The Savannah-Chatham County police chief is retiring a day after it was revealed that City Hall is investigating a sexual harassment claim against him.

Savannah City Manager Stephanie Cutter announced Friday that Police Chief Willie Lovett was to retire "effective immediately." She did not give a reason for the announcement.

Local news outlets reported Thursday that Cutter sent a memo to Savannah's mayor and City Council last week saying an outside legal firm was investigating sexual harassment allegations brought against Lovett by one of his officers.

The 63-year-old Lovett has spent four decades as a Savannah police officer and has served as chief since August 2009.

Maj. Juliette Tolbert, the department's special operations commander, has been named interim police chief until a permanent replacement is hired.

Tags: Savannah, Chatham County, sexual harassment, Chatham County police