RICHMOND–A former Richmond fire chief was arrested for two domestic violence charges last month. 

Gerald Tatum, who retired as chief from the Richmond Fire Department in 2011 and became a deputy coroner afterward, was charged with first-degree strangulation and fourth-degree assault on Oct. 18.

At 7:16 am, Tatum attempted to strangle his wife by “applying pressure to her mouth and nose,” which resulted in bruising and scratching around her mouth and nose, according to an uniform citation filed by an officer from the Madison County Sheriff Department. Tatum was arrested on the same day at 12:31 pm about six miles from his home. 

Tatum resigned from his position as Deputy Coroner after the incident, according to Madison County Coroner Jimmy Cornelison. Tatum was released on a $5,000 bond with Cornelison acting as his surety, according to a District Court representative. Cornelison told The Edge in a phone interview that he posted Tatum’s bail because they are friends. 

Tatum has no prior arrests or convictions, according to Cornelison.  

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 2 at 9:30 am in the Madison County District Court. 

Persons cited in criminal complaints are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.