CALHOUN POLICE CHIEF RESIGNS

Petty Admits Took Drug Funds

Joe Petty, Calhoun police chief, has resigned after admitting to city
officials that he took money from the city drug fund, according to Calhoun
City Manager Joe Bryan.

Bryan said Petty allegedly used the money to cover bad check charges in
General Sessions Court against his wife.

"We were aware of his (Petty) wife's situation for a while now," said
Bryan. "Even though he is no longer my employee, I will continue to be his
friend.

"Even though Joe Petty took desperate measures to keep his family together,
like he said in his resignation letter, a violation of the law did take
place that could only result in Joe no longer holding the office of police
chief for the city of Calhoun."

Bryan said that Petty will continue to finish paper work and several court
cases that are pending.

"In a very desperate measure to keep my family together, I have committed
an unlawful act against you and the citizens of Calhoun," Petty wrote in
his resignation letter to Bryan.

"The act I have committed and acknowledged before members of the TBI
(Tennessee Bureau of Investigation) is totally unacceptable, regardless of
the circumstances."

Bryan went on to say that he has received numerous calls from Calhoun
residents, who in no way condone his acts, but are willing to offer any
help where needed.

"It is a very sad situation, but hopefully Joe and his family will be able
to overcome this and begin the process of putting their lives together
again," said Bryan. "He and his family will be in the prayers of many
people in this community during the upcoming months."

In his resignation letter, Petty apologized for the "wrongs I have
committed and am very sorry for violating the trust the citizens of Calhoun
have placed in me. I further regret any negative publicity this may cause
the town."

Bryan said that while Petty was police chief, he had done an excellent job
in leading a successful campaign to rid the city of illegal drugs.

"Arrests for DUI increased over 300 percent from prior administrations, and
our roadways became much safer as a very intensive traffic campaign took
place," Bryan said.

He added that Petty was instrumental in getting two grants for the city
that provided much needed police equipment and computer technology.

"But regardless of his accomplishments," Bryan said, "he did make a very
wrong decision that is now altering his future."

Bryan said he has hired one new certified officer and two additional
reserves. "The city of Calhoun is well covered," he added.

Officer Chris Nicholson is now acting police chief until a new one can be
found, according to Bryan.

TBI Supervisor Richard Brogan said the investigation into the incident is
now complete and all information is being turned over to the McMinn County
District Attorney's office.