Sheriff’s Office employee placed on administrative leave

Maryville, Tennessee – Sheriff James Lee Berrong announced that an employee with the Blount County Sheriff’s Office was placed on administrative leave Tuesday following multiple allegations of misconduct.

Sheriff Berrong takes matters of this nature very seriously and remains committed to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. No employee is above the law, and any allegations of misconduct must be carefully examined through the appropriate investigative process.

 A Blount County Sheriff’s Office employee was placed on administrative leave without pay on June 2.

After consulting with Ryan Desmond, Blount County District Attorney General, the Sheriff’s Office has opened an internal investigation. District Attorney General Desmond requested the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation further investigate any potential unlawful conduct.

We ask the public to allow investigators the time and space necessary to complete their work. Additional information will be provided as appropriate and consistent with the integrity of the investigation.