KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. — After being pulled over in 2022, a 54-year-old man was convicted of driving under the influence and driving on a suspended license, according to Knox County District Attorney General Charme Allen.
On Aug. 2 at around 3:30 a.m., a Knox County Sheriff's Office deputy pulled over a vehicle on Cedar Bluff Road after they made an illegal U-turn and failed to stay within the lane while traveling up the entrance ramp to I-40.
After pulling Michael Marcum over, the deputy could smell alcohol. Marcum then admitted to drinking two beers, the DA said.
The deputy then conducted a field sobriety test to which Marcum was unsteady on his feet and failed. He then told the deputy he only drank three beers, according to the DA.
After being read the Tennessee implied consent law, Marcum refused to submit to a blood alcohol test and was then taken to jail.
According to officials, the mandatory minimum for a DUI 1st offense is 48 hours in jail, DUI School and a license revocation for one year. The jury assessed fines totaling $1,425.
Marcum has two prior felony convictions for fraud and extortion plus instances out of South Carolina where he also refused to submit an alcohol test. Because of these previous issues, prosecutors will argue for an enhanced sentence, the DA said.
His sentencing is set for Sept. 27.
