Sheriff: Maury City police chief arrested on 3 charges
This video is no longer available.
CROCKETT COUNTY, Tenn. — A West Tennessee police chief finds himself on the other side of the law. The Crockett County Sheriff’s Office says Maury City Police Chief Richard Stitts has been charged with assault, harassment and stalking. Maury City Mayor Rayce Castellaw says Stitts, who is a part-time employee of the city, is suspended without pay. He is accused of assaulting the mother of his child. Crockett County Sergeant Jimmy Irvin said the two are not living together and that she has filed a restraining order against Stitts. “The order of protection was served on him when he was, during the intake process, was served on him,” Irvin said. Irvin said Stitts turned himself in around 8:30 p.m. Friday. Mayor Castellaw said he has not had problems with Stitts, who he said has worked as chief for about 18 years. “He has done everything he’s supposed to,” Castellaw said. “He’s done us good service.” Castellaw said Stitts will be suspended until the investigation is through. “We just want to know the rest of the story, because it’s like I said, we just, since we found out, we put him on the leave,” Castellaw said. Maury City residents said they are surprised by the arrest. “I guess it’s kind of sad in a way,” Maury City resident Gail Johnson said. “He’s supposed to uphold the law, not break it.” “Kind to me, I’ve never had any bad experiences with him. I’ve heard a lot of rumors,” Maury City resident Renee Smith said. The sheriff’s office confirms Stitts posted a $2,500 bond Friday night. He is scheduled to appear in Crockett County general sessions court Oct. 23.
