 1 count of Illegal Voter Registration
- 1 count of False Entries on Official Registration or Election Documents
- 3 counts of False Entries in Governmental Records
- 3 counts of Forgery
- 3 counts of Perjury
- 6 counts of Official Misconduct
During the TBI’s investigation into her residency, agents determined that Murphy knowingly entered false information on documents related to her residency in Chattanooga while she swore to the truth … WDEF 12 NEWS coverage continues below
WHAT SHE ‘ALLEGEDLY’ DID
The investigation found that Murphy claimed primary residences in both Tennessee and Georgia during her time as police chief. Chattanooga city policy requires public employees to live in Tennessee.
The newspaper reported that Murphy has claimed a homestead exemption on a house she purchased in Fulton County, Georgia, each year since 2021 — a tax break for those who certify the property is their primary residence. Meanwhile, Murphy is registered to vote in Tennessee, which requires people to certify they’re living at their primary residence in the state. SOURCE: 11alive.com
WDEF 12 NEWS coverage continues here …
The Fraternal Order of Police has released the following statement on the resignation and indictment of former Police Chief Celeste Murphy:
“It is a disappointing day for law enforcement when an Officer or Chief is indicted for acting outside the law and tarnishes the badge we all proudly wear.
We appreciate the thorough investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
We will support our interim Chief and will offer our support to the Mayor’s Office in the search for Chattanooga’s next police chief.
While we are entering a time of uncertainty, our resolve to provide exceptional front- line services to the residents of Chattanooga remains steadfast. They deserve and expect that from our Membership.”
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says their investigation into Murphy’s city of residency is still open …
