Chris Caldwell
Former Radford City Police Department Captain Chris Caldwell has been arrested following an investigation by the Virginia State Police that began in September.
In September, the Radford City Police Department was made aware of an investigation by the Virginia State Police into activities by Caldwell that resulted in criminal charges. Caldwell was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation and resigned “within minutes of being placed on leave” according to a statement released by the Radford City Police Department.
“The Radford City Police Department cooperated fully with the Virginia State Police and special
prosecutor assigned to this matter since being made aware of this investigation,” the department’s statement said.
Following the investigation, the Virginia State Police charged Caldwell with one felony count of “use of communications systems to facilitate certain offenses involving children” in violation of Virginia Code 18.2-374.3.
Radford City Police Chief Jeff Dodson released a statement Saturday following Caldwell’s arrest.
“The men and women of the Radford City Police Department are very disappointed to learn of the arrest of former Captain Chris Caldwell,” said Dodson. “The charge and allegations against him, if proven true in a court of law, are abhorrent and reprehensible.”
Dodson said he and his staff each hold one another to a high standard.
“These accusations against a former employee in no way reflect the professionalism and high
standards of the Radford City Police Department,” he said. “All staff with the Radford City Police Department hold each other to a very high standard and know that if we break the law, we will be held accountable, and those who are willing to tarnish their badge, their oath of office, and the law enforcement code of ethics no longer deserve to wear the badge.
“The men and women of the Radford City Police Department work daily to protect and serve the
members of this community, especially the most vulnerable,” Dodson’s statement concludes. “We will continue to serve at the highest levels and ensure that Radford continues to be a safe community for all despite the actions of a former employee.”
Radford News Journal staff report