Atlanta police chief defuses DEA rumor

If Atlanta Police Chief Richard Pennington is being considered for a top federal job with the Drug Enforcement Administration, he claims it’s news to him.

“I have no knowledge that I’m being considered for any federal law enforcement position. Furthermore, I have not been contacted by anyone in Washington,” Pennington said Friday through a spokesman.

Atlanta’s CBS affiliate reported Thursday that unidentified federal and local law enforcement sources said Pennington was being considered for the top position at the DEA.

Atlanta police officials said Pennington is out of town until March 16 and unavailable for an interview.

Pennington has been Atlanta’s police chief since the summer of 2002. Prior to that, he led New Orleans’ police force.

A White House spokeswoman said Friday that she was aware of the report about Pennington but could not comment on it. She said no decision has been made on the appointment.

Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin said she was not aware that Pennington was up for another job, but she heaped praise on the chief.

“He’s been a strong law enforcement professional for many years and has served Atlanta well,” Franklin said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if other people are looking at him.”

— Staff writers Eric Stirgus and Bob Keefe contributed to this report.