KNOXVILLE — Senior Judge Don R. Ash was assigned on May 22 to preside over the case of 11 men indicted for allegedly misusing Knox County Sheriff's Office drug money and staff time between 2010 and 2018. The assignment order was signed by Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Jeffrey S. Bivins.

The 11 individuals turned themselves in following secret grand jury indictments issued earlier this month, about a week after the Knox County Republican primary. Two of those indicted were candidates in the May 5 sheriff’s race.

Knox County District Attorney General Charme Allen removed herself from the case during the investigative process. Steve Crump, executive director of the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference, has been appointed district attorney general pro tem for the proceedings.

The state indictment alleges that between 2010 and 2018, numerous individuals used a Knox County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Unit credit card to purchase personal items including electronics, hunting equipment, and home renovation materials. The alleged personal purchases totaled over $300,000. Investigators also allege that more than $30,000 in cash seized during undercover drug investigations was spent on personal expenses.

Evidence was gathered indicating that individuals assigned to the Knox County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Unit and SIU performed personal tasks while on duty using county-owned vehicles and equipment. The alleged tasks included restoring classic cars, home renovations, and construction-related projects.

The indictments stemmed from a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation probe that relied heavily on a prior federal investigation. That federal investigation resulted in a single federal indictment of retired Narcotics Chief David Henderson, who is awaiting sentencing in federal court in Knoxville.