THP Terminates Trooper Marty Nix Following False Complaint
Monday, November 10, 2008 | 06:47am
NASHVILLE --- Today, the Tennessee Department of Safety (TDOS) served Trooper Marty Nix with a “minimum due process letter for termination” following an investigation into a false complaint Nix made against a THP Lieutenant in the Knoxville District.
“I recommended to Commissioner Dave Mitchell that Trooper Nix be terminated for conduct unbecoming,” stated Colonel Mike Walker. “The recommendation to terminate was based upon evidence developed during an investigation conducted by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).
The internal investigation revealed that on Friday, February 29, 2008, Trooper Nix made an anonymous phone call to Staff Attorney Deborah Martin, making serious allegations against a Lieutenant with the Highway Patrol’s Knoxville District. As required by policy, investigators interviewed the female employee who was reported to be the victim of alleged sexual gestures by the Lieutenant. The female employee assured the investigative panel she had not been sexually harassed. On Thursday, March 13, 2008, Trooper Nix confirmed that he had made the anonymous phone call. On Thursday, March 20, 2008, Trooper Nix was interviewed as part of an official internal investigation and claimed that another Trooper had provided information to him on the allegations. A polygraph examination of Trooper Nix indicated deception.
“The Tennessee Highway Patrol cannot and will not tolerate employees who are not truthful,” stated Colonel Walker. “The Highway Patrol cannot tolerate an employee who maliciously alleges serious sexual misconduct violations against supervisors without any factual information to support the allegation.”
Today’s recommendation to terminate Trooper Nix is based upon six violations of Department of Human Resources and Department of Safety rules and policies, including failure to maintain satisfactory and harmonious relationships with the public and fellow employees.
It is the policy of the Department of Safety to warn, suspend, demote or dismiss any employee whenever just or legal cause exists. Employees shall not commit any act that would reflect discredit upon themselves and/or the Department while on or off duty. Pursuant to Department of Personnel rules and regulations, Trooper Nix is entitled to due process.
The Tennessee Department of Safety’s mission is (www.tennessee.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.