Knox County Sheriff has an Internal Affairs Unit. Finding out how and when the Sheriff utilizes the IA Unit is a puzzle with missing pieces.
I am still working (open record requests) on this story that I broke on June 12, 2021 where a high ranking Sheriff’s employee according to my sources forgave a contractual obligation with contractor Securus. Only to rescind the forgiveness. Now the Knox County Law Department is attempting to collect the obligation.
Kimberly Glenn on behalf of Sheriff Tom Spangler told me as was reported in the above linked post. “When Sheriff Spangler was made aware of the contractual issue he notified the law director. The Law Director is actively working with the vendor to seek a resolution.” So far, it appears that Internal Affairs was never involved. Perplexing, it is.
Knox Sheriffs Facebook Page 1/8/2021
Now, there is a situation with a Patrol Officer aka Deputy using another officers cruiser, the other officer (I am told) instructed the officer to turn in a box of “evidence” that was in the cruiser. Well, the “evidence” was discovered having been discarded in a public place, not in a safe secure place where the department would store or discard evidence. Again, Kimberly Glenn on behalf of Sheriff Tom Spangler provided a statement, “Deputy (Aaron) Wyckoff was suspended by his supervisor for 3 days without pay as a result of his negligent actions. It is always the Knox County Sheriff’s Office goal for Disciplinary action to have a positive outcome and create an environment that cultivates learning. Sheriff Spangler expects his Deputies and all employees to serve the citizens of Knox County with care and professionalism.”
So, again it appears Internal Affairs was never involved in this incident, Perplexing it is. Especially with the potential severity of mishandling evidence, which could result in severe sanctions by a court of law if found guilty. Instead the investigation relied on the Supervisor, not the Internal Affairs Unit. I have a follow-up question into Kimberly Glenn about the Supervisor’s recommendation and the Sheriff’s ultimate decision on this case. Still following…….
