A Rutherford County Detention Center Deputy has been fired. The deputy was accused of bringing in contraband to inmates. Keith Knowles was accused of giving marijuana, tobacco and even a cell phone to inmates. Knowles worked for the Sheriff's Office since 2008.
UPDATE: Official Statement Released by RCSO:
Sheriff Arnold terminated Deputy Keith Knowles for allegedly bringing contraband into the jail and for conducting himself in a manner unbecoming to an officer. Knowles joined the sheriff’s office as a detention officer June 23, 2008.
“It is very disappointing to me to have a deputy with a long career with the sheriff’s office allegedly bring contraband to inmates,” Sheriff Arnold said.
The sheriff’s office received information this month an officer brought a cell phone and tobacco to inmates.
“We immediately launched an investigation and determined Officer Knowles allegedly was bringing contraband into the facility,” Sheriff Arnold said.
Lt. Nathan Pagel of the Office of Professional Responsibility interviewed Knowles who gave a statement about his involvement, which resulted in his termination.
“We will present all our evidence to the district attorney’s office for review of prosecution,” Sheriff Arnold said.
Information about the operation was delayed until today while an investigation was conducted.
While Knowles was being interviewed, Sheriff Arnold and officers from patrol, the Felony Arrest Search Tactical team, Criminal Investigation Division, Interstate Crime Enforcement, Active Crime Enforcement Unit, K-9s, School Resource Officers (after school hours) and Detention Division thoroughly searched more than 800 inmates and their living areas and pods for contraband. The search resulted in some cigarettes and tobacco, items not allowed in the jail.
“It is my goal as sheriff that inmates are kept in a humane environment free of contraband from the outside,” Sheriff Arnold said.
Sheriff Arnold thanked the officers who helped conduct the search.
“I feel that all of the officers who were involved in the search did an outstanding job,” Sheriff Arnold said.
As a result of the firing of Knowles, the entire jail had to be searched for contraband (as seen in the above photo). In addition to Deputy Sam Trubee searching the facility, Cpl. David Ashburn and his K9 searched cells at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center. Detective DJ Jackson and Deputy Matt Kunce also checked jail cell's for contraband (see photo below).
Photo of Deputy Knowles is below:
Source:
Rutherford County Sheriff's Office