News Summary
Celeste Murphy, the former Chief of the Chattanooga Police Department, has been indicted on 17 felony and misdemeanor charges, including forgery and official misconduct. The indictment, revealed by a Grand Jury, follows a TBI investigation into allegations of illegal voter registration and falsifying government documents. Murphy has pleaded not guilty, and her trial is set for January 2026, raising concerns about the integrity of the police department as a whole.
Chattanooga – Celeste Murphy, the former Chief of the Chattanooga Police Department, faces serious legal challenges after being indicted on 17 felony and misdemeanor charges. The allegations against her include forgery, falsifying information in government documents, illegal voter registration, and official misconduct. The indictment was announced by a Hamilton County Grand Jury on June 25, 2024, following a lengthy investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI).
Murphy has pleaded not guilty to all charges, which include one count of illegal voter registration, one count of false entries on official registration or election documents, three counts of false entries in governmental records, three counts of forgery, three counts of perjury, and six counts of official misconduct. The stakes are high as Judge Boyd Patterson indicated that an outside jury might be considered due to the case’s notoriety.
The trial is set to commence on January 20, 2026, with several important deadlines leading up to it. A final motion date has been established for January 12, 2026, and a deadline for notice of expert witnesses was set for December 16, 2025. Additionally, a meeting is scheduled for August 2025, where Murphy’s legal team will discuss jury questions.
Murphy’s legal troubles began in April 2024 when TBI agents launched an investigation into concerns regarding her residency in Chattanooga. The findings indicated that she had knowingly provided false information on government documents related to her residency. Due to the ongoing investigation, Mayor Tim Kelly accepted Murphy’s resignation on June 26, 2024, just one day before the indictment was announced.
After resigning, Murphy was booked by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and released on a $19,000 bond. In light of her departure, Harry Sommers has stepped in as the Acting Chief of Police during this transitional period. Mayor Kelly has expressed his commitment to maintaining the integrity of the police department throughout this situation.
This indictment has raised significant concerns not only regarding Murphy’s actions but also about the impact on the Chattanooga Police Department as a whole. Following the investigation’s initiation, Mayor Tim Kelly reiterated the importance of integrity within the department and emphasized the commitment to addressing any issues that arise from this case.
The details of the ongoing TBI investigation remain under wraps, and additional findings may still emerge as the case continues to develop. Legal analysts suggest that the nature of the allegations against Murphy and her role as a public figure could have a lasting impact on public trust and the functioning of the police department.
As the date for Murphy’s trial approaches, the community and officials alike will be awaiting the outcome of these serious charges involving one of their city’s top law enforcement officers. The case emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in public service roles, as well as the legal process that will unfold in the coming months.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chattanooga Police Warn Against Armed Robberies Linked to Social Media Transactions
Chattanooga Attorney Arthur C. Grisham Jr. Suspended for Five Years
Chattanooga Welcomes Global Artists for ‘Fresh Paint Live’
Chattanooga Mourns the Loss of Katharine “Katie” Michelle Patterson
Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly Begins Second Term
Chattanooga Takes Bold Steps to Boost Police Recruitment
Recent Arrests in Hamilton County: An Informative Overview
Juveniles Charged After Armed Weapons Theft in Chattanooga
Multiple Arrests Reported in Chattanooga with Various Charges
Recent Arrests in Hamilton County Raise Concerns
Additional Resources
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
