Local Black Leaders Say Criminal Activity Won't Be Tolerated After DEA Sting

The indictments of Chattanooga Councilman Duke Franklin & Rec Center Director Gerald Cunningham add to the list of prominent people in the African-American community who have come under scrutiny for alleged misconduct.

Local leaders say it's a disappointment, but it sends a message that criminal activity will not be tolerated.

Rock Island Baptist Church Pastor Ron Cook says of the Black Community, "We need to remain positive. We need to remain prayerful."

This weeks DEA bust included two prominent African-American leaders, Cook says that has an impact.

Cook says, "It causes those in the community to question, whether or not...you know, what's happening in the leadership."

Those questions have been asked before.

Last year Former Chattanooga Neighborhood Services Administrator Kenardo Curry was indicted on Felony charges.

Former school board member Charles Love and former County Commissioner William Cotton were busted as part of the Tennessee Waltz sting.

Tennessee State Rep. JoAnne Favors worked closely with Love and Cotton.

She says tough economic times make the landscape ripe for corruption, "It's like a sales person. If you go to the people with the right kind of attitude you can persuade them to do practically anything."

She says the political world is no different that the corporate world, and leaders in the black community often come under unfair scrutiny.

Favors is deeply concerned for the families of the 42 people indicted Wednesday's roundup. But she says there is a lesson to be learned.

Favors says, "You're going to get caught. If you commit a crime you're going to get caught."

Cook agrees.

He says the majority of those in public service are doing the right thing, and the community must continue to hold its leaders to a higher standard.

Cook says, "You have a high expectation for individuals..."

Favors says these recent arrests are evidence of a larger societal problem, and the best way to fix it is through more education and better jobs.