JONESBORO, Ga. — The Jonesboro Police Department’s two top leaders have stepped down from their positions.
Chief Todd Coyt and Assistant Chief Audrey Dunlap gave their resignations to the Jonesboro City Council on Wednesday, effective immediately.
Major Christopher Cato has taken over administrative and operational command of the department.
Jonesboro City Manager ChaQuias Miller-Thornton told Channel 2′s Audrey Washington that the resignations came by surprise.
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Washington called Chief Coyt, but he said he had no comment.
She was able to obtain a copy of both resignation letters.
“This decision was not made lightly, but after careful consideration, I believe it is the right time for me to step down and pursue new opportunities,” Coyt wrote.
“I believe my experience, knowledge, skills and education will be better served in an environment where the traits of trust and respect are reciprocated,” Dunlap wrote.
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In early 2024, Mayor Donya Sartor fired then-police chief Tommy Henderson, “citing her constitutional right” to do so.
Cato, who was then a lieutenant, took over the department as interim police chief until Coyt officially took over.
Before that, former Sgt. Daryll Triplett said he was also fired by Sartor. He claimed it was retaliation after being part of an investigation into whether or not Sartor pulled a gun on an officer during a City Hall meeting.
There is no official word on why Coyt and Dunlap offered their resignation.
The city manager said the mayor was unavailable for comment on Thursday but that the mayor plans to take up the matter with the city council in the coming days.
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