Reed receives sentencing, accepts Alford plea deal

CORRECTION: Reed pled guilty to one count of electronic tracking of motor vehicle. According to Madison County Circuit Court, Reed’s stalking charge was dismissed.

JACKSON, Tenn. — A Jackson city official is sentenced after receiving charges earlier this year.

In April of this year, Roland “Alexander” Reed, the City of Jackson’s Chief of Staff, was arrested and charged with stalking and electronic monitoring of a motor vehicle.

“Want me to accept your best interest plea?” asked Judge Kyle Atkins. “Yes your honor,” replied Reed. “The court finds that Mister Reed’s best interest to plead guilty is completely voluntary and intelligently made there’s a factual based plea. He has the advise and turn to me and accept its best interest plea on docket 24274,” said Judge Atkins.

Reed initially pled not guilty and his case was moved to June.

Monday morning, Reed appeared in court in Jackson and accepted an Alford Plea deal.

The prosecutor read details of the case’s history.

“In the fall of 2021 Mr. Reed introduced himself to then Grayson Hart at a school function at Jackson Christian School. The following spring in April 2022 Mister Hart received the Hub City Hero’s award and was presented that award by the Mayor Scott Conger. Mr. Reed, as Scott Congers Chief of Staff, was present for the award presentation. At the award presentation, they approached Grayson and offered him a want to apply for an internship,” said the prosecutor.

The prosecutor said Reed kept in touch with Hart after the end of the internship.

“Alex Reed repeatedly told Grayson that he loved them and repeatedly wanted to know where he was located. Furthermore there were several instances during that time frame where they engaged in location sharing services by the iPhone platform. Those were all consensual,” said the prosecutor.

Over time the relationship allegedly became non consensual between the two and prosecution says Reed placed a tracking device in Hart’s vehicle.

“You come before this court or any other court in this future to be sentenced this convention that you received today will most likely work to increase your punishment, arranged punishment, for that future offense. Understand that?” asked Judge Kyle Atkins.

“I understand that your honor,” replied Reed.

Reed pled guilty to one count of electronic tracking of motor vehicle, a class a misdemeanor. According to Madison County Circuit Court, the stalking charge was dismissed.

Judge Atkins sentenced reed to time served and 11 months and 29 days of state probation.

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