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Probe of Chattanooga City Council member Coonrod’s residency completed, not released

Staff file photo by Olivia Ross / Chattanooga City Council member Demetrus Coonrod's residency was investigated by City Auditor Stan Sewell, whose report has been shown to council members but not released. Staff file photo by Olivia Ross / Chattanooga City Council member Demetrus Coonrod's residency was investigated by City Auditor Stan Sewell, whose report has been shown to council members but not released.

By David Floyd April 13, 2024 4 min read

Although officials have so far declined to release the report, members of the Chattanooga City Council were briefed last week on the city auditor’s investigation into claims Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod does not live in her district.

Chattanooga City Auditor Stan Sewell has been looking into whether Coonrod lives in district — or even in the city limits — after he, City Attorney Phil Noblett and members of the City Council received an anonymous complaint March 4.

In response to a public records request by the Chattanooga Times Free Press, the city said Sewell’s investigation was exempt from disclosure because it was protected under attorney-client privilege, citing a state statute. Noblett said the auditor’s report is not yet a public document.