KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – Knoxville City Council members are speaking out after learning that the officer at the center of Police Chief Paul Noel’s suspension was previously investigated in a separate case involving on-duty sexual activity with a superior officer on city property.
The revelations come as Noel serves a 30-day unpaid suspension imposed after an investigation found he exchanged inappropriate text messages with Knoxville Police Department Officer Jasmine Reed. Noel was also ordered to complete training at his own expense. Reed remains employed by KPD and has not been disciplined in connection with the texting investigation.
According to investigative findings released this week, Reed was previously the subject of an internal probe involving then-KPD Lt. Keith DeBow. Investigators determined that approximately two years ago, Reed and DeBow met about 20 times in a Special Operations storage unit while on duty for what investigators described as sexually gratifying activity. DeBow has since retired from the department.
The disclosure has raised concerns among some members of Knoxville City Council, with several saying they were unaware of the earlier investigation until it became public through media reports.
District 4 Councilman Matthew DeBardelaben said he was troubled by Reed’s continued employment with the department after learning about the previous case.
“I don’t understand why she’s on the police force,” DeBardelaben said.
District 1 Councilwoman Karyn Adams said the reported pattern of conduct raises significant concerns from an employment perspective.
“Any person that’s had conduct issues over the past and now having a repeat offense, that is something, from an employment standpoint, you have to take very seriously,” Adams said.
Records show Reed was previously suspended because her relationship with DeBow created concerns about favoritism and conflicts of interest within the department. DeBow’s wife, a KPD captain, was also suspended following the investigation after sending inappropriate messages to Reed.
As Noel continues serving his suspension, some council members say they remain uncertain about whether he should continue leading the department once the suspension ends.
“I deliberate within my head that does that mean Chief Noel can stay as Chief or does that mean we need to move on from him being Chief. I don’t fully know the answer to that question,” DeBardelaben said.
Both Adams and DeBardelaben described their reactions to the findings as shock and disappointment.
“I really didn’t want to believe it,” Adams said. “I was very shocked. Very surprised.”
“The first thing was really a kick in the gut,” DeBardelaben said.
DeBardelaben said trust has been damaged between the department and the public following the findings. Adams emphasized that many officers within KPD continue to serve the community with integrity despite the controversy surrounding department leadership.
KPD declined a request to comment on whether Reed wished to provide her account of the allegations.
The developments add another layer of scrutiny to the Knoxville Police Department as city leaders assess the long-term impact of the investigations on public confidence and departmental leadership.
