Brookhaven fires parks and recreation director caught in underaged solicitation sting

Officials with the city of Brookhaven said they abruptly terminated their new parks and recreation director after he was caught trying to solicit what he thought was a 14-year-old girl.

According to Brookhaven officials, Patrick Nalley, who recently relocated to Georgia for a position with the city of Brookhaven as Director of Parks and Recreation, had been serving in the role for approximately three months when he was busted on Aug. 15 in a sting operation by police in Cobb County.

“Police in Cobb County made a sting arrest on Aug. 15 of an adult male soliciting the company of what he believed to be a 14-year-old girl,” states a press release from Brookhaven. “When the alleged predator appeared at the agreed meeting location expecting to meet the teen, Cobb County Police instead made the arrest near Marietta.”

Nalley allegedly made contact with the undercover officer during business hours and was arrested while driving a city-owned vehicle. “No other allegations or prior issues had arisen during Nalley’s brief tenure with the city,” stated Brookhaven officials.

“Nalley cleared several separate background checks, had no prior criminal record, and had solid credit and driving records,” Brookhaven officials stated.

According to his LinkedIn profile, 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. He also listed in his profile that he was an adjunct professor at Arkansas State University for approximately three months, as well as a swim coach and aquatics manager for various colleges.

City Manager Christian Sigman said Nalley was “terminated immediately” after the sting operation took place.

“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,” said Sigman. “The safety and comfort of our residents and guests and their families are always our top priority in Brookhaven.”

At press time, the Cobb County Sheriff Office’s website showed Nalley as booked in the Cobb County Jail where he has been charged with two felonies, including enticing a child and obscene internet contact with a child.

This is a developing story. For more information, visit brookhvanega.gov and cobbcounty.org/police.