KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — A new court filing suggests the ongoing corruption case involving the Knox County Sheriff’s Office could expand beyond the 11 current and former employees already facing felony charges.
The filing, submitted August 4 in Knox County Criminal Court, names five additional individuals as potential defendants in the high-profile investigation. However, no new indictments have been returned, and authorities have not announced what charges, if any, those individuals could face.
The case has already resulted in indictments against 11 people connected to the sheriff’s office, including current and former command staff, supervisors and a civilian.
Existing Defendants Face Theft and Conspiracy Charges
The current defendants were indicted by a Knox County grand jury on charges including:
- Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Property Over $250,000
- Theft of Property Over $250,000
- Theft of Services Over $60,000
Those indicted include:
- David Henderson, retired assistant chief deputy
- James “J.J.” Jones, former Knox County sheriff
- David Amburn, assistant chief deputy
- Aaron Yarnell, captain
- Curtis Nathan Cole, former narcotics detective
- Lake Lowry, former sergeant
- Franklin “Rocky” Lowery, lieutenant
- Tim Isaacs, sergeant
- John Hopkins, retired captain
- James Hammond, captain
- Mike Kidd, civilian
All have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Allegations Involve Funds, Equipment and Work Time
According to court records, prosecutors allege members of the group misused seized cash, sheriff’s office resources and a narcotics unit credit card to purchase personal items.
Among the items cited in the allegations are:
- Security cameras
- Apple products
- Hunting equipment
- Tools
- Other personal merchandise
Investigators also allege some defendants used sheriff’s office equipment, vehicles and paid work hours for personal projects, including vehicle work and home improvement efforts.
The allegations remain accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
New Names Surface in Filing
The newly filed court document lists five additional individuals as potential defendants, raising the possibility of further indictments as the investigation continues.
At this stage, prosecutors have not publicly detailed why the individuals were named in the filing, nor have they announced any criminal charges against them.
Special Prosecutors Handling Case
Knox County District Attorney General Charme Allen has recused herself from the case because it involves a law enforcement agency that regularly works with her office.
Under the filing, Stephen Crump, executive director of the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference, is serving as acting district attorney for the case.
Attorneys Brittany Lavalle, Shari Raylow and Kevin McAlpin have been appointed to assist with the prosecution.
Case Continues Through Court System
The investigation remains one of the most significant public corruption cases in recent Knox County history. Court proceedings are ongoing as prosecutors continue reviewing evidence and preparing for future hearings.
Whether the newly identified individuals will ultimately face criminal charges remains unknown.
