Former KPD Deputy Chief Ron Green responds to allegations of sexual misconduct

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KNOXVILLE, Tennessee (WVLT) – In response to a press conference led on Wednesday by Knoxville Police Chief Eve Thomas and Mayor Indya Kincannon, retired KPD Deputy Chief Ronald Green shared a written statement regarding allegations of sexual misconduct.

Regarding the allegations, Green’s attorney said Deputy Chief Green said: “I am aware of the allegations that have been made against me and I categorically deny each of them, as I have. done since day one. People who know me know that it is not in my nature to do such things. according to a press release sent by Green’s attorney.

His attorney said that while the city offers officers a limited avenue to challenge allegations of misconduct, Deputy Chief Green has chosen not to continue with this process. He explained, “I found it just impossible to meaningfully defend charges that dated from seven years ago to 23 years ago. To reconstruct the events and conversations of a long time ago is not realistic. “

Instead, Deputy Chief Green chose to step down from the ministry.

He explained, “In the end, I didn’t want to be responsible for dishonoring the KPD family or the community to which I have dedicated my life. So rather than dragging this out and causing further embarrassment to my fellow officers, I ended the process by retiring. Despite the controversy reported, I am very proud of my career with the Knoxville Police Department, and I would not change it.

Knoxville Police Department Deputy Chief Green began his career with KPD in 1993.

Chief Thomas was made aware of an allegation of sexual misconduct against Green on August 13, 2021. Based on the seriousness of the charge, Thomas took immediate action by placing Green on paid administrative leave and requesting an investigation formal internal affairs, according to a police officer. report. He has been on administrative leave since August 13.

After receiving the initial allegation, Internal Affairs was made aware of numerous incidents of alleged inappropriate behavior between Green and other women dating back to 1998. Five women, along with the original complainant, agreed to participate in the investigation. . Four of these women were current or former members of the KPD.

Of these five separate complaints that were investigated, the Internal Affairs Unit predicted that there was sufficient evidence to support a finding of violations of the KPD Code of Conduct policy in four of the cases. .

“I was horrified that allegations like this were made against any member of the KPD, let alone any member of our staff,” Chief Thomas said. “KPD employees are expected to treat their colleagues and those we serve in a way that makes them feel safe, respected and valued at all times. This type of alleged behavior is in complete opposition to this expectation. “

Green retired from the department a few days before the investigation ended on Friday.

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