KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – Eleven current and former employees of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office have been indicted on multiple theft-related charges following a lengthy investigation.
According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, a Knox County grand jury returned indictments on May 13 charging the group with conspiracy to commit theft of property over $250,000, theft of property over $250,000, and theft of services over $60,000. The alleged activity spans from January 2011 through September 2018.
Those indicted include former Sheriff James “J.J.” Jones, retired Assistant Chief Deputy David Henderson, and several high-ranking deputies and staff members.
The indictment alleges the group improperly used a sheriff’s office narcotics credit card and seized cash funds to purchase items for personal use, including tools, construction materials, electronics, hunting gear, and automotive equipment.
Investigators also allege those involved used county time and resources to complete personal projects while on duty. These projects reportedly included home renovations, pool work, building structures such as gazebos, and installing security systems.
The indictment outlines additional allegations involving vehicle restorations done at a sheriff’s office facility using department tools and equipment. Other projects included construction of a duck blind and improvements at personal residences.
The case was investigated by the TBI, and the charges now move forward in the judicial process.
