Brighton, TN alderman accused of fondling teen boys

(WMC-TV) - A Brighton alderman was arrested Wednesday on charges he fondled two young boys.

Alderman and vice-mayor Walter "Booster" Blalack was arrested Wednesday afternoon and booked into the Tipton County Jail.

According to TBI spokesperson Kristin Helm, Blalack faces one charge of sexual battery, one charge of sexual battery by an authority figure, and one count of solicitation of a minor.
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"It's shocking to have something like that happen in our small area," said Brighton resident Aimee Judy.  "Guess it happens everywhere, but we don't expect to see it."

Blalack was arrested upon his release from a hospital for a diabetes-related illness.  He was still hooked up to an oxygen tank in his mug shot.

According to this affidavit, he had sexual contact on numerous occasions with an underage male who did chores for Blalack.  The affidavit said, "the defendant would have the victim unbutton and unzip his pants" before touching his privates.  It also said, "the defendant would also drop his pants."

"I had no idea," said Blalack's longtime neighbor Clyde Palmer.  "We thought he was in the hospital in bad condition.  I've never seen anything over there other than him coming and going."

District Attorney Mike Dunavant said there are at least two victims in the case.  An investigation into the alleged incidents is ongoing.

Action News 5's call to the mayor to find out how the charges might affect Blalack's job on the board of alderman was not returned.

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