Memphis Animal Services Director Under Investigation Amid Troubled Past
MEMPHIS, Tenn. โ In a twist thatโs sounding more like a soap opera than a standard workplace drama, the Memphis Animal Services Director is facing serious scrutiny as he remains on paid leave while investigations are underway. And if you think thatโs a loaded situation, just wait until you hear about his past.
Shocking Revelations from Sherman, Texas
WREG Investigators have been busy piecing together the puzzle of Ty Colemanโs past. This summer, they filed a slew of open records requests and stumbled upon some eyebrow-raising details from Colemanโs time in Sherman, Texas. He apparently lasted less than a year as the animal services manager before multiple complaints came flooding in.
What did those complaints reveal, you ask? Well, according to his employment records, it was alleged that Coleman lived with his partner, who he allegedly hired because of their romantic relationship. And things only got wilder from thereโreports suggested that they engaged in sexual activities inside the work site. Talk about a scandal!
But it didnโt stop there. Once they broke up, things got messy. Coleman allegedly harassed his former partner and treated him unfairly at work. The city officials claim he downplayed the relationship and even lied about how serious it was. This all culminated in his firing in July 2020, despite Coleman claiming his termination was based on โhearsay.โ
Midland, Texas, and More Controversies
Hold onto your hats folks, because thereโs more! Coleman moved on to Midland, Texas, where he served as the animal services manager in 2022. But the whispers didn’t go away. A volunteer who worked with him alleged that he moved dogs outside in the intense heat which, luckily, didn’t lead to any tragic outcomes. But that’s a real gamble, isnโt it?
Midlandโs employment records indicate that Coleman didnโt complete his one-year probationary period. Guess what? He was let go in May 2023, and he contested that decision, even appearing before city council to shed light on his grievances.
A New Start in Memphis
Months later, things took a turn, and Coleman found himself appointed as the interim director of Memphis Animal Services by the former mayor. His application, which is now under scrutiny, revealed he acknowledged being โlet goโ from the Midland post but described his departure from Sherman as โpersonal/started a business.โ Talk about a cover-up, right?
When Memphis Mayor Paul Young was asked about the situation, he admitted he wasnโt aware of Colemanโs rocky past before appointing him. โI didnโt know about anything prior to him being here. I met him when he came in because he was already at the animal shelter,โ Young stated.
Controversies Continue in Memphis
Fast forward to the present, and Colemanโs reign at Memphis Animal Services has hit a damning snag. Just six months into his tenure, a dog tragically died in the play yard, with early indications pointing to heat-related issues. Not long after that incident, Coleman was placed on leave, and whispers about staff departures under his leadership began circulating.
According to reports, more than a dozen employees, including both veterinarians, have left MAS during Colemanโs time there. Additionally, a national assessment had flagged concerns about the state of the animal services under his guidance. Ouch.
City Officials Speak Out
City officials have confirmed that an internal investigation into both Memphis Animal Services and Coleman is ongoing, but they havenโt provided a clear timeline. โThe investigation is still underway. I donโt have a timeline. We are just going to see that process through,โ Mayor Young continued, leaving everyone hanging.
So where does this leave Coleman? Well, heโs still on paid leave, collecting checks totaling around $43,000 while the investigations are ongoing. Sounds like an uncomfortable situation for everyone involved.
Community Calls for Accountability
As the public watches this situation unfold, many are calling for transparency and accountability. โThe optics are really bad,โ Councilman Jeff Warren remarked during a council meeting, summing up the sentiments of many concerned Memphians.
If you think your story deserves coverage, local investigators are ready to hear from you. Who knows where this rollercoaster will take us next!
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
