It's all a mess of small town politics and clumsy journalism, but…
Gordon City Attorney James Green explained some of the circumstances leading up to the mayor placing the officer on administrative leave with pay in a lengthy email to members of city council. A copy of it was obtained by The Union-Recorder.
“Dear members of the city council, I am writing to provide a preliminary explanation of the events surrounding the incident that took place on Sunday, June 11, 2023 at the New Corinth Green Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Involving [Police Chief Mike Hall, Assistant Chief Andy Hester], and Sgt. Brian Stuckey, as well as potential liability concerns.”
Green said Hall, Hester and Stuckey went to the church before the start of the scheduled service.
“They approached Pastor Larry Thomas and informed him that the church would not be allowed to hold services that day,” Green said. “Assistant Chief Hester then addressed the assembled individuals, proclaiming that the police department would resolve the church dispute at that moment, and he personally assumed the role of moderator during a church meeting.”
The meeting included voting to remove the pastor and two deacons and electing new church leadership.
Green pointed out that the actions of Hall and Hester have raised “significant concerns” about the handling of the situation.
“As an organization, we take this incident and potential liability extremely serious,” Green said. “We are aware that Assistant Chief Hester’s assurances to a concerned individual, regarding the purpose of the police department’s presence, were later deemed ales upon review of body cam footage by opposing counsel.”
Green said the events that unfolded during the meeting resulted in the removal of “legally-ousted” deacons and suspended church members.
“These actions, along with the alleged involvement of Chief Hall and Sgt. Brian Stuckey in the incident, could expose the police department and the city to potential liability claims,” Green said. “Given the gravity of this situation, we are committed to conducting a thorough and unbiased internal investigation.”
The city attorney said Hall and Hester were placed on administrative leave with pay to ensure the integrity of the investigation.