Knoxville, TN— A former captain at the Richard L. Bean Juvenile Detention Center has filed a federal lawsuit against Knox County.
Twila Hulett alleges she was sexually harassed, undermined by male subordinates, and forced to resign over unfounded rumors. This complaint is the third lawsuit alleging misconduct and poor working conditions at the juvenile detention center.
Hulett was hired as captain in September, 2025 and according to the lawsuit she was subjected to inappropriate sexual remarks and hostility from male subordinates. The lawsuit also alleges that subordinate officers spread a false rumor that Hulett was engaging in a sexual relationship with a male officer that she supervised.
In mid-September of 2025, then-Superintendant and Chief of the Detention Center, Brian Bivens, confronted Hulett about the alleged sexual relationship with a subordinate officer. Despite her denial of the claims, on Sept. 19, Bivens gave her an ultimatum. Resign or be terminated immediately.
Hulett submitted an involuntary resignation that same day and Bivens resigned in November of the same year.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court, seeks back pay, front pay, compensatory damages for emotional distress and legal fees. It also alleges that Knox County fostered a culture where female supervisors were subjected to double standards.
Knox County has not yet filed a response to the complaint.
