DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A now-fired city official was arrested in his work vehicle for crimes relating to child molestation and having obscene online contact with someone under the age of 16, according to Cobb County courts on Wednesday.
Patrick Nalley recently moved to Georgia, taking a position with the City of Brookhaven as Director of Parks and Recreation. He was arrested in Cobb County for crimes involving children on Tuesday. The court said that the man enticed a child under the age of 16 to molest them.
In a release from the city government, it said that Nalley was arrested in a sting operation. They said he'd made contact online during business hours with an undercover officer pretending to be a 14-year-old girl. The two had plans to meet on Aug. 15, and when Nalley arrived, he was arrested by the Cobb County Police Department.
"Mr. Nalley is terminated immediately," Christian Sigman, Brookhaven City Manager, said. "Although we understand the presumption of innocence, we are acting out of an abundance of caution, as our parks and recreation facilities often have hundreds of children and teens recreating or competing in team sports activities during any given summer day. The safety and comfort of our residents and guests and their families are always our top priority in Brookhaven."
The investigation is active and being handled by the Cobb County Police Department, and his bond with the court is set at $20,000. The City of Brookhaven said that Nalley had also previously been Director of Recreation and Parks of Henrico County, Virginia, as well as Director of Recreation, Tourism and Cultural Development in Amherst County, Virginia. Nalley cleared several separate background checks, the city said and had no prior criminal record and had solid credit and driving records.
The city added in a social media post:
"On 8/15, the City of Brookhaven was informed by Cobb County Police that Patrick Nalley was arrested on very disturbing charges. We understand the charges include solicitation of a minor.
At this time, there is no indication that any children of the Lynwood Park Rec Center or other employees were involved. This is devastating news for everyone, and we are committed to supporting law enforcement's investigation however we can."
11Alive reached out to several of the other jobs listed on his LinkedIn page:
Henrico County, in Virginia, said that Nalley resigned in July 2022 "in lieu of termination." The office did not provide any specifics on his employment with the county.
A spokesperson for Arkansas State University confirms Nalley was an online-only, adjunct professor for the Summer while working for the City of Brookhaven. However, he only taught one class and his contract with them is over.
A representative for the Woodmen Hill Metropolitan District confirms that he worked there as a parks and recreation director for a few years, but has no record of misconduct with minors.
A spokesperson with Amherst County, Virginia told 11Alive, "Patrick Nalley was employed in Amherst County, Virginia from 2/16/2021-5/31/2022. His job title was: Director of Recreation. Because your request involves personnel material this is all the information that I can release."
A representative with Mt. Hood Community College said, "Mr. Nalley was employed at the college from 6/26/2017 thru 3/31/2021. He resigned his position for employment elsewhere."
Arizona State University still hasn't confirmed his employment.