Selma assistant police chief cleared of criminal wrongdoing; resigns from force
SELMA − An independent investigation has cleared Selma Assistant Police Chief Natasha Fowlkes of any criminal wrongdoing, but she has resigned from the force, Mayor James Perkins said.
Perkins place Fowlkes on administrative leave with pay in mid-June, pending an internal investigation. Perkins did not state the reason for the leave at that time.
Fowlkes declined to comment when reached by phone Tuesday night.
Tuesday, Perkins said he was made aware of alleged illegal activity Fowlkes was involved in within the department and he informed SPD’s internal affairs bureau. It was determined an investigation was needed and that’s when she was placed on leave, Perkins said. The Dallas County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation as an outside agency.
After completing the investigation, the sheriff’s office conferred with District Attorney Robert Turner and it was decided that “…this was not a criminal offense,” Perkins said.
“Further, after being informed about the outcome of the sheriff department’s investigation of Assistant Chief Fowlkes, she and I engaged in some very candid discussions about her history within the Selma Police Department and about the impact the investigation had on her and her family,” Perkins said. “Even though … Fowlkes was cleared of any criminal wrongdoing and is entitled to resume her position as assistant chief, after considering all factors … Fowlkes has decided that it is in the best interest of the City of Selma, and her and her family, that she steps down as assistant chief of police and tenders her resignation from the Selma Police Department.
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“I agree with her decision. Therefore, effective immediately, Tuesday, July 2, 2024, I accept Natasha Fowlkes’ resignation as an employee of the City of Selma. I want to thank her for services rendered throughout her law enforcement career with the Selma Police Department and hope for her a successful future. As far as I am concerned, this matter is closed and we now continue moving forward.”
Perkins also placed Police Chief Kenta Fulford on administrative leave with pay April 30. Perkins said the chief did not place officers at two city schools after threats of violence. The Selma City Council on June 24 reinstated Fulford after a personnel hearing that stretched about six hours in executive, or closed, session. The council has the power to appoint the police chief.
Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Marty Roney at mroney@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Selma assistant police chief cleared of criminal wrongdoing; resigns from force
