Brookhaven parks chief fired after being arrested for allegedly soliciting teen

The City of Brookhaven’s parks and recreation director, Patrick Nalley, is out of a job. Nalley was terminated from his position after being arrested on August 15 for allegedly soliciting a minor.

Nalley’s arrest occurred during a sting operation conducted by Cobb County Police. Nalley made contact with an undercover officer during business hours and engaged in explicit sexual conversations online with who he thought was a 14-year-old girl. 

Police said Nalley arrived at Whitlock Avenue, the predetermined meeting location, in a city-owned vehicle expecting to meet up with the girl. Police arrested Nalley once he arrived at the location. 

Nalley had only been in the position of parks and recreation director in Brookhaven for three months before his arrest. Prior to this role, he had worked in various parks and recreation jobs in Colorado, Oregon, and Virginia. 

Notably, in 2022, Nalley resigned from his position as Director of Parks and Recreation in Henrico County, Virginia, after only three months in the role. The exact reason for his short tenure in Henrico County was not disclosed.

The city issued a statement confirming his arrest and immediate termination.

“Mr. Nalley is terminated immediately. 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,” Brookhaven City Manager Christian Sigman said.

According to the city’s press release, Nalley had cleared several separate background checks, had no prior criminal record, and had a positive credit and driving record. There had been no prior allegations or issues during Nalley’s brief tenure with Brookhaven.

Nalley faces charges of enticing a child and obscene internet contact with a child, both of which are felony charges. He is currently being held on a $20,000 bond in the Cobb County Detention Center.