Image Credit: Knox County Sheriff’s Department
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
A joint investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has resulted in the indictment of eleven current and former employees of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) for theft conspiracy, including two members who just appeared on the ballot in the Republican primary race for Sheriff.
According to the TBI, the federal investigation was launched in 2019 centering around allegations of theft by nearly a dozen members of the KCSO Narcotics and Special Investigations Units. FBI agents gathered evidence alleging the numerous individuals used a KCSO Narcotics Unit credit card to purchase items for personal use including electronics, hunting equipment, and home renovation materials.
The purchases, made between 2010-2018, total over $300,000. Investigators also discovered that upwards of $30,000 in cash seized during undercover drug investigations was allegedly spent on personal expenses and that individuals assigned to the two special units used county-owned vehicles and equipment to perform personal tasks, like restoring classic cars, home renovations, and other construction projects while on duty.
TBI began working alongside the FBI last year to review the evidence gathered during the initial investigation. In November of 2025, TBI agents presented the allegations provided by the FBI to the 6th Judicial District Attorney General.
After reviewing the evidence, on Wednesday, May 14 the Knox County Grand Jury returned indictments charging eleven individuals in connection with the investigation, eight of which have been taken into custody and booked into the county jail as of Wednesday afternoon after turning themselves in.
All defendants have been charged with one count of Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Property over $250,000, one count of Theft of Property over $250,000, and Theft of Services over $60,000. Bond for everyone was set at $100,000.
Those indicted include a former sheriff, retired and current Assistant Chief Deputies, current and retired Captains, former and current Sergeants, a former narcotics detective, and one civilian.
And two of those individuals, former Sheriff J.J. Jones and current Chief David Amburn, were on the ballot during the May 5 Republican primary for sheriff. Neither candidate clinched the nomination, but current Sheriff Tom Spangler had officially endorsed Amburn for the position ahead of the election.
Spangler’s official statement about the case reads in part, “These indictments appear to be tied to a years-long investigation that predates my election as sheriff in 2018. As with any investigation, I want to assure the public that I will cooperate fully with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to ensure a thorough and transparent process. As part of our protocol the employees involved will be placed on administrative leave without pay while we navigate this situation.”
He directs any further questions to the TBI and says he will be unable to release any additional details or information to “avoid interfering with the investigation”.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
