Former Chattanooga police chief indicted for forgery, perjury sets 2026 trial date | Chattanooga Times Free Press
Celeste Murphy, former police chief of Chattanooga, is set to stand trial in January 2026 after a grand jury indicted her on 17 charges, including illegal voter registration and forgery. She appeared in Hamilton County Criminal Court via video conference, where she confirmed she had not reached a plea deal. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation initiated an inquiry into Murphy after inconsistencies emerged between her Tennessee voter registration and a tax exemption she received in Georgia. Following the indictment in June 2024, Murphy resigned from her position and is currently out on a $19,000 bond. Her case has garnered significant media coverage, prompting discussions about the possibility of changing the trial venue.
Murphy made history as the first Black woman to serve as chief of the Chattanooga Police Department, a tenure marked by internal dissatisfaction. Her successor, Chief John Chambers, was chosen to ensure continuity within the department.