MILLINGTON, TN – Millington Mayor Richard Hodges still refuses to talk about a corruption investigation going on in the city. Hodges home, several city offices and a transmission shop were searched by TBI investigators.
Hodges told abc24.com he would comment on the raid, after he buried his wife. His wife Rita committed suicide a day before search warrants were issued at the above named locations.
The mayor is back at work at city hall, but refused to talk to reporters. Instead a statement was issued. It said “Mayor Hodges is in the process of putting his wife to rest and comforting their children. Mayor Hodges has hired an attorney and has no comment.”
The statement was not signed, and was delivered by Hodges’ assistant. Mayor Hodges would not release the named of the attorney he's hired to help him through the official investigation.
Had abc24.com been able to talk to the mayor, we would have asked about two campaign contributions by city employees. The employees told abc24.com they made large donations to his campaign, but their names are not listed on the campaign disclosure forms that are required to be filled out by candidates.
We also wanted to ask him about a threatening letter that Shelby County Commissioner, Terry Roland received. Roland would not reveal the contents, but did confirm he received a letter and that it was turned over to the TBI as part of the investigation.
Also, had Hodges talked to abc24.com, we would have asked him about his relationship with a man named Marlin Roberts. Roberts owns “Transmission Doctors.” It was also searched by state investigators.
According to state records, Roberts loaned Hodges money for his political campaign.
Sources tell abc24.com that Roberts was made a “staff reserve police officer.”
He was given a badge and I.D. When abc24.com asked veteran officers what a “staff reserve police officer” is, those officers admitted they had no idea.
abc24.com asked Police Chief Ray Douglas about Roberts reserve officer status. Douglas would not comment and said it was under investigation. When abc24.com asked Douglas to clarify what a “staff reserve officer” does for the department, he declined comment, too.
abc24.com tried to ask Roberts about his special police badge, and we were asked to leave his property.
The POST Commission is the state agency that certifies police officers and reserves. A check with the POST Commission found no application for Roberts had ever been received.
