A joint investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the FBI has led to the indictment of eleven current and former employees of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, primarily from the Narcotics Unit and Special Investigations Unit. The probe, which reviewed evidence from a federal investigation launched in 2019, uncovered allegations that the individuals misused a department credit card between 2010 and 2018 to make over $300,000 in personal purchases, including electronics, hunting equipment, and home renovation materials.

Investigators also alleged that more than $30,000 in cash seized during undercover drug operations was spent on personal expenses, and that officers used county-owned vehicles and equipment while on duty to perform personal tasks such as restoring classic cars and conducting home renovations and construction projects.

Following the presentation of evidence to the 6th Judicial District Attorney General’s office—after the elected DA recused herself and special prosecutors were appointed—the Knox County Grand Jury returned indictments on Wednesday. Each of the eight individuals taken into custody faces charges of criminal conspiracy to commit theft of property over $250,000, theft of property over $250,000, and theft of services over $60,000, with bonds set at $100,000.

Those charged include:

• Captain Aaron Yarnell
• former Detective Curtis Nathan Cole
• former Sergeant Lake Lowry
• Lieutenant Franklin “Rocky” Lowery
• Sergeant Tim Isaacs
• retired Captain John Hopkins
• Captain James Hammond
• civilian Mike Kidd

Three additional individuals were indicted but had not yet been taken into custody as of the report.