A Knoxville man and registered sex offender is facing felony charges after allegedly violating state registry restrictions by attending a local softball tournament, getting intoxicated, and causing multiple disturbances.

According to court documents filed in the General Sessions Court of Cumberland County, Shane Thomas Powell, 45, has been charged with a violation of the sex offender residential and work restrictions, which is classified as a Class E felony.

The charges stem from an incident on May 30, 2026, during a softball tournament in Crossville. According to an affidavit filed by Detective Tyrel Lorenz, the tournament’s manager, Karli Threet, contacted law enforcement on June 1 to report the disruptive behavior of a player.

Threet informed authorities that Powell had been playing for one of the tournament teams when he became heavily intoxicated. He was ultimately escorted off the property after allegedly getting involved in two separate altercations.

While Threet was unaware of Powell’s legal status during the tournament, she discovered shortly afterward that he was listed on the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry.

Detective Lorenz reviewed the park’s surveillance footage from that evening, which captured the altercations and a male subject matching Powell’s description. Threet later positively identified Powell from the video footage.

Under Tennessee state law, registered sex offenders are strictly prohibited from being within 1,000 feet of a public park.

Because Powell was actively participating in the tournament on park grounds, a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Case Details

• Defendant: Shane T. Powell (DOB: 1980/1981), Knoxville, TN

• Charge: TCA 40-39-211 Sex Offender Restriction Violation (Class E Felony)

• Date of Offense: May 30, 2026

• Filing Date: June 8, 2026

• Investigating Agency: Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department / Crossville Police (Det. Tyrel Lorenz)

The arrest warrant was officially signed by Judicial Commissioner Greg Watson. Powell’s case will be handled in Cumberland County General Sessions Court.