The Brighton City Council voted Wednesday night to retain Police Chief Larry Woods, halting an attempt to remove him from his post amid widening allegations of corruption involving multiple council members.
According to CBS42, Woods has alleged that members of the city council targeted him in retaliation for investigating misconduct, including accusations against Councilman Jerome McMullin and Councilman Lonnie Murry.
McMullin was arrested earlier this week and released on bond after being charged with tampering with evidence related to a December 2024 double homicide. Brighton police say he allegedly recorded video at the crime scene illegally.
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Councilman Murry is accused of demanding $900 from a bingo business in January 2023 to remain operational while he was providing private security services. Police reports also link Murry to previous allegations of harassment, bribery, extortion, criminal trespassing, and simple assault dating back to 2021. He declined to comment on the latest accusations when approached by reporters.
At the Wednesday hearing, Woods’ attorney outlined the reasons city leaders cited for his possible termination, including inadequate staffing on New Year’s Eve, use of a city fuel card for personal purposes, and excessive absences. Woods denied the claims and said he believes the real motive was retaliation for pursuing cases involving council misconduct.
According to WBRC, Woods specifically named Murry and McMullin as elected officials who sought to undermine him after he initiated complaints against them.
Despite the controversy, the council ultimately voted not to remove Woods from his position. He said he still feels singled out, but affirmed that his focus remains on doing his job.
City officials have not issued formal statements regarding the broader allegations of corruption or whether any internal investigations will proceed.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
