A day after the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office announced the results of an investigative probe at the Rhea County Sheriff’s Office, the Knox County District Attorney Office — where the case was sent to avoid conflicts — decided not to pursue charges, according to officials in Rhea County.
“Due to our professional relationship with the Rhea County Sheriff’s Office, the Knox County District Attorney General Charme Allen and her office were appointed to serve as pro tem prosecutors,” Rhea County District Attorney Courtney C. Lynch said in an emailed statement. “They have handled the case through the investigation phase. It is my understanding that they have declined to prosecute.”
Lynch referred questions on that decision to Allen’s office while her office in Dayton will move on, she said. “Pro tem” means “temporary,” according to the Tennessee Supreme Court.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the Rhea County Sheriff’s Office,” Lynch said.