Mayor makes statement about arrest of city judge

Editor’s note: The following is a statement issued by City of Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery about the arrest of city judge Macey Gurley.

“I am aware of the situation involving our city judge and find the allegations, if true, to be very concerning. It is very important to draw the distinction between the rights of the accused and the ongoing criminal investigation and the City of Sparta’s obligations and duty to investigate a personnel matter involving a public servant entrusted to use good judgment regarding our citizens and visitors.

“Any questions regarding the criminal allegations are outside the purview of my role as mayor, and I trust the judicial system to complete its process in due course.  There are procedures in place that the mayor and board of alderman must follow, and we intend to do just that. To put it in very simple terms, we will allow the judicial system to go through their process and the board will “stay in our lane.”

“I want the people of Sparta to know the board of alderman and I expect a high level of accountability from everyone representing Sparta, Tennessee, and will always attempt to provide transparency while respecting the legal rights of everyone involved. “

Jerry Lowery, mayor, Sparta TN