KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WLVT) — Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler is physically unable to participate in a legal deposition because of rapidly worsening health caused by stage 4 pancreatic cancer, according to newly filed court documents.
Defense attorneys representing one of the defendants in the ongoing Knox County Sheriff’s Office corruption case are now asking a judge to allow Spangler’s sworn affidavit to be admitted as evidence during trial.
The motion, filed August 21 by attorney Stephen Ross Johnson on behalf of defendant David Amburn, includes an affidavit from Spangler’s treating oncologist, Dr. Daniel Mark Ibach.
According to the physician, Spangler is in the final stages of metastatic pancreatic cancer and has experienced a significant decline in recent days.
“Mr. Spangler is physically incapable of preparing for and participating in the rigor of question-and-answer testimony in a courtroom or via a deposition, either in person or on video,” Dr. Ibach wrote.
The doctor further stated that Spangler’s condition is likely to result in his death within weeks. However, Dr. Ibach indicated that Spangler remains mentally competent and capable of providing sworn testimony through a written affidavit.
Defense Seeks Admission of Written Testimony
The filing comes after a judge signed an emergency order on August 10 intended to preserve Spangler’s testimony through a deposition because of concerns about his declining health.
Defense attorneys now contend Spangler is no longer physically capable of sitting for that testimony and argue that jurors could be deprived of important evidence if his affidavit is excluded.
The affidavit, signed August 16, contains several statements related to the investigation that led to criminal charges against current and former Knox County Sheriff’s Office employees.
Claims About Federal and State Investigations
Among the most significant claims, Spangler alleges that FBI Special Agent Emily Celeste told him around the time of former deputy David Henderson’s federal indictment that the federal investigation was complete and that no additional individuals would face charges.
Spangler states that based on that understanding, he believed the matter had effectively concluded.
According to the affidavit, that belief influenced his decision to promote David Amburn to Chief of Detectives and later endorse Amburn in the Republican primary race for Knox County Sheriff.
Spangler says he would not have made those decisions had he known a separate Tennessee Bureau of Investigation inquiry was active.
Allegations of Limited Knowledge of TBI Probe
The sheriff further claims he was never informed of the scope of the TBI investigation and was never interviewed by state investigators.
According to the affidavit, Spangler said he was unaware of the state-level investigation after it began in 2025 and did not receive information from investigators about its progress.
The TBI investigation ultimately resulted in a series of state charges against current and former sheriff’s office employees.
Questions Raised About Potential Evidence
Spangler’s affidavit also addresses the demolition of the so-called “Blue Building” located at 514 Bernard Avenue.
According to the filing, the building housed electronic access systems and security cameras that could have provided records related to deputy work schedules and timesheets.
Spangler claims electronic logs and surveillance footage were not preserved before the building was demolished.
He states he would have directed that the information be retained had he known employees could later face criminal prosecution.
Overtime Practices Discussed
The affidavit also describes workplace practices within specialized units of the sheriff’s office.
Spangler states that deputies assigned to units such as Narcotics and the Special Investigations Unit were frequently expected to work extended hours.
According to the affidavit, employees were often discouraged from claiming overtime, compensatory time, or flex time for those hours worked.
State Expected to Challenge Affidavit
Pro Tem Assistant District Attorney Shari Tayloe has indicated the state is expected to oppose admission of Spangler’s affidavit as trial evidence.
Attorneys for both sides are expected to file additional motions and legal arguments regarding whether the document can be presented to a jury.
The court is expected to consider those arguments during an upcoming hearing.
Spangler, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February 2024, is nearing the end of his term as Knox County Sheriff, with his tenure officially concluding on August 31.
