According to information provided by Roane County journalist Dudley Evans, Douglas Lonnie Jones pleaded guilty in Roane County Criminal Court to an amended charge of attempted aggravated child abuse involving a deadly weapon. The plea resolves a case that began in the parking lot of Mount Pisgah Baptist Church and Christian Academy in Oliver Springs.

According to court records, Jones was initially facing a litany of severe charges, including:

• Aggravated child abuse involving a deadly weapon

• Aggravated child abuse involving torture

• Aggravated assault by use of a deadly weapon

• Assault with a deadly weapon causing injury

The charges arose after a church and academy surveillance camera captured Jones disciplining his son. Investigators say the incident began after Jones was informed that his son had allegedly taken an item from a vending machine without paying for it.

The security footage showed Jones striking the boy with a belt and using a Taser on him. During a preliminary hearing in January, testimony revealed that Jones used the Taser on his son on two separate occasions as a form of discipline after witnessing behavior he disapproved of.

On June 18, Jones and prosecutors finalized a plea deal, bypassing the need for a trial.

Under the terms of the negotiated settlement, Judge accepted a four-year sentence for Jones. However, the entire sentence was suspended, and Jones was placed on state probation.

Plea Agreement Terms:

• 4-year suspended sentence (State Probation)

• $50 fine plus court costs

• Forfeiture of the Taser and belt used in the incident

As part of the agreement, the Taser and belt used during the disciplinary incident will be officially forfeited and turned over to the Roane County Sheriff’s Office.