Memphis Animal Services Director Faces Investigation Amid Controversial Past and Staff Departures

Memphis Animal Services Director Under Investigation Amid Troubled Past

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In a twist that’s 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 that’s 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 Coleman’s past. This summer, they filed a slew of open records requests and stumbled upon some eyebrow-raising details from Coleman’s 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 there—reports suggested that they engaged in sexual activities inside the work site. Talk about a scandal!

But it didn’t 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 “hearsay.”

Midland, Texas, and More Controversies

Hold onto your hats folks, because there’s 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, isn’t it?

Midland’s employment records indicate that Coleman didn’t 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 “let go” from the Midland post but described his departure from Sherman as “personal/started a business.” Talk about a cover-up, right?

When Memphis Mayor Paul Young was asked about the situation, he admitted he wasn’t aware of Coleman’s rocky past before appointing him. “I didn’t know about anything prior to him being here. I met him when he came in because he was already at the animal shelter,” Young stated.

Controversies Continue in Memphis

Fast forward to the present, and Coleman’s 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 Coleman’s 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 haven’t provided a clear timeline. “The investigation is still underway. I don’t have a timeline. We are just going to see that process through,” Mayor Young continued, leaving everyone hanging.

So where does this leave Coleman? Well, he’s 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. “The optics are really bad,” 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!