KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — A Knox County judge has signed an emergency order allowing Sheriff Tom Spangler’s testimony to be recorded as soon as possible in the ongoing criminal case involving 11 current and former Knox County Sheriff’s Office employees.
The order comes amid concerns about Spangler’s health as he continues to battle stage four pancreatic cancer, a diagnosis he publicly announced in February 2024.
Judge Don R. Ash signed the agreed order for a proof deposition, allowing attorneys to record Spangler’s oral and video testimony at the earliest practical opportunity.
According to court documents, all parties involved in the case agreed to the arrangement.
Health Concerns Prompt Emergency Action
The court filing states that Spangler’s health has recently worsened.
“Although Mr. Spangler has steadily been battling his cancer, it is understood by all counsel that his health has recently undergone a rapid decline,” the court order states.
Spangler is also nearing the end of his term as Knox County sheriff, which concludes August 31.
Testimony Considered Important to Defense
Court records describe Spangler’s testimony as potentially “exculpatory,” meaning it could provide evidence favorable to the defense.
The case involves 11 current and former KCSO employees who have been charged with offenses including:
- Criminal conspiracy
- Theft of property
- Theft of services
Prosecutors allege the defendants improperly used narcotics unit credit cards and seized drug funds for personal purchases between 2011 and 2018.
All defendants have pleaded not guilty.
FBI Investigation Cited
According to the court filing, Spangler cooperated with the FBI during its investigation into the allegations.
The order states that federal investigators informed Spangler that certain sheriff’s office employees, including defendant David Amburn, were not targets of the federal probe at the time.
Amburn was later promoted by Spangler and received his endorsement during the recent sheriff’s race.
The filing also notes that Spangler has previously said he would have initiated an internal investigation had federal authorities shared more information with him during the course of the investigation.
Key Timeline Highlighted in Court Records
Defense attorneys point to a significant detail included in court documents.
According to the filing, the alleged unauthorized spending stopped on September 1, 2018, the same day Spangler became sheriff.
The order also references comments made by Spangler during a June podcast interview, where he stated that the narcotics unit’s questionable spending ended when his administration took office.
Deposition Expected Soon
No date has been publicly announced for the deposition.
However, because of concerns surrounding Spangler’s health, attorneys and the court are expected to move quickly to preserve his testimony for potential use during future court proceedings.
The broader corruption case remains one of the largest criminal investigations involving the Knox County Sheriff’s Office in recent history and continues to move through the Knox County court system.
