Commission moves several certification matters to formal hearings, closes files and issues defaults

The Tennessee Federal Commission handled a mix of procedural and disciplinary matters at its December informal hearing, moving one contested case to a formal hearing, closing a file, decertifying a trooper, taking no action on another matter and issuing default decertifications for absent respondents.

Early in the session the commission voted to continue or reschedule the matter involving Todd Doris of the Millville Police Department after the attorney for that attendee had not arrived. Later the panel reviewed the Shelby County case involving Edwin Dorsey; after questioning and a request for more investigative records the commission voted to move that matter to a formal hearing for fuller evidentiary review.

The panel heard a detailed presentation about Lewis (Louis) Hamlet, alleged to have engaged in on-duty misconduct; Hamlet denied the allegations, claimed retaliation tied to prior EEOC complaints and asked the commission to defer action until a pending civil-service hearing. The commission later took an action on that matter and directed the respondent to meet with investigators to learn next steps.

In other business the commission closed the file for Charles Aaron Ferguson after the employment change that would have triggered decertification no longer existed. The panel also moved for default decertification of three absent individuals after they failed to appear at the hearing despite notice.

Commissioners handled procedural votes on motions and instructed staff to coordinate with counsel or investigators as appropriate. The hearing concluded with no public comment and adjournment.