Following a report Thursday night on Channel 19 naming an Athens police officer under investigation by Attorney General Troy King’s office, Mayor Dan Williams has issued his first formal statement on the matter.

While Williams previously has been quoted in various news outlets — both print and television — verifying the investigation and some details of the probe, he did not confirm the identity of the officer under investigation before this statement, which was released Friday afternoon to The News Courier.

Here is Williams’ statement in its entirety and as it was released:

“I am verifying through this press release that Capt. Tracey Harrison is the subject of an investigation by investigators of the State of Alabama Attorney General’s office. I have not verified his name to the press before this time because the investigators requested that details of the investigation not be released. Since his name has been linked to the investigation publicly, I feel that an official statement is due from the Mayor.

“The Attorney General’s office sent investigators to our local Police Department to investigate allegations that a supervisor in the Police Department had been involved in an effort to quash a DUI citation given to a person by an Athens City Policeman. The investigators did their work and informed our Chief of Police Wayne Harper that a report would be issued later. 

“After several days the investigators returned to Athens and searched the Athens Municipal Court records and the records where City Court cases were appealed to the Circuit Court at Limestone County Courthouse.

They also requested and received Capt. Harrison’s Personnel file. The City of Athens has complied with every request from the Attorney General’s investigators. The investigators again told Chief Harper that a report would be issued about their investigation.

“Captain Harrison is a twenty-five year veteran of our department. He has worked several positions during his career and is well respected in our community and the law-enforcement circle. His personnel folder contains several letters of commendation.  

“He has been an excellent investigator to our department, and has been most loyal to the citizens served by our department. I personally remember the care and concern he exhibited to the families and our community when two fellow-officers were murdered in the line of duty. If my memory serves me correctly, I have never received a personal complaint in the Mayor’s office against Capt. Harrison.

“I want to assure the public that the Athens Police Department is, and has been providing protective services to our community during this investigation. The men and women of our Department work each day to do their job to the best of their ability. I commend them for their service during difficult times. When the Attorney General’s report is issued to the city, the Chief of Police and I will determine if personnel action must be taken. We are obligated to await the investigative report and to cooperate with the investigation. I assure you that the public will be informed about the report and any action the city may take.

“Capt. Harrison’s dear wife, Regina, passed away this morning after a long illness. This terrible loss of their loved one is most devastating to this family, and the City of Athens employees and our community extend our sincere condolence to Capt. Harrison and his family. I would also ask that all of us consider this family’s sorrow and give them the privacy they need at this time.”