KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — Newly released investigative findings show Knoxville Police Chief Paul Noel exchanged inappropriate and, at times, suggestive text messages with a subordinate officer, but investigators found no evidence of a physical relationship, sexual coercion, or criminal conduct.
The findings were made public Thursday following Mayor Indya Kincannon’s announcement that Noel had been suspended for one month without pay and ordered to undergo counseling as punishment for violating workplace conduct standards.
The investigation was conducted by attorney J. William Coley of Hodges, Doughty & Carson, PLLC and examined communications between Noel and Knoxville Police Officer Jasmine Reed.
According to the report, the texting relationship began primarily as work-related communication, including discussions about Reed’s career goals and interest in becoming a mounted patrol officer. However, investigators determined several exchanges crossed professional boundaries and were inappropriate for a supervisor-subordinate relationship.
The report states Noel sent messages describing Reed as “sexy and exciting,” invited her to meet while he was traveling for work, and at one point told her, “I play. I’m just careful.”
Investigators also found Reed responded with flirtatious messages. According to the report, Reed told Noel to let her know if he “need[ed] someone to get in trouble with” while away and described herself as being “a little on the wild side.”
Despite the nature of some of the conversations, investigators concluded there was no evidence the relationship progressed beyond text messaging.
The report found no indication Noel attempted to use his position to pressure Reed into a sexual relationship, nor was there evidence of an inappropriate physical relationship outside the electronic communications.
At the same time, investigators noted Reed reported feeling pressure to reciprocate some of Noel’s messages because of the power dynamic created by his position as police chief.
Officials said the text exchanges dated back to April 2024 and that the overwhelming majority of the communications reviewed were work-related. However, the inappropriate messages were determined to be serious enough to violate professional standards expected of the department’s top ranking officer.
Mayor Kincannon said Thursday that while the investigation found no illegal activity, the conduct fell short of expectations for city leadership.
Noel publicly accepted responsibility during a news conference, apologizing to the mayor, police department, his family and the Knoxville community.
“I have not upheld the standards I have for myself or the Knoxville Police Department,” Noel said.
The suspension took effect Thursday afternoon and will run through September 6. During that time, Assistant Chief David Powell will oversee department operations.
Officer Jasmine Reed remains employed by the Knoxville Police Department and is not facing disciplinary action.
City officials said Noel’s punishment includes approximately $18,000 in lost pay in addition to the cost of mandatory counseling, which he must pay personally.
The investigation concluded that while the communications were inappropriate and damaging to public trust, there was no evidence the relationship extended beyond text conversations or involved criminal behavior.
Knoxville Police Officer Jasmine Reed (kpd)
