McKenzie Officer Credited with Busting Money Laundering Ring

McKENZIE (December 12) — Investigator Kyle Beauchamp was recognized in Thursday’s City Council meeting by McKenzie Mayor Ryan Griffin and Police Chief Ryan White for his work to seize an unspecified dollar amount through a money laundering ring. The Tennessee Comptroller’s Office will award the McKenzie Police Department with what is unofficially estimated at over $500,000.

Chief White said the laundering ring was a multi-state operation that was the largest cash seizure in the history of the McKenzie PD. He added that the awarded amount puts the police department ten years ahead of schedule in terms of the ability to purchase much-needed equipment. This would include new TASERS, software, body cameras and other necessary gear at no expense to the taxpayers.

On Thursday, December 19, the McKenzie Police Department and the McKenzie Fire Department will have the annual Shop with a Cop and Firefighter. 36 families are expected to take part in the event with each child provided with over $300 to spend. The group is estimated to have raised over $18,000. Some of the funds were donated to help with Beta Sigma Phi’s annual Angel Tree.

Also approved in the meeting was the creation of a Youth Advisory Council. The group will consist of six to eight McKenzie High School students, preferably two from each grade. The goals of the group are to develop future leaders; encourage civic participation; foster an understanding of local government functions and encourage participation in city initiatives; advocate for area youth; promote community service; and build collaboration.

To be considered for the Advisory Council the student must meet the following criteria: must be a high school student (grades 9-12) residing in the City of McKenzie; demonstrated leadership qualities and a desire to engage in community service; available to attend monthly meetings and participate in special projects or events; present a completed application form, including an essay on why you want to be part of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council (no more than 500 words); and provide at least one recommendation letter from a teacher, counselor or community leader.

In department reports, Fire Chief Brian Tucker stated his department had 40 calls in November, 22 of which were medical-related. Police Chief White reported the Police Department 1,117 for November and had two officers in the academy.

Water and Sewer Superintendent Ernest Umstead informed the Council of the completion of the fence project at the lift station on Como Street. He added the lights were also repaired on the water tower on Hospital Drive.

The next meeting of the McKenzie City Council is January 9 at 6 p.m. at McKenzie City Hall.