SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — An off-duty detective with the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office is facing criminal charges following a traffic collision Wednesday night.
According to Sevier County Sheriff Michael Hodges, Detective Dexter Robbins was arrested by the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) after being involved in what the sheriff described as a “minor rear-end collision.” No injuries were reported at the scene.
Following the crash, THP troopers charged Robbins with driving under the influence (DUI) and possession of a handgun while under the influence.
In a statement released Thursday, Sheriff Hodges confirmed he was aware of the arrest and emphasized that his department is fully cooperating with the state’s investigation. Hodges also addressed the standards expected of law enforcement personnel within the county.
“As Sheriff, I am responsible for holding our personnel to the standards this community expects and deserves,” Hodges said. “Every member of this office has a duty to uphold the law, exercise sound judgment, and protect the public’s trust, both on and off duty.”
The circumstances surrounding the crash and Robbins’ charges remain under active investigation by the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
This incident marks the second time in recent months that a Sevier County Sheriff’s Office employee has faced alcohol- and firearm-related charges. In August, Corrections Officer Scottie Vineyard was terminated from the department after he was arrested at a high school football game and charged with public intoxication and possession of a handgun while under the influence.
