11 Knox County Sheriff's Office Current and Former Employees Indicted by Grand Jury

A sweeping investigation into corruption within the Knox County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) in Tennessee resulted in the indictment of 11 current and former law enforcement officers and personnel. The sweeping indictments outline a conspiracy involving over $300,000 in misspent public funds and the use of on-duty deputies to perform personal favors.

Following a year-long probe by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), the Knox County Grand Jury returned indictments charging 11 individuals—five current employees and six former employees of the KCSO.

The indicted individuals include:

• David Henderson: Retired KCSO Assistant Chief Deputy (former head of the narcotics division)

• James “J.J.” Jones: Former KCSO Sheriff

• David Amburn: Assistant KCSO Chief Deputy

• Aaron Yarnell: KCSO Captain

• Curtis Nathan Cole: Former Narcotics Unit Detective

• Lake Lowry: Former Sergeant

• Franklin “Rocky” Lowery: KCSO Lieutenant

• Tim Isaacs: Sergeant

• John Hopkins: Retired KCSO Captain

• James Hammond: KCSO Captain

• Mike Kidd: Civilian

The Core Allegations

The indictments center around a multi-year theft conspiracy that allegedly took place between 2010 and 2018, primarily when Henderson oversaw the department's narcotics division. According to court records and investigative reports, the misconduct involved a variety of violations of the public trust:

• Misused Credit Cards: Defendants are accused of using a KCSO narcotics credit card—intended strictly for "covert purposes only"—to make over $300,000 in unauthorized, personal purchases.

• Misappropriated Seized Cash: Over $30,000 in cash seized during undercover drug investigations was allegedly spent on personal expenses, including Apple electronics for personal use and to give to friends and associates.

• Theft of Services: Several KCSO employees are accused of using their paid work time and county-owned vehicles to perform personal tasks for department higher-ups. On-the-clock drug unit officers reportedly performed home renovations, finished construction projects, restored classic cars, and built duck blinds

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The Path to Indictment

The state indictments stem from years of federal scrutiny into the department’s narcotics unit. The FBI initiated an investigation in 2019, which initially only led to charges against David Henderson. Henderson pleaded guilty to federal theft and conspiracy charges and is currently awaiting sentencing.

However, in 2024, the TBI teamed up with the FBI to review the evidence gathered during the initial federal inquiry. This cooperative effort revealed that the illegal activities went beyond a single rogue actor, exposing a coordinated conspiracy that involved other high-ranking officials and personnel.

Because of existing ties between the indicted individuals and local authorities, 6th Judicial District Attorney General Charme Allen recused herself, and Executive Director of the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference Stephen Crump was appointed as special prosecutor.

Reactions and Next Steps

Following the announcement of the indictments, current Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler confirmed his full cooperation with the TBI. Spangler noted that the charges stemmed from operations predating his 2018 election and that all active employees named in the indictment have been placed on unpaid administrative leave. Three veteran KCSO officers, including Amburn, filed for retirement shortly after the indictments.

The 11 defendants—including Captain Aaron Yarnell, Curtis Nathan Cole, Lake Lowry, Franklin “Rocky” Lowery, Tim Isaacs, John Hopkins, James Hammond, and civilian Mike Kidd—have been booked into the Knox County Jail. They face severe state charges, including Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Property over $250,000, Theft of Property over $250,000, and Theft of Services over $60,000.

Those indicted are scheduled to appear in Knox County Criminal Court for their arraignment, where they face potential 15- to 25-year prison sentences if convicted.