**Dalton Police Chief Faces Federal Charges Amid Scandal**

In a dramatic turn of events, the acting police chief of Dalton, LS Lacy, has been indicted on federal charges, including bankruptcy fraud. The indictment, which includes nine counts, alleges Lacy engaged in a scheme to defraud creditors by hiding assets and income, thereby avoiding the payment of over $40,000 from a lawsuit settlement. The charges against him include bankruptcy fraud, making false statements in bankruptcy proceedings, and perjury, each carrying a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

Lacy, who is 61 and resides in Madison, appeared in court where he briefly acknowledged the charges. His attorney, Gal Pety, entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf, arguing that the indictment is part of a broader effort to discredit Dalton’s embattled mayor, Tiffany Henyard. Pety described the charges as a “Witch Hunt” aimed at undermining Henyard’s administration, which has been under federal scrutiny for alleged corruption.

The indictment against Lacy adds another layer to the federal investigation into Henyard’s administration. Despite Lacy’s long-standing service and his reputation as an exemplary officer, the charges against him suggest a history of financial mismanagement, including multiple personal bankruptcy filings dating back to the 1980s.

The federal charges against Lacy come amidst ongoing controversies surrounding Henyard’s administration. Earlier this year, Dalton’s trustees voted to place Lacy on administrative leave. Pety has contested this decision, arguing that it is legally questionable and that Lacy should continue to receive his salary, as the mayor is responsible for signing the checks.

The indictment reveals a troubling pattern of behavior. It is alleged that Lacy filed for bankruptcy to avoid paying a remaining $43,000 from a 2017 settlement involving a lawsuit where he allegedly persuaded a woman to give him tens of thousands of dollars from her deceased husband’s life insurance payout.

As Lacy faces these serious charges, there is speculation that he may cooperate with investigators in exchange for a lighter sentence, potentially revealing further corruption within Henyard’s administration. Lacy’s role as Henyard’s chief of police makes him a key figure in understanding the full scope of alleged corruption within Dalton’s local government.

The scandal extends beyond Lacy’s indictment, with former Dalton police chief Robert Collins previously highlighting the misuse of police resources under Henyard’s administration. Collins revealed that officers were diverted from crime-fighting duties to provide personal security for Henyard, leading to significant overtime costs and strained police resources.

The unfolding situation in Dalton reflects a broader pattern of alleged corruption and misuse of power within the local government, with Lacy’s indictment serving as a pivotal moment that could potentially unravel further misconduct within Henyard’s administration.