Chancellor Brown is working on a lengthy statement to the campus about
the situation that will be forthcoming, but I feel compelled to clear up
one major misconception that has been reported by the media and now has
become the subject of discussion on campus email.

This investigation is being conducted as prescribed by both UTC policy,
Tennessee state law, and our Chattanooga Police Department joint
jurisdiction agreement.  

The UTC Campus Police has been conducting a thorough and extensive
criminal investigation into the allegations.  

Upon receipt of the initial report, UTC Police Chief Mac McNeely
contacted the Chattanooga Police Department.  During that initial
consultation, the decision was jointly made that UTC Campus Police would
be the lead investigating agency on this case.   

To date, members of the Chattanooga Police Department have been updated
on the case no fewer than three times, including two separate meetings
with the executive deputy chief and detectives from the Major Crimes
Division where the investigative file was examined.  

Upon completion of the investigation, the file will again be shared with
the Chattanooga Police Department before the evidence is presented to
the Hamilton County District Attorney.  After examining the file, the
DA's office will determine whether there is evidence to support
prosecution.

This incident is certainly a black-eye on the campus, but we can be
satisfied with the way the criminal investigation is being conducted.

Chuck Cantrell
Assistant Vice Chancellor, University Relations
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
203 Founders Hall
615 McCallie Avenue
Chattanooga, TN  37403
(423) 425-4363
(423) 425-5299 (fax)
 
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