A former Clinton Police officer is charged with aggravated statutory rape.
According to a release from Police Chief Rick Scarbrough, the TBI served Randall Chisum with the indictment Thursday.
The investigation began May 9, when the mother of a 17 year old girl came to the Clinton Police Department and told the chief that her daughter had been communicating by phone and/or computer with Chisum. Scarbrough and Lt. Vaughn Becker met with Chisum later that day, and Chisum resigned from the department.
Chief Scarbrough contacted Anderson County District Attorney General David Clark, to notify him of Chisum's actions and request his department be allowed to investigate.
Within hours, the investigation led Scarbrough and Becker to believe that Chisum had possibly had sexual relations with the 17 year old girl on the morning of May 8th. While continuing to consult with the District Attorney, the victim was interviewed by Clinton Police Detective Danielle Alexander and then transported to Children's Hospital later that same night.
On May 10, Lt. Becker obtained and served search warrants for Chisum's vehicle and to photograph markings on his body. The vehicle was transported to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Crime Laboratory for analysis. It was at that point that the TBI, at the request of District Attorney General Clark, assumed the investigation.
"I appreciate the victim's mother for having confidence in the Clinton Police Department and allowing us the opportunity to investigate this case. It would have been understandable, had she gone directly to the DA's office, TBI, or FBI. However, she trusted us and although an officer of this department is accused of committing a terrible act, we took the appropriate action. " Stated Chief Scarbrough
"This is wrong on a lot of levels, but when an officer violates the law, law enforcement has to police it's own. Is was very important we move quickly to find the truth, bring justice to the situation, protect the public and prevent only one individual from damaging the hard earned reputation of the Clinton Police Department. I appreciate District Attorney Clark also having confidence in our department and allowing us to participate in the investigation," added Chief Scarbrough
DAG Clark said Chisum surrendered himself at the Anderson County Detention Facility, was booked, and released on a $25,000 appearance bond. He will be arraigned on July 8.
"I am grateful for the professional cooperation and quick work of the Clinton Police Department and the TBI in bringing this investigation to a successful conclusion," said Clark.