Knox County, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – An arraignment date has been set for 11 current and former Knox County Sheriff’s Office employees indicted in connection with a long-running investigation into alleged misuse of department resources.
The group, which includes former Sheriff James “J.J.” Jones and other high-ranking and former personnel, faces charges of conspiracy to commit theft, theft of property over $250,000, and theft of services over $60,000.
According to the indictment, the alleged activity took place between January 2011 and September 2018. Prosecutors claim the defendants used a KCSO narcotics credit card and seized cash funds to make unauthorized purchases for personal benefit.
The indictment also alleges that some individuals performed personal projects while on duty using sheriff’s office equipment and resources, including vehicle restoration work conducted at a facility known as the “Blue Building.”
All 11 individuals are scheduled to appear in court for arraignment on July 1 at 9 a.m.
Following the indictments, Knox County Sheriff-Elect Brent Gibson stated that unethical conduct will not be tolerated moving forward and emphasized accountability within the department.
The charges remain allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
