ATHENS, Tenn. — A domestic violence assault charge against Cleveland police officer Jeffrey Griggs was dismissed during a McMinn County General Sessions Court hearing on Wednesday.
Griggs was charged by the McMinn County Sheriff’s Office on Feb. 28 after his wife Cindy, alleged that he bit her fingers while scuffling over a camera that he had used to covertly photograph her and Dennis Maddux — acting police chief at the time — in a borrowed parked vehicle in Calhoun.
From left, Jeff Griggs, Cindy Griggs and Dennis Maddux“We are pleased that the judge ruled that there was no reasonable basis that Jeffrey Griggs committed any crime,” said James Logan Jr., Griggs’ attorney. “At the same time, we are saddened by the events that have occurred.”
According to the affidavit of complaint filed by McMinn deputies, Cindy Griggs stated that she was afraid of her husband and had met with Maddux to discuss a previously unreported incident of spousal abuse.
Officer Griggs’ divorce papers, filed a few days after the incident involving Maddux, presents another story.
Maddux “drove away at a high rate of speed” with Cindy Griggs when they observed him photographing them, said Griggs in his complaint for divorce.
A little while later, Maddux stopped the vehicle and Griggs’ wife exited, walking down the road until her husband stopped his truck and she got in. A fight over the camera’s memory card quickly ensued, said Jeffrey Griggs.
His wife went to a nearby house after taking the camera memory card, and destroyed it with a borrowed pair of scissors, according the McMinn County affidavit.
Within days of the event, Jeffrey Griggs was arrested for violation of an order of protection his wife filed following the camera incident and Maddux was reassigned to his previous post as captain of support services.
The 10th Judicial District Attorney’s Office and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation are conducting investigations into the matter.
Both Maddux and Griggs have been placed on administrative leave.
Capt. Mark Gibson has been named interim chief, following a short stint as department head by Cleveland City Manager Janice Casteel last week.
The Cleveland Police Department will undergo a thorough review of its policies, procedures and practices as part of a “top to bottom” re-evaluation,” said Casteel.
The Cleveland City Council recently approved hiring Larry Wallace, a former TBI director, as a consultant in the comprehensive review process.
Councilman Dale Hughes, who described recent events as “embarrassing,” will serve on a committee that is integral to the police department re-evaluation.
“It is time for people to cool off and give everyone — including the community, law enforcement and the individuals involved — the opportunity to heal,” said Logan.
Paul Leach is based in Cleveland. Email him at paul.leach.press@gmail.com.