The city launched an internal investigation led by human resources department officials. The resulting report, released in January 2023, detailed numerous violations of department policy, including: * Engaging in sexual activity while on duty * Conducting unauthorized personal business during work hours * Failing to report policy violations to supervisors * Providing false statements during the internal investigation The disclosure of the internal affairs report drew intense national media attention, raising questions about the workplace culture and oversight within the La Vergne Police Department. ## Disciplinary Actions and Personnel Changes
The investigation resulted in swift administrative action by the city of La Vergne. Multiple officers were disciplined based on their level of involvement and their truthfulness during the inquiry. ### Terminated Officers Several officers were terminated immediately following the conclusion of the investigation: * **Megan Hall:** Fired for policy violations regarding on-duty conduct and truthfulness. * **Sgt. Lewis Powell:** Fired for his involvement and for initially denying the allegations during the investigation. * **Detective Seneca Shields:** Fired for engaging in on-duty misconduct. * **Sgt. Henry Ty McGowan:** Fired for policy violations, including failing to report the misconduct and harassment.
### Suspended Officers Other officers received unpaid suspensions for their failure to report the activities or for minor infractions related to the investigation: * **K-9 Officer Larry Holladay** * **Officer Patrick Magliocco** * **Officer Gavin Schoeberl** ### Dismissal of Chief Burrel "Chip" Davis
In the wake of the initial terminations, the city hired a third-party private investigator to review the leadership and overall culture of the police department. In February 2023, Police Chief Burrel "Chip" Davis was officially terminated. The city cited his knowledge of the misconduct and his failure to take corrective action as the primary reasons for his dismissal. ## Legal Proceedings and the Federal Lawsuit In March 2023, Megan Hall filed a federal civil rights lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee. The lawsuit named the City of La Vergne, former Chief Davis, Sgt. Lewis Powell, and Sgt. Ty McGowan as defendants. The lawsuit alleged that Hall was subjected to a hostile work environment, sexual harassment, and gender discrimination. According to the filing, Hall claimed that her superiors groomed her and used their positions of authority to pressure her into sexual relationships. The legal team representing the city of La Vergne and the individual defendants contested these claims, arguing that the relationships were consensual and that the terminations were justified based on clear violations of city policy.
## How to Access Public Records and Reports Under the Tennessee Public Records Act, the official investigative reports, personnel files, and city council meeting minutes related to the La Vergne Police Department investigation are public records. ### Requesting Official Police and City Records To obtain copies of the official internal affairs report or related administrative records, individuals can submit a public records request directly to the City of La Vergne.
* **Online Requests:** The City of La Vergne maintains an official government website with a dedicated public records request portal. * **In-Person or Mail Requests:** Requests can be submitted to the City Recorder’s office. Requesters may need to provide proof of Tennessee residency, as required by state law for certain public records access. * **Required Information:** When submitting a request, clearly specify the documents needed, such as the "December 2022 La Vergne Police Department Internal Investigation Report." ### Court Documents and Litigation Records For records regarding the federal lawsuit filed by Megan Hall, documents can be accessed through the federal court system: * **PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records):** The federal court docket for the Middle District of Tennessee contains all filings, motions, and rulings related to the civil lawsuit. A PACER account is required to search and download these legal documents.
