NATCHEZ — A Natchez police officer was arrested Sunday night for domestic violence and resigned the following day.

Adams County sheriff’s deputies arrested former Natchez police officer Jimmy Molphus on domestic violence/simple assault charges.

Sheriff Chuck Mayfield said deputies responded to Molphus’ house at 79 Saragossa Road after receiving a call from Molphus’ wife.

Deputies discovered visible marks on the victim’s face near her left eye and on her lip where she said the Molphus injured her.

Mayfield said the victim told deputies she and her husband were arguing when he injured her.

Mayfield said suspects must be arrested if deputies see visual injuries on complainants.

“Officers have no discretion, someone has to be arrested,” Mayfield said.

The former officer was released on a $1,000 bond.

NPD Interim Chief Danny White said Molphus was placed on administrative leave following his arrest Sunday night.

Molphus, 47, submitted his resignation Monday, White said.

Molphus said Friday the incident was a misunderstanding in which he got caught up.

“I wasn’t trying to do anything to my wife, but now it’s up to the judge to make a decision,” he said.

Molphus said he resigned from the NPD so its public image did not suffer from his situation.

“The public should not have to catch anything to deal with my personal life,” Molphus said.