By Marla Jones, Managing Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

PHOTO: Jeff Buckles of the Geraldine Police Department is under investigation after comments made online regarding U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

GERALDINE, Ala. — On Tuesday, a crowd gathered at the Geraldine Town Hall in support of Assistant Police Chief Jeff Buckles, who is currently on paid leave due to comments made on Facebook.

The Geraldine Town Council held a special called meeting to have a due process hearing. Buckles chose to have his side of the story told in a private meeting with Town Attorney Nikki Scott and his own personal third-party, impartial lawyer. Buckles himself was not able to make a comment regarding the situation.

Buckles, who has served as Assistant Chief of the Geraldine Police Department for two years, took to Facebook immediately following President Donald Trump’s State of the Union earlier this month. 

“Pelosi just ripped up his speech. Road Side bomb on her way home and any other Dumbocrats,” Buckles stated in his post. The post was later deleted with Buckles apologizing, “I have definitely offended some people with my remarks. It just rips my heart out that our great country is so divided.”

Following the incident, Geraldine Chief of Police Heath Albright stated, “The Geraldine Police Department has been made aware of a Facebook post made by one of our officers. The post has since been deleted.  The incident is being investigated. Due to the current investigation, no further comment can be made. We will make further statements at the conclusion of the investigation.”

Geraldine Mayor Chuck Ables stated Buckles was on paid leave, pending investigation, and no further comments could be made. 

According to a statement made by the Town of Geraldine, “Officer Jeff Buckles had a due process hearing before an impartial decision-maker on Tuesday, February 25. A report will be sent to the Mayor and Council at a later date.” The decision on whether or not to take disciplinary action against Buckles could be made as soon as the next council meeting on Tuesday, March 3.

Southern Torch will continue to update as this story develops.