Moss Point Police Chief Brandon Ashley stepping down

Ashley's attorney responds regarding recent five-day suspension

MOSS POINT, Miss. (WXXV)- Moss Point Police Chief Brandon Ashley is set to leave his post, along with other officers in the department.

According to reports from our media partner the Sun Herald, Chief Ashley is set to begin work as a deputy in the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office in late October after more than 24 years on the force in Moss Point.

You may recall Ashley served a five-day suspension last month, which was imposed by city leaders.

The Sun Herald also says other officers in the department have taken jobs with the sheriff’s office and other agencies in the area.

This news also comes during a busy week for the city in terms of crime with two deadly shootings a few days ago.

In the wake of this news, Ashley’s attorney is also responding to the circumstances surrounding Chief Ashley’s recent suspension.

In a letter sent to WXXV,  attorney Russell S. Gill said the following:

Chief Ashley filed a Civil Service Appeal contesting the 5-day suspension, and a settlement has been reached and approved by the City Council rescinding the 5-day suspension with full pay for the 5 days. Reports that Chief Ashley wrongfully failed to inform the Mayor of an internal investigation are legally inaccurate as the Department’s General Orders do not allow or require such disclosure.
Further, the City agreed to present Chief Ashley a plaque in recognition of his 24 plus years of service, return his Standards Certificate to the Standards Board in Jackson, in good standing, eligible for rehire, and pay Chief Ashley all compensation due him under city employment as it would any other city employee. The Civil Service Appeal is being dismissed, and Chief Ashley will continue his law enforcement career with another agency.

This is a developing story, and of course we’ll keep you updated with new information.