David Henderson, the former narcotics chief of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, has agreed to plead guilty to defrauding the sheriff’s office by misusing $138,000 to purchase Apple products, cameras, Yeti coolers, power tools, La-Z-Boy recliners, and gun accessories for himself, his family, and friends between 2011 and 2018.

The scheme came to light in 2020, prompting Henderson’s resignation during an FBI investigation, and in 2022, he was ordered to repay or return the misappropriated items. Additionally, Henderson created a coercive environment, ordering subordinates to perform off-duty tasks like construction work, including a roofing project, instead of their policing duties, as evidenced by text messages from officers citing his authority.

One message from a former captain emphasized a culture of compliance and prioritizing Henderson’s demands. As part of his plea agreement, Henderson will pay $20,591 in restitution, either immediately or through a state payment program.