JACKSON (AP) — Tyrone Lewis has been demoted and removed from his post as head of the Jackson Police Department’s training academy for allegedly allowing his son to throw private parties at the facility.

Jackson Police Chief Malcolm McMillin announced Monday that he demoted Lewis from deputy chief to sergeant after an investigation into the for-profit parties.

Authorities say dance parties for high school and college students had been held several times at the training center and were hosted by Lewis’ son, Terrell Lewis, a college student.

‘‘Chief Lewis has been reduced to sergeant and transferred to planning and research,’’ McMillin said.

McMillin said Deputy Chief Lindsey Horton will replace Lewis on an interim basis at the police academy.

McMillin has also said that no future events will be held at the training center without his approval.

Lewis has said he let his son use the facility rent-free because he thought it was safer than private clubs.

Other community groups have used the center without charge, but Lewis could not name another user besides his son, who made money from the events.

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Information from: The Clarion-Ledger, http://www.clarionledger.com