Скачать или смотреть NEW Details: Non-Profit Director Arrested, What's Next for Chattanooga's VRI?

A Chattanooga non-profit director, charged with helping gang members and offenders turn their lives around, is now the subject of a police investigation himself.

Richard Bennett faces drug charges. A city of Chattanooga spokesperson told us they are disappointed with Bennett's actions - and they've halted his involvement with Chattanooga's Violence Reduction Imitative.

NewsChannel 9 interviewed Richard Bennett back in March about his plans to reduce crime in Chattanooga. Now, after his arrest, those who know his work are concerned about the future of the men he was trying to help.

"I think the mistake that he made, he'll regret it, but we need people out here like him though, we really do," said Skip Eberhardt.

Eberhardt says Bennett had turned his life around and was helping gang members turn their lives around.

Friday night, police found an open bottle of patron, and a small portion of marijuana in Bennett's car near East Lake Park. They also found hydro pills with no prescription - according to court records.

Eberhardt says Bennett deserves a second chance and says the city needs him to bridge the gap.

"He was involved with gang members, especially the ones who were reaching out and he was there for them. In the community, I think he's making a big change," said Eberhardt.

Since March, Bennett had been working on the city's Violence Reduction Imitative. But, after his weekend arrest, the city is parting ways. City councilman Larry Grohn, who knows Bennett well- says the city is moving way too fast.

"He's being convicted without even having appeared for a first appearance in court, without being able to present his side of the story, so I have issues when anyone is treated like that," said Grohn.

Councilman Moses Freeman on the other hand says Bennett's actions are unacceptable.

"We can't tolerate criminal activity or misbehavior of that type in a position of that nature," said Councilman Freeman.

Bennett, who has no prior criminal record, will appear in court on July 1st. He's also running for the Hamilton County School Board District 5 seat.

We went by his non-profit Monday, trying to get reaction about his arrest, he wasn't there. When we called him by phone, he told us he had no comment.

Councilman Freeman says the city is working to find someone to replace Bennett. In the meantime, we've learned that the city's public safety coordinator, Paul Smith, will serve as the contact for offenders who need services through VRI.

By: Jerry Askin