A judge has delayed Bradley County Sheriff Eric Watson’s trial on a dozen felony counts related to forged auto titles, court documents show.
Watson’s trial was set for Nov. 27 on six counts each of holding an altered, forged or falsified vehicle title and using an altered, forged or falsified title.
Each charge is a Class E felony punishable by one to six years in prison and a fine of up to $3,000 upon conviction.
Watson’s attorney, James F. Logan Jr., contends in court filings that the state hasn’t offered any evidence the sheriff violated Tennessee law or had fraudulent intent.
His key point: The law says it’s a crime to possess or use, with fraudulent intent, an altered certificate of title or registration issued by the state Department of Motor Vehicles or a Tennessee county clerk.