MCPD police chief resigns top cop spot

Morgan City Police Chief Jim Christy resigned from his post as the city’s top law enforcement officer last Wednesday without explanation.

Mayor Tim Matte cited personal reasons for Christy’s decision to quit. “I think he plans to retire,” Matte said.

Christy has been Morgan City’s top cop since April 2002. Former Morgan City Mayor Tim Tregle hired the 68-year-old native son.

“With his departure, perhaps someone within the department – with local city police experience – can be appointed to take over the job,” said a member of the Morgan City Police, who asked not to be identified. “Someone with energy and excitement, that’s what we need.”

A citizen close to Christy, who also asked to remain unnamed, said, “Chief Christy was a hell of a nice guy but, perhaps, not necessarily the man for this job.”

The police chief reports to the mayor, although the post is considered a civil service employee.

Last year, several members of the police department complained in a letter to the Civil Service Board that Christy did not properly investigate the alleged theft of $7,000 from the city’s evidence room in 2004. They also insinuated Christy showed favoritism to some officers, while he oppressed and discriminated against others.

Christy turned the alleged theft case over to the state police’s Bureau of Investigation. The agency later determined there was insufficient evidence to make an arrest.

For now, Matte said that Assistant Chief Marc Folse will assume the reigns for the department until a permanent chief is named. Folse brings 27 years of experience with the Morgan City Police Department to the interim post.

Matte said a request has been filed with the Civil Service Board to conduct a police chief’s examination. He said it takes roughly 90 days to initiate.

Following the testing, another waiting period of three to five weeks is expected.

Candidates who score at least 75 percent on the test will be considered for the job.

Matte said the candidates who pass the exam will also be interviewed by himself and the city council before a successor is named.