Update, Nov. 13, 2024: Voter registration fraud and perjury charges against Richard Garrett were dismissed on Sept. 15, 2022, and expunged on Oct. 31, 2024.
Update: Charges against a second person in the case were expunged on Nov. 27, 2023. The article has been updated.
Update, 7:49 a.m. Saturday: In response to an inquiry from Clarksville, Garrett confirmed that his arrest is in connection to the lawsuits brought against him by the District Attorney’s Office. Documentation provided by Garrett shows he has been charged with one count of perjury and two counts of voter registration fraud.
Garrett said he believes the charges brought against them to be politically motivated.
“The motives behind this whole investigation and indictment are purely racial and political. To go after my spouse and have law enforcement traumatize my kids while we were at work really showed their true colors,” Garrett said. “At the end of the day, I’m grateful for the genuine people that have reached out to my family and I and continue to keep us in your prayers.”
Previously:
CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Former Ward 1 city council member Richard Garrett was arrested Friday afternoon on charges of perjury and fraud.
Garrett resigned his seat on the City Council on July 22 after the District Attorney’s office filed two lawsuits against him for living outside of his ward. Both lawsuits were civil in nature and no criminal charges were filed at the time. It is not known if Garrett’s arrest is connected to the lawsuits.
Garrett turned himself in at 4:02 p.m., according to online records. Garrett has been charged with perjury as well as two counts of fraud in insolvency. Bond is set at $8,000.
Clarksville Now has reached out to Garrett for further information.
Correction: A previous version of this article should have said Garrett turned himself in at 4:02 p.m. Also, the Clarksville Police Department was not involved in the arrest or investigation.