Phil Ballard, the Knox County Property Assessor, was indicted on a count of official misconduct for allegedly misusing a county vehicle while also receiving a travel allowance, a practice considered double-dipping and against county policy. The indictment was issued by a grand jury on Wednesday, following an investigation presented by Blount County District Attorney General Ryan Desmond. Ballard, 71, turned himself in on Thursday, posted a $5,000 bond, and was released.

His attorney, T. Scott Jones, described the issue as a minor transgression that should have been handled internally, expressing confidence that Ballard would be vindicated. Ballard, who earns a $189,000 salary, admitted to the misuse in December and has repaid $2,776.95 of the travel allowance overage.

Concurrently, a broader investigation into county vehicle misuse has implicated Trustee Justin Biggs and his staff, who used county-leased trucks for personal business, including out-of-state trips without permission. Biggs, who earns $169,000 and received a $5,000 vehicle allowance, reimbursed $3,500 for overages.

The state Comptroller’s Office is conducting a separate review, and further indictments may follow. Additionally, an employee in Biggs’ office, Jason Dobbins, was fired for policy violations, and his involvement in a profitable property sale raised concerns about potential misuse of nonpublic information, though no charges have been filed against him.