Investigations against two Chattanooga Police officers have been turned over to a federal agency.
Officials said, "The Chattanooga Police Department Internal Affairs Division is conducting investigations involving Officer Jacob Lee and Officer Jonathan Bradley. Both were opened on April 29, 2020 and are, at this time, fact finding investigations on possible violations of policy and procedures.
"These potential violations were brought to Chief Roddy’s attention by Lee and Bradley’s supervising officers. Chief Roddy then contacted a federal agency requesting an investigation.
"As the internal and criminal investigations are both ongoing investigations, neither the Chattanooga Police Department nor its representatives are able to comment any further due to the possibility of jeopardizing the investigations and/or dispositions."
Attorney Janie Varnell said, "We represent Jacob Lee, investigator with the Chattanooga Police Department. This is an outstanding officer with six years of experience in law enforcement. Inv. Lee has been involved in some of the most difficult gang investigations in this city. Inv. Lee stands by his work on behalf of the city of Chattanooga and we welcome a transparent investigation of any of his actions that have recently been criticized.
“Penetrating gang activity and prosecuting violent individuals is difficult work,” said Lee Davis. “We recognize that law enforcement has a duty to investigate accusations but feel confident that Inv. Lee’s work will speak for itself.”