Tim Boyd speaks with reporters after turning himself in at jail
County Commissioner Tim Boyd told reporters on Wednesday that criminal charges brought based on allegations by campaign foe Brent Lambert will actually help him in the election.
Commissioner Boyd said he did not make calls to the East Ridge mayor, but it was Mayor Lambert who called him twice "asking what he should do" about the race. He said, "I did not know I was being recorded. I did not consent to be recorded."
The commissioner, who turned himself in at the jail on the extortion charge early Wednesday morning, said he is not guilty and "I'm not worried."
He said he "did not threaten" the East Ridge mayor, but advised him he should exit the race to avoid "embarrassment" over the campaign contribution issue.
The TBI's release said, "At the request of 11th District Attorney General Neal Pinkston, TBI agents began investigating an allegation of extortion involving Hamilton County Commissioner Timothy Boyd. During the course of the investigation, agents developed information that Boyd (DOB 5-9-52) attempted to force an opponent to withdraw from the commissioner’s race by threatening to release information Boyd perceived to be damaging to his opponent."
The indictment says he "did unlawfully use coercion upon another, Brent Lambert, with the intent to obtain property, services, any advantage or immunity; or restrict unlawfully another's freedom of action."
The commissioner said "power players" were anxious to see him go for taking on the Chattanooga Convention Bureau and other agencies. He said, "It is sad to know they hate me so bad they are trying to get rid of me. They don't like the sunshine."
Calling the charge "a ridiculous use of the justice system, an abuse of power and an over-reach," he added, "If this is the only thing they can come up with to try to defeat me, it's pretty sad.
He said any investigation, instead of focusing on him, should have been on Mayor Lambert accepting $5,000 in campaign contributions from developers of the Bass Pro site after getting help from the city of East Ridge. He said Mayor Lambert took the money to pay off an old campaign debt. He stated, "That just reeks of unethical practices."
Commissioner Boyd posted a $2,500 bond, then walked across the street to the weekly County Commission meeting. He made no comments during the session and his arrest was not mentioned.
Mayor Lambert turned information (apparently the taped calls to Commissioner Boyd) over to the district attorney's office, which in turn passed it on to the TBI.
Mayor Lambert said on Wednesday afternoon, "My campaign to serve the great citizens of our community began because of my commitment to see East Ridge grow and prosper as a wonderful place to live and raise our families. My work as East Ridge Mayor has reflected that commitment with economic development and job growth. My commitment has been strengthened that District 8 deserves a voice committed to our community, not political grandstanding or theater. I am more committed than ever to the fact that good things can happen if we work together.
"The events of recent days are only a snapshot of what has occurred over the last several weeks that have impacted the importance of this race and the very reason that I am a candidate.
"I applaud the TBI for doing a thorough investigation into the threats that were made against me, my family, my professional career and political career. The TBI is receiving the full cooperation of me, my family and my campaign. Despite any claims to minimize this situation, the TBI has been thorough and respectful in its fact-finding and presentation of facts to the grand jury that has issued this indictment.
"When I was threatened several weeks ago, I felt that I had no recourse but to alert the authorities. Citizens of District 8 are not represented by the backroom bullying that has been the standard approach by the current incumbent on any number of issues. Under the premise of 'asking the hard questions,' the incumbent has appeared to be an advocate for an accountable government. Ironically, his tactics and behavior demonstrate anything but an accountable government.
"I look forward to the evidence that will soon be made available that captures the nature of the threats made against me and the false claims of any wrong-doing in my previous campaigns. I can say with all confidence that nothing that I have done in any campaign past or currently has been illegal.
"While the events of the recent days have placed the campaign for County Commission District 8 in the news and the court of public opinion, the TBI investigation will be concluded in a court of law. My personal pledge to the citizens of District 8 is to be a public servant that represents the district and the issues best served by our community. You deserve better."
Commissioner Boyd said he still does not know what he was charged with. He said he asked the district attorney's office four times for copies of the Lambert complaint, but got no answer.
He said he is getting emails and text messages of support and "am looking forward to getting this behind me."
On the booking process at the jail, he said, "Everyone should have to go through that to see what all is involved."
He is represented by attorney Charles Dupree.
Tim Boyd