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FBI investigates ‘allegations’ against Portsmouth Police Department

Posted at 1:13 PM, Apr 18, 2019
and last updated 2019-04-18 13:13:59-04

Tonya Chapman

PORTSMOUTH, Va. – After an abrupt resignation of former Portsmouth Police Chief Tonya Chapman the FBI is now looking into “allegations,” against the department.

News 3 asked the FBI if they were investigating allegations of racism against the department. The FBI did not give specifics on exactly what allegations they are looking into but did say they are investigating.

There were no details provided from city officials about why Chapman resigned in March.

Chapman said she believes that race played a factor in her dismissal from the department.

When News 3 reached out to the Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office Colonel Waters said, “A meeting took place about one week ago and questions were asked,” but did not elaborate any further.

Chapman’s professional career in law enforcement spans over 29 years. She became Virginia’s first African American female chief of a municipal police department when she took on the position in February of 2016.

Assistant Chief Angela Greene has been named interim Police Chief. She addressed concerns after Chapman’s resignation.