1-31-19 Internal investigation opened into alleged sexual assault involving officer

The Chattanooga Police Department will be requesting decertification from the Tennessee Peace Officer Standards & Training (P.O.S.T) Commission for Dessalines.

The criminal investigation by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office is active and ongoing.

Sustained Allegations:

Insubordination

Cooperation during Internal Investigation

Untruthfulness

Improper Procedure

Criminal Offenses

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November 29, 2018

CHATTANOOGA, TN - The Chattanooga Police Department opened an an internal investigation into an allegation of misconduct involving an officer in CPD's Neighborhood Policing Bureau on Tuesday, November 27, 2018. CPD launched the Internal Affairs investigation after a victim filed a report with CPD’s Special Victims Unit on November 27, 2018. Due to the victim’s statement identifying the suspect as a CPD Officer and to remove any suggestion regarding a conflict of interest, CPD immediately turned over the criminal investigation to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office per the direction of the Hamilton County District Attorney. CPD relieved Officer Dessalines of duty on Wednesday, November 28, 2018. He will remain on administrative leave until a final disposition in the Internal Affairs investigation is reached.

On Thursday, November 29, 2018 the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office arrested that officer, Benjamin Dessalines on charges of Felony Kidnapping and Felony Sexual Battery. He is in custody at the Hamilton County Jail.

“There are hundreds of Chattanooga Police Officers who do great work every day to uphold the mission of the Chattanooga Police Department and build trust with community members,” said Chief David Roddy. “Investigations into conduct of this magnitude are the result of choices and actions of a few and do not represent the values of the department and the many officers who serve the Chattanooga community.”

The CPD Internal Affairs investigation is separate from the criminal investigation being conducted by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office. Dessalines was hired by CPD in 2016.

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