Ex-Clayton police chief's job remains in limbo
Former Clayton County Police Chief Jeff Turner, placed on unpaid leave for allegedly misusing surveillance equipment, will have to wait a bit longer before learning his fate.
Turner's lawyer, Keith Martin, said county officials have asked for an additional two weeks to finish their investigation into the former chief's use of an electronic tracking device. Clayton County commissioners suspended Turner for up to four weeks on Jan. 6 pending completion of the inquiry, which is being led by Alex Cohilas, the board's chief of staff.
Commission spokeswoman Jamie Carlington said she didn't know when the review would be finished.
Turner was removed from the chief's position on Dec. 28 after commissioners accused him of insubordination and mishandling of sexual harassment complaints against officers. They also held him responsible for a rash of high-speed chases that resulted in civilian deaths, 138 missing firearms and a chaotic evidence room.
The 22-year veteran was reassigned to the Clayton Police Academy, where he served as director for just over a week.
Delays aside, Martin said he expects the county will move to fire his client.
"We're preparing for the worst," Martin said. "[Turner] will accept no disciplinary action at all."
About the Author
A native Atlantan, Boone joined the AJC staff in 2007. He quickly carved out a niche covering crime stories, assuming the public safety beat in 2014. He's covered some of the biggest trials this decade, from Hemy Neuman to Ross Harris to Chip Olsen, the latter of which was featured on Season 7 of the AJC's award-winning "Breakdown" podcast.
