Whitehouse Police Chief Resigns
Posted/updated on: July 29, 2015 at 2:16 amWHITEHOUSE — Whitehouse Police Chief Craig Shelton has resigned. After a couple of months of controversy, Shelton submitted his resignation Monday, saying he was taking a job in the private sector. In a letter to Interim Whitehouse City Manager Stefani Wright, Shelton said, “It is with a heavy heart that I wish to inform the Mayor, City Council and you that, effective immediately, I am retiring from my position as Police Chief to accept a job in the private sector.” He said he felt it was in the best interest of the city and his family that he move on.
In mid May, a woman claimed Shelton had assaulter her. Last week it was announced that the criminal case against Shelton had been dismissed following a lengthy investigation. Smith County District Attorney Matt Bingham says there was “sufficient probable cause” at the time of Shelton’s arrest but new evidence has come to light nullifying the charges. Bingham says that on July 8, the woman who filed assault charges against Shelton, stemming from an incident in May, lied while under oath before the grand jury. Shelton was initially asked to resign from the police department, but his lawyer vowed to fight the charges.
In his letter of resignation, Shelton said, “I have been touched by the overwhelming support I have received from citizens of the City of Whitehouse, employees of the City and numerous others from throughout this community. I made a personal mistake for which I am very sorry but I did not commit any crime. At this time my relationship with my wife is stronger than it has ever been. I am very pleased to know that the policy violation investigation against me has been terminated.”