Selma's assistant police chief on leave with pay pending internal investigation

Assistant Chief of Police Natasha Fowlkes has been placed on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of an internal investigation, according to a statement issued by Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr. late Wednesday afternoon.

"In order to maintain a high level of integrity and transparency, an outside agency will lead the investigation," the statement said. "This investigation is on-going and in the preliminary stages at this time."

Asst. Chief Fowlkes is "out of possible contacts" with the Selma Police Department because of her leave status, the statement said.

Perkins named Jonathan T. Cole, a chief investigator and assistant chief with Dallas County Sheriff's department, as Selma Police Department's interim chief on June 8.

Perkins said in a statement that this appointment will be in place until a decision is made by the Selma City Council on the status of Chief Kenta Fulford, whom Perkins put on administrative leave on April 30 citing “broken communication” with Selma City Schools among other issues.

The Personnel Hearing for Fulford has been reset by the City Council for June 24 at 5 p.m. in the Council Chambers.