Rainsville Police Chief Charles Centers could be facing unpaid suspension after allegedly using a city license plate unlawfully on a vehicle still owned by a dealership, which he drove as far as Rome, GA.

According to Mayor Nick Jones, Centers had wanted the city to purchase the vehicle, but no action had been taken by him or the city council to do so.

   “I discovered that (Centers) was using a municipal tag on a vehicle that the city doesn’t own, which is a clear misuse of city property.”

- Mayor Nick Jones

“It’s an unfortunate situation we’ve found ourselves in.”

- Councilman Joey Graham

While admitting to the allegations, Centers denies that his actions were illegal. A special meeting of the city council will take place Thursday night at 6 p.m. to discuss disciplinary action and will be open for public attendance. Centers’ innocence or guilt will then be determined at a formal neutral hearing.