Former Calhoun police chief, officer arrested in TBI extortion case

Agents developed information that the Tanksley, the department's former chief, and Godsey, an officer, extorted two arrestees by seizing personal property until the arrestees contributed money to the police
department's drug fund.

May 19, 2017

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WRCB) -

Special Agents from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation have obtained indictments for two former sworn employees of the Calhoun Police Department, according to the TBI.

At the request of 10th District Attorney General Stephen Crump, TBI Agents began investigating Julie Tanksley and Charles Godsey on April 8, 2015.

During the course of the investigation, Agents developed information that the Tanksley, the department's former chief, and Godsey, an officer, extorted two arrestees by seizing personal property until the arrestees contributed money to the police department's drug fund.

On Tuesday, the McMinn County Grand Jury returned indictments, charging each with two counts of extortion.

Both surrendered to authorities at the McMinn County Jail, where they were each booked and subsequently released on $4,000 bond.

Friday, the city of Graysville held an emergency commission meeting to discuss what will happen next with the police department.