Former Calhoun, Tenn. Police Chief and Officer charged with extortion

CALHOUN, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says two former Calhoun Police Department employees have been charged each with two counts of extortion.

Former police chief Julie Tanksley and officer Charles Godsey have been under investigation of the TBI since April 8, 2015 .

(Julie Tanksley; Photo: TBI)

(Charles Godsey; Photo: TBI)

According to the TBI, the investigation was at the request of 10th District Attorney General Stephen Crump.

The TBI says that their investigation found that Tanksley and Godsey extorted two arrestees by seizing personal property until the arrestees contributed money to the police department’s drug fund.

Officials say the McMinn County Grand Jury returned the indictments on Tuesday.

The TBI says Tanksley and Godsey surrendered to authorities at the McMinn County Jail on Friday.

According to the TBI, both were booked and released on $4,000 bond.