J.R. Reed, a 26-year veteran of the East Ridge Police Department who served as Chief for almost five years, has been released by the city.

According to a Thursday evening press release, Reed was released effective March 13.

In November 2018, Reed was placed on administrative leave due to matters relative to his position with the East Ridge Police Department, the press release states. 

After several months of investigation, the administration for the City determined the separation with Chief Reed was deemed necessary. 

The press release gave no other details for the termination.

The first week of December, 2018, city officials released specific allegations against Reed, who was placed on administrative leave on November 21, 2018, pending the outcome of an investigation.

According to a November 21 letter from acting City Manager Kenny Custer, Reed was accused of improperly handling confiscated funds and goods, lack of leadership, lack of properly managing department investigations, mishandling open records requests and allowing a hostile employee environment to exist.

City officials said late last year that four different entities – the State Comptroller’s office, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department, the Municipal Technical Advisory Service and outside auditors – were engaged in the Reed investigation. The results of those investigations have yet to be released by city officials.

According to his personnel file, Reed was hired as a patrol officer in 1991 and was promoted to corporal in July of 2012. He was promoted from an acting sergeant in the traffic division to Chief of Police on January 20, 2014.

Assistant Chief Stan Allen has been acting as Chief of Police in Reed’s absence.