Blount County Sheriff’s Office Employee Placed on Administrative Leave Amid Misconduct Investigation

MARYVILLE, Tenn. — A Blount County Sheriff’s Office employee has been placed on administrative leave without pay following multiple allegations of misconduct, according to Sheriff James Lee Berrong.

The employee was placed on leave June 2 as authorities began reviewing the allegations. Sheriff Berrong announced the action in a statement released June 3, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to accountability and professional standards.

“ No employee is above the law, and any allegations of misconduct must be carefully examined through the appropriate investigative process,” Berrong said.

Following consultation with Blount County District Attorney General Ryan Desmond, the Sheriff’s Office launched an internal investigation into the matter. Desmond also requested that the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation conduct a separate review of any potential criminal violations.

Officials have not released the identity of the employee or details regarding the allegations.

The Sheriff’s Office said it is cooperating fully with the investigation and asked the public to allow investigators time to complete their work.

Additional information will be released as appropriate and in a manner consistent with preserving the integrity of the ongoing investigation, authorities said.