Tullahoma Police Chief and Captain Placed on Administrative Leave–Unrelated to Current TBI Investigation

According to Coffee County District Attorney Craig Northcott, Tullahoma Police Chief Paul Blackwell and Captain George Marsh were placed on administrative leave on Monday by City of Tullahoma Administrator Jennifer W. Moody.
A news release from the City of Tullahoma states that the city has begun an internal investigation into the police department management. As a result of this investigation, Police Chief Paul Blackwell and Captain George Marsh have been placed on administrative leave with pay until further notice.
This internal investigation is not related to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s (TBI) ongoing investigation. Any action regarding the internal investigation is considered a personnel matter and cannot be discussed until due process. The investigation is not considered complete until any potential disciplinary actions and appeal processes have been exhausted. As a result, we cannot provide any further information at this time.
The Acting Police Chief is Lieutenant Jason Ferrell, who has been with the Tullahoma Police Department for thirty years.
In the case unrelated to this issue, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has been investigating a complaint involving alleged official misconduct at the department.
TBI confirmed to WMSR News that at the request of 14th District Attorney General Craig Northcott, TBI Agents began an investigation.
The complaint stems from the department’s handling of an investigation of a motor vehicle crash involving Chief Blackwell’s son in November.
When information is released concerning the reason for the two men being placed on administrative leave, we will have that information on our radio news and website.