City council reacts to resignation

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) - When Hampton Police Chief Charles Jordan, Jr. sent a resignation letter to Hampton officials, he emphasized city leaders do not support the police department.

Read Jordan's resignation letter here.

Jordan also wrote that the city manager and city attorney's offices may know more than they let on about the undercover cigarette sting, now under two separate investigations.

"I don't know what he is referring to and I don't want to comment since I don't know," City Manager Mary Bunting told WAVY.com during an unrelated special session Wednesday. "I have confidence in the external investigation. The external investigators we have hired [will] get to the truth of this whole operation."

Mayor Molly Ward also stayed mum on the subject.

"I can't comment on any personnel matters," Ward said. "I can just say Chuck has served the city for over 30 years and has made it a better and safer place to live. Crime stats have gone down under his leadership and we all wish him the best in retirement.

The cigarette sting Bunting and Ward are referring to was initially sponsored by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to investigate illegal cigarette operations. 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.

Wednesday night, concerned citizens gave city council an earful about Jordan and the cigarette sting.

"For the past eight years, Chief Jordan has done many good things for the city," said one Hampton resident to the council.

"The taste of this tobacco sting has left a very bitter feeling," added another.

"Chief Jordan's resignation was one of the best things to happen in this case," said one resident. "He took the responsibility to resign."

"I didn't see it coming,"councilman Billy Hobbs said. "I'm telling you I had no idea. I've always supported Chuck. He's always supported me."

Councilman Donnie Tuck said the Jordan's resignation doesn't resolve the cigarette sting snafu.

"The issue we're dealing with is a very tender issue," Tuck said. "This is not close right now to resolution."