Hampton police chief resigns

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) - Hampton Police Chief Charles Jordan, Jr. resigned Tuesday, effective immediately. 

Chief Jordan was placed on administrative leave with pay Oct. 18 while the city investigated an undercover cigarette sting following allegations of improper financial management.

Chief Jordan gave WAVY.com a copy of the resignation letter he submitted to the city manager.

Read Jordan's resignation letter here.

In the letter, Chief Jordan wrote: "This announcement should in no way suggest nor be perceived as a concession of any wrongdoing by me, my office or anyone in my command. In fact, I am confident that the current internal investigations will, just as the prior criminal investigations have proved, unequivocally, that the undercover cigarette operation that has been reported in the media was conducted within proper and well-established protocols."

In Spring 2010, the Hampton Police Division began an undercover operation along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to investigate illegal cigarette purchases. When the ATF pulled out of the operation when criminal activity by one of its agents was uncovered, Hampton police continued the sting.

Earlier in the year, an officer with the Hampton Police Division told Chief Jordan that other undercover officers were misusing the money issued for training-related travel. As soon as the allegations were made by the officer, Chief Jordan shut down the operation and asked the Virginia State Police to begin an investigation.

After a four-month investigation, VSP found no criminal charges were necessary.

An internal investigation was announced in October into determining whether or not police department or city policies were violating during the sting. Additionally, an external investigator was assigned to take a look at the undercover operation.

Former delegate Tom Gear was kicked out of a Hampton City Council meeting last month and charged with trespassing when he demanded to get answers about the cigarette sting.

City Manager Mary Bunting sent the following email to officials with the Hampton Police Division Tuesday evening.

"I appreciate Chief Jordan’s many years of service to the community and wish him well in his retirement.Chief Townsend has agreed to continue in his interim role pending the completion of a selection process for a permanent placement. I believe the Hampton Police Division is in excellent hands with Chief Townsend in the leadership role during this transitional period. Please know that I continue to appreciate the extreme dedication and commitment that each of the members of the HPD exhibits day in and day out. I thank you in advance for your continued focus on the important mission of your department as well as your service to our citizens and community."

Chief Jordan worked in the Hampton Police Department for 34 years.