Perryville board appoints interim police chief

Perryville has a new police chief.

The city's board of aldermen approved the appointment of Lt. Direk Hunt as interim police chief Monday night at a special meeting.

Hunt replaces the former chief, Keith Tarrillion, who resigned in March amid allegations of misconduct.

The city hired a private investigator to look into claims, which -- according to a report related to a Feb. 6 meeting -- included unethical behavior, sexual harassment, inappropriate sexual relationships that compromised his ability to enforce department policy and misappropriation of city funds.

Tarrillion resigned after the investigation unearthed a November 2010 police report about property damage at his home, for which he subsequently collected $5,700 in insurance money. Another officer signed the report, but Tarrillion admitted he filled out the narrative.

Perryville elects its police chief. Hunt will serve until the next election in April 2014.

Mayor Debbie Gahan said Hunt has helped keep the department running smoothly since Tarrillion's resignation.

"He did 10 weeks of exemplary work under less than satisfactory conditions," she said. "I think he did a wonderful job of holding our folks together while people were casting aspersions at them and their ability to be ethical officers. He's got the background and the years' experience, and he was the obvious choice."

Alderman Gary Schumer praised Hunt and the rest of the department for their conduct in the wake of Tarrillion's departure.

"There wasn't a bunch of rumors and stuff that came out of the police department," Schumer said.

Hunt said he plans no major changes.

"Everybody's working well together now, and we're just trying to come together and heal," he said.

Because Hunt's wife is a dispatcher at the police department, city administrator Brent Buerck said he and Major Bill Jones will oversee the dispatchers to avoid any potential conflict of interest.

Under the terms of his resignation, Tarrillion will be paid and receive benefits from the city until April 1, 2014, or until he may be charged with a crime.

If he were to be charged and convicted, Tarrillion would have to reimburse the city for any pay received after March 13. If he were to be charged and exonerated, he would receive back pay.

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