Bradley County Sheriff Eric Watson may have violated state laws on political events

County law enforcement vehicles are parked outside the Cleveland Country Club on Friday, May 13, where Bradley County Sheriff Eric Watson was holding a political fundraising luncheon for his campaign coffers. State law and Bradley County policy say publicly owned property cannot be used for political purposes. County law enforcement vehicles are parked outside the Cleveland Country Club on Friday, May 13, where Bradley County Sheriff Eric Watson was holding a political fundraising luncheon for his campaign coffers. State law and Bradley County policy say publicly owned property cannot be used for political purposes.

By Judy Walton May 30, 2016 5 min read

Bradley County Sheriff Eric Watson speaks with on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2015, in Cleveland, Tenn.

CLEVELAND, Tenn. – The inaugural Sheriff’s Luncheon hosted by Eric Watson on May 13 at the Cleveland Country Club appeared to violate numerous state laws.

For starters, there were the marked police and emergency vehicles parked under the pines.

Bradley County policy and state law forbid the use of publicly owned vehicles for political purposes, and the luncheon was promoted as a campaign event. One Facebook invitation noted that “Donations at the door will be accepted” and another electronic e-vite required potential guests to “RSVP or remit check to: Eric Watson for Sheriff.”

Then there was the handful of uniformed officers from local law enforcement and emergency agencies. It’s also against state law and county sheriff’s office policy to attend a political event on duty or in uniform.

The speaker, David Purkey, Tennessee director of Homeland Security, talked about security needs and praised Watson for “strong, competent leadership” at the sheriff’s office.