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Chattanooga Rec Center Director Accused in Drug Trafficking Investigation

Submitted by Nordia Epps on May 15, 2008 - 9:00pm. News | Crime | Hamilton County News

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The DEA reveals new information about yesterday's round up. The investigation began into a drug trafficking ring from Georgia to Chattanooga led by Marcus Lewis. The indictment claims that Councilman Duke Franklin did buy cocaine from Michael Kelley on more than one occasion. And that he used his city phone to conduct drug trafficking business.

And besides Franklin another community leader got arrested.

Gerald Cunningham worked as the director of the Washington Hills Recreation Center.

Tonight people in the neighborhood express shock and disappointment at the whole situation.

Sharon Thompson, Resident, "He's a loveable person. He's happy, He keeps the rec clean. He keeps the kids in order. He's always doing things. He keeps up with the equipment. He makes sure every thing is straight."

Sharon Thompson and her grandchild go to Washington Hills Rec Center. So news that director Gerald Cunningham is among 42 people accused as part of a drug trafficking round up leaves her shocked.

Thompson, "I just would have never know he would have been involved in things like that"

Multiple agencies participated in what District Attorney Russ Dedrick calls a sophisticated long-term investigation that's still under way.

Russ Dedrick, U.S. District Attorney, "Each individual of course are entitled to their constitutional rights and those rights will be exercised before the courts as the judicial process takes place. We will await those results."

Officials say the arrests will make their mark.

Dedrick, "I think our streets are safer."

Chief Freeman Cooper, Chattanooga Police, "We think it's going to have a drastic effect on the drug trafficking in the area."

Allen Branun, Hamilton County Sheriff, "Hopefully it's going to affect the thought patterns of those that are considering being involved in this kind of thing. It's hard to get away with."Paul McIntosh, Resident, "We didn't expect that. You really don't expect that."

Along with disappointment people we spoke with see an opportunity for change.

McIntosh, "Times are so hard right now, you know. You're fighting against everything and that's the last thing you need, people you believe in letting you down. Innocent until proven guilty I understand but the base fact is, I mean, it's time for a change "

Sharon Thompson says one thing won't change. Her grandchild will continue to go to Washington Hills.

Thompson, "They'll find somebody else to take care of them just replace him that's his loss ">

City Media relations director Richard Beeland tells me Cunningham's employment status is under review. Cunningham seems to have some community support. One of his coworkers tells me he believes he's innocent.