MILLINGTON, TN – Investigators with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Shelby County District Attorney's Office raided several Millington city offices searching for evidence in a probe of official misconduct.
Search warrants were executed at Mayor Richard Hodges' office, Public Works and Millington Police headquarters. In addition, investigators also went to Mayor Hodges' home and a local transmission shop looking for evidence.
“It is a criminal investigation that is widespread across Shelby County, but centered in Millington,” says Vince Higgins, spokesman for the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office. “No arrests have been made at this time, but it is a criminal investigation and charges could be forthcoming.”
The investigation was triggered by a complaint to the district attorney's office in December 2010.
Higgins says he can offer no further details about the focus of the investigation.
Shelby County Sheriff's deputies and state investigators conducted the raid just one day after Mayor Hodges' wife, Rita, committed suicide.
abc24.com asked if the search warrants were connected to her death.
"I can't comment on any events leading to the search warrants," says Higgins, “but the investigation will probably include elements of the incident that happened last night.”
“My thoughts and heart go out to the Hodges family,” says Shelby County Commissioner Terry Roland.
Millington is Roland's home and the district he represents on the commission. His wife is Mayor Hodges' administrative assistant.
“Like you, I am waiting for answers,” he says. “It is kind of mind boggling. I don’t know how that much can go on in a small town.”
abc24.com also asked how many government officials might be connected to the investigation.
"I can’t give you a number," Higgins says. "Our investigation is ongoing.”
