Court documents reveal allegations that led to indictments of 11 from KCSO
The grand jury indictments allege conspiracy involving a narcotics credit card, seized cash fund and on-duty personal projects
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Eleven former Knox County Sheriff’s Office employees were indicted May 13 on charges of conspiracy to commit theft, theft of property over $250,000 and theft of services over $60,000. The charges stem from alleged conduct between January 2011 and September 2018, according to the indictment.
The TBI said that, after evidence was presented, a Knox County grand jury indicted the following people on charges of criminal conspiracy to commit theft of property over $250,000, theft of property over $250,000 and theft of services over $60,000:
- David Henderson, retired KCSO assistant chief deputy
- James “J.J.” Jones, former KCSO sheriff
- David Amburn, assistant KCSO chief deputy
- Aaron Yarnell, KCSO captain
- Curtis Nathan Cole, former KCSO narcotics detective
- Lake Lowry, former KCSO sergeant
- Franklin “Rocky” Lowery, KCSO lieutenant
- Tim Isaacs, KCSO sergeant
- John Hopkins, retired KCSO captain
- James Hammond, KCSO captain
- Mike Kidd, civilian
The indictment alleges that the defendants used the KCSO narcotics credit card and seized cash fund to make unauthorized purchases for personal benefit. Purchases included construction materials, tools and equipment, security cameras, coolers, Apple products, automotive supplies and parts, hunting equipment, welding materials, and mechanic equipment.
Personal projects on duty
According to the indictment from Knox County court, the defendants completed personal projects while on duty using KCSO resources and equipment.
The indictment alleges Kidd received a camera system purchased with the KCSO Narcotics Credit Card. Franklin Lowery and an unindicted co-conspirator installed the system while on duty. Co-conspirators also completed work on Kidd’s pool, including installing a pool liner, while on duty.
The indictment also states Hopkins, Isaacs, Franklin Lowery, Henderson and unindicted co-conspirators built a gazebo and completed home repairs at Hopkins’ home while on duty. The work included installing flooring, installing a header in his garage and pool repairs.
An unindicted co-conspirator completed home repairs at Jones’ home while on duty around 2014, including repairing his toilet and shower, according to the indictment.
Vehicle restorations
The grand jury indictment alleges multiple defendants worked on vehicle restorations at the KCSO “Blue Building” while on duty using KCSO tools and equipment.
Around June 2016, Hammond, Yarnell, Amburn, Franklin Lowery, Isaacs, Hopkins, Henderson and an unindicted co-conspirator worked on the restoration of Henderson’s Chevy Chevelle at the KCSO “Blue Building” while on duty, according to the indictment.
Around June 2017, Henderson, Hammond, Yarnell and Hopkins transported Henderson’s 1968 Chevrolet Camaro on a KCSO trailer.
Between June 2018 and August 2018, Henderson, Hammond, Hopkins, Yarnell and an unindicted co-conspirator restored Henderson’s 1972 Ford truck at the KCSO “Blue Building” while on duty, the indictment states.
Hopkins, Franklin Lowery and Isaacs restored Hopkins’ 1972 Chevrolet Camaro at the KCSO “Blue Building” while on duty between 2017 and 2018, according to the indictment.
Duck blind construction
The indictment alleges Henderson directed an unindicted co-conspirator to make unauthorized purchases with the KCSO narcotics credit card for construction materials to build a duck blind for Jones around September 2017. Jones inspected and supervised the work as it was being completed. Franklin Lowery, Cole, Isaacs, Lake Lowry and unindicted co-conspirators worked on the construction of the duck blind while on duty.
Between November and December 2017, David Henderson directed an unindicted co-conspirator to make unauthorized purchases, including buying paint supplies, puck lights and supplies to build duck decoys for the duck blind constructed for Jones, using the KCSO narcotics credit card and seized cash fund, according to the indictment.
Previous Coverage: Former Knox County Sheriff’s Office chief pleads guilty to stealing funds
Additional projects
Around October 2017, Yarnell, Franklin Lowery, Amburn, Hammond, Cole, Lake Lowry and an unindicted co-conspirator constructed a Halloween display while on duty at the KCSO “Blue Building” and Yarnell’s personal residence, using materials purchased with the KCSO narcotics credit card, the indictment states.
Between December 2017 and May 2018, Hammond, Lake Lowry, Cole, Isaacs, Franklin Lowery, Yarnell and an unindicted co-conspirator completed construction projects at Yarnell’s home while on duty. The work included installing flooring and fixtures, and doing yard work.
Around March 2018, Isaacs, Franklin Lowery, Lake Lowry, Cole and unindicted co-conspirators installed a metal roof on Isaacs’ house while on duty for the KCSO, according to the indictment.
Between June and August 2018, Isaacs, Franklin Lowery, Henderson, Amburn, Yarnell, Hopkins and an unindicted co-conspirator completed home renovation projects for Henderson while on duty. The work included a screened-in porch, gazebo and garage addition using construction supplies purchased with the KCSO narcotics credit card.
You can read the indictment below:
Copyright 2026 WVLT. All rights reserved.
