ATLANTA -- Sources within the federal and local law enforcement community told CBS Atlanta News that Atlanta Police Chief Richard Pennington is being considered for a top position in federal law enforcement.

Sources said Pennington is a candidate for the top spot at the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Chief Pennington came to Atlanta in July of 2002.

Before that he was chief of police in New Orleans. He began his career in the Washington, D.C. Police Department.

CBS Atlanta’s Joanna Massee contacted the Atlanta Police Department.

A spokesperson says the department has not been informed of this information and they could not comment.

Massee e-mailed Mayor Shirley Franklin to see if she was aware Pennington was being considered for a position at the DEA.

A spokesperson for the mayor said, “While Mayor Franklin is unaware of the opportunity in your email she thinks, 'Chief Pennington is a terrific and highly effective law enforcement official and who has served Atlanta with distinction.’"

Pennington sent an email to CBS Atlanta and it said, "I have no knowledge that I'm being considered for any federal law enforcement position. Furthermore, I have not been contacted by anyone in Washington."