Former Oakland Police Chief Gets Diversion

Before pleading "no contest" and getting diversion in Fayette County court Monday, Bob Tisdale was facing 5 criminal charges stemming from 2 separate indictments. If found guilty, the former Oakland police chief could have faced jail time and been without health benefits.

"There's no guarantee when you go to trial. We felt confident but there's no guarantee so, his health had a lot to do with what we did today," said Tisdale's Attorney, Drew Johnston.

Johnston didn't want to disclose his client's health issues but said Tisdale's health was also the reason for his retirement as chief prior to his 2008 and 2009 indictments. The 58 year-old was first indicted for his alleged role in a false drug dog insurance claim and second in an alleged conflict of interest side business with the mayor of Oakland. With the cases combined, Tisdale was given diversion in both.

"After he's on diversion for 3 years, if he doesn't violate any of the terms set forth, then those charges will ultimately be dismissed and expunged from his record," Johnston said.

Johnston says the outcome is part of a negotiated agreement with prosecutors. Court records show Tisdale will make restitution along with 2 other defendants on a $5,000 dollar insurance claim falsely paid out on a drug dog the police department claimed was dead. And Johnston says Tisdale could be a witness in the upcoming trial of Mayor Bill Mullins.

"Either side can call him as a witness. I'm sure Mayor Mullins attorney's may be interested in doing that. The state may be interested in calling Bob Tisdale as well. But we have made ourselves available to be there for trial and offer truthful testimony," Johnston said.

Tisdale pleaded "no contest" to 3 felony charges including filing a false report in the drug dog case and official misconduct and tampering with evidence in the conflict of interest case. Two other charges were dismissed.