By Karen Hall

Editor

When the grand jury met on Oct. 30 they indicted Chapel Hill's former fire chief, charging him with theft, attempted theft, and official misconduct.

Kenneth Dale Runk, 36, of Honeysuckle Way, turned himself in at the jail the same day, made a $15,000 bond, and was released. He is expected in Circuit Court today for arraignment.

Runk was relieved of his position at the end of June.

When the town's Board of Mayor and Aldermen met on July 8, rumors had been circulating that Runk misused his ability to spend money on the town's behalf. At the meeting, Town Administrator Mike Hatten reported, "Chief (Kenneth) Runk has been terminated; he is no longer our fire chief."

Hatten quickly took steps to prevent such actions from happening again, telling the mayor and alderment, "A new purchasing policy has been signed and dated by all town employees."

The case was turned over to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

Count one of Runk's indictment is for theft, alleging he "unlawfully, knowingly and by deception" obtained control of less than $500, which was the property of the Town of Chapel Hill.

Count two charges him with attempted theft, explaining that Runk allegedly submitted a false receipt showing he had personally paid for merchandise for the Town of Chapel Hill, and requested reimbursement. "In fact, the Town of Chapel Hill had not ordered items, and he had not provided personal funds," states the indictment.

Counts three and four are for theft. Allegedly, in November and December 2012, Runk took less than $500, and between Jan. 1 and June 23, 2013, he took more than $1,000, but less than $10,000.

Counts five and six are for official misconduct. They allege that between Nov. 1, 2012, and June 23, 2013, Runk "received a benefit not otherwise authorized by law" and "committed an act relating to his office or employment that constitutes an unauthorized exercise of official power."

Members of the public are reminded that an indictment constitutes only charges and every person is presumed innocent until their guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

For more indictments from the October meeting of the grand jury, see Friday's Tribune.