House District 29 candidate DeAngelo Jelks said he had four consensual sexual encounters with a female campaign volunteer, but there was nothing illegal about the incidents. Jelks, libeled and defamed him in her public statements against Jelks.
I took the weekend to focus on my family, and answer their questions. Yesterday I was able to give this my attention, and so I am speaking on it today. Finally, I apologize to anyone I have offended or disrupted in any way by the revealing of these details. I know for people who have been the victim of sexual crimes, even the idea of such an eventuality can be triggering. As far as the elephant in the room, I know that I have let down my supporters, family and friends by having a consensual yet inappropriate relationship.
This matter was personal and private between two consenting adults, and I accept full responsibility for my actions. As humiliating as this is to all of us, I am completely cooperative in the Chattanooga Police Department investigation. I am also reviewing with counsel my legal response to this false accusation spread by the Councilwoman. Attorney Davis said the affair between Jelks and the accuser consisted of four sexual encounters at the woman's apartment between July and August.
He said the accuser, volunteering on the Jelks campaign, initiated the encounters "between two consenting adults" who were sober, and aware of their conduct and choices. Attorney Davis said that while Mr. Jelks did something stupid, the handling of the complaint is the main issue.
He stated, "Demetrus Coonrod as a City Council member called DeAngelo Jelks last week and offered to protect him, to protect his good name, and brought up race to protect a Black man from a false allegation. In the same week, she is taking the accuser to the police station to form a police complaint. It's on the eve of an election - DeAngelo Jelks' election. Those are red flags for me. Attorney Davis said Councilwoman Coonrod's response was "intentionally damaging" to Mr.
