Prosecutor Bret Alexander said the state will decide later whether to dismiss the remainder of charges against former city Neighborhood Services Administrator Kenardo Curry after a jury on Wednesday found him not guilty of theft over $1,000 and official misconduct.
He said the case that was tried first "was our best case, and that will be a factor" in deciding whether the remainder will be dropped.
The jury in the courtroom of Judge Rebecca Stern deliberated about two hours before bringing the noon verdict.
The defense put on no proof, and the state had only a day of proof in the case that dated to 2005.
Curry initially was charged with 17 counts of theft, official misconduct and fraudulent use of a credit card.
Prosecutor Alexander told the jury that Curry and special projects coordinator Mark Kleiner had gotten interested in developing a large tract in North Chattanooga and Curry signed off on vouchers to pay with city funds for a feasibility study on the scheme.