The Tennessee POST Commission convened an informal hearing in January to review multiple law‑enforcement certification matters, including complaints and personnel investigations involving officers from several departments.

The commission heard an agency presentation in the case of former Memphis Police Department officer Nysha Williams, who testified that she did not assault the complainant and denied posting threats from a department device. Agency counsel told commissioners that Williams was terminated April 7, 2025, after agency investigators identified social‑media posts and videos they say contained threats and that she had been listed as a suspect in an August 29, 2024, intimidation/harassment incident. Williams told the commission, “I did not admit to assaulting this young lady. I never assaulted this young lady,” and said she used her personal phone, that she was off duty at the time of some posts, and that she had evidence she was being harassed while under an order of protection. After questions from commissioners the panel took a motion, seconded by Commissioner Green, and the chair announced, “Motion carries.” The commission directed the investigator to follow up with Williams about next steps.

The panel also addressed a matter involving Josh (Joshua) Byers. Agency testimony described an August incident in which Byers allegedly reported being struck by a school bus despite video showing the bus was not in contact with him and alleged theft of cash and prescription medication from a private residence during an on‑duty matter. Byers had resigned while the internal investigation was ongoing. The commission moved for default decertification and the motion carried.

In the matter of Sergeant Christopher Vest of the Tullahoma Police Department, Deputy Chief Jason Kennedy presented multiple complaints including alleged violations of general orders and an alleged use‑of‑force incident at a hospital on March 24. Vest’s counsel, Doug Pivenhoe, provided character letters and disputed that the threshold for decertification had been met, noting the officer’s long tenure and arguing that some items were not thoroughly investigated while the officer was employed. Commissioners raised concerns about gaps in the record — including body‑worn camera footage and personnel files — and voted to refer the case to a formal hearing so the commission can review the full personnel file and any available video before making a final determination.

Sheriff James Martin of Coffee County described charges filed in Rutherford County against former deputy Miles White after an incident on July 12, 2025, in which White was described as intoxicated, sedated in an emergency room, and arrested on assaults against first responders. White acknowledged a high blood‑alcohol measurement in medical records and described recent recovery efforts, including a 60‑day residential program and participation in veterans’ court. Commissioners discussed options ranging from warnings to suspensions; they directed staff to draft a two‑year suspension agreement to be presented to White for signature and to the commission for approval at the next meeting.

The commission also voted for default decertification for two officers who did not appear for the hearing (Donis Bucci and Elizabeth Wendling). There were no public comments. The commission adjourned after taking the listed votes and directing staff to follow up on scheduling and documentation.

Votes at a glance
- Maisha (Nysha) Williams (former Memphis Police Department): motion carried on the commission’s motion to act on the application; investigator to follow up with respondent about next steps. (Motion: moved by unidentified commissioner; second: Commissioner Green.)
- Joshua (Josh) Byers: commission moved for default decertification; motion carried.
- Christopher Vest (Tullahoma PD): referred to a formal hearing for further review of personnel files and video evidence; commissioners instructed staff to obtain full personnel records and body‑camera footage before the formal hearing.
- Miles White (former Coffee County deputy): commissioners approved drafting a two‑year suspension agreement to present to White and to bring for commission approval at the next meeting.
- Donis Bucci and Elizabeth Wendling: default decertification motions carried for officers who did not appear.

What happens next
The commission’s legal and investigative staff will draft formal documents (suspension agreement for White, scheduling materials for Vest, and follow‑up on Williams) and coordinate with respondents and agencies to present finalized materials at a future meeting or formal hearing.

Speakers quoted in this article are limited to those who spoke during the hearing and are listed in the meeting record.