KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – Newly released records show the City of Knoxville spent more than $14,000 on an outside investigation that ultimately resulted in the month-long suspension of Knoxville Police Chief Paul Noel.
Noel returned to duty Sunday after completing a 30-day unpaid suspension, counseling and leadership training ordered following findings that he exchanged inappropriate text messages with Officer Jasmine Reed, a subordinate within the Knoxville Police Department.
The city hired Knoxville law firm Hodges, Doughty & Carson to conduct an independent investigation after allegations involving Noel surfaced during an Office of Professional Standards investigation into a separate matter.
WVLT News requested records from the city through the Tennessee Open Records Act, seeking contracts, agreements, communications and costs associated with the investigation.
According to a city spokesperson, records responsive to the request existed, but communications between city officials and the law firm were withheld under attorney-client privilege protections.
However, the city disclosed the overall cost of the investigation.
Records show Knoxville paid $14,360.88 to Hodges, Doughty & Carson, with legal services billed at an hourly rate of $225.
Investigation Stemmed From Internal Probe
The allegations involving Noel came to light during an Office of Professional Standards investigation into another issue within the police department.
According to previous findings, investigators learned of text message exchanges between Noel and Officer Jasmine Reed and notified Mayor Indya Kincannon about the allegations.
The city subsequently launched the independent investigation, which concluded Noel had engaged in inappropriate communications with a subordinate officer.
As a result, Noel received a month-long unpaid suspension and was required to complete counseling and leadership courses before returning to work.
Financial Impact of Suspension
In addition to the legal costs incurred by the city, Noel personally lost nearly $18,000 in salary during the unpaid suspension.
Officer Reed was not disciplined as part of the investigation and remains employed by the Knoxville Police Department.
The case drew significant public attention because Reed had previously been the subject of investigations involving alleged misconduct while on duty.
Chief Returns to Work
With the suspension completed, Noel has resumed his duties as chief of the Knoxville Police Department.
The city has not announced any additional disciplinary action related to the matter, and records released so far indicate the outside investigation cost taxpayers more than $14,000.
