MEMPHIS, Tenn — More than 10 officers who have worked for the Memphis Police Department (MPD) were listed at an informal hearing regarding decertification by the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission on Thursday.
The reported reasons for potential decertification range from violations of police policies to being convicted of or pleading guilty to a felony criminal charge.
Additionally, an officer for the Shelby County Sheriff's office as well as an officer with the University of Memphis Department of Public safety were listed by the hearing subcommittee.
The formal hearing has reportedly been postponed until Feb. 15.
The names of officers and the reported reasons for potential decertification mentioned at the informal hearing were as follows:
Colin C. Berryhill resigned from MPD prior to completion of internal investigation.
Carl J. Craig was terminated from MPD for violation of policies and procedures.
Alexis D. Granger resigned from MPD with disciplinary actions pending.
Byron Johnson resigned from MPD with disciplinary actions pending.
Eric O. Kelly resigned from MPD with disciplinary actions pending for violation of policies and procedures. According to the D.A. in 2022, Kelly engaged in a sexual relationship with a female co-defendant in a case and used city funds to take her on an ‘investigative trip’ out of town. That violates MPD policy and Tennessee laws, said the D.A.
Former Shelby County D.A. Amy Weirich said at the time a senior prosecutor reviewed every closed case Kelly worked – 169 of them - and found “nothing questionable or concerning about the strength of the cases or the validity of the convictions.”
By resigning, Kelly avoided disciplinary action by the department. Kelly was with the Memphis Police Department for 26 years before retiring.
Paul Perez resigned from MPD with disciplinary actions pending.
Mr. Travis D. Pride resigned from MPD in lieu of termination.
Vernon W. Sumner resigned from MPD in lieu of termination.
Michael L. Tippett resigned from MPD in lieu of termination.
Demetrius A. Walker resigned with disciplinary actions pending
Breigha M. Cochran-Wilder resigned from MPD with disciplinary actions pending.
Thomas W. Braswell, who worked for the Shelby County Sheriff's Office, was convicted of or pleaded guilty to a felony criminal charge.
Jacoby N. Wright was terminated from the U of M Department of Public Safety.