Motions Hearing Marks Latest Chapter in High-Profile Corruption Case
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Eleven defendants charged in one of the most significant corruption cases in Knox County Sheriff’s Office history appeared in court Tuesday for a motions hearing tied to a years-long conspiracy and theft investigation.
The case involves former and current KCSO employees, along with a civilian defendant, who are accused of misusing sheriff’s office funds, equipment and employee time for personal benefit. The allegations stem from conduct that investigators say occurred before 2018.
Those charged face counts including conspiracy to commit theft over $250,000, theft of property over $250,000 and theft of services.
Among the defendants are former Knox County Sheriff James “J.J.” Jones, retired Assistant Chief Deputy David Henderson, former Chief of Detectives David Amburn, Captain James Hammond, former Sergeant Lake Lowry, former detective Curtis Cole, and several other current or former KCSO employees.
Defense attorney T. Scott Jones said Monday that attorneys for the defendants believe the case should be resolved in their clients’ favor. The defense argues prosecutors waited years before bringing charges and contends the state’s handling of the investigation was delayed.
The hearing also marks the first court appearance since four defendants, Amburn, Hammond, Lowry and Cole, filed motions asking a judge to suppress statements they previously made to federal investigators. Arguments on those requests are expected to continue during a separate court hearing Wednesday.
According to court records and investigators, the defendants are accused of improperly using money seized during criminal investigations to purchase items including laptops, iPads and other personal equipment. Some defendants are also accused of using sheriff’s office vehicles and resources for personal purposes.
The case has drawn significant attention because of the high-ranking law enforcement officials involved and the scope of the alleged misconduct within the sheriff’s office.
Additional hearings are expected as the case moves through the court system.
