KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. — A former Knox County Sheriff's Office deputy pleaded guilty to driving under the influence after he crashed and overturned his truck on Alcoa Highway in July 2022.
Sean McElyea offered the plea in December 2023 after Knoxville Police Department officers responding to the crash found he smelled of alcohol and had bloodshot eyes with slurred speech. In a report, McElyea admitted he had left Hannah's Bar, where he had some drinks. A receipt found in his pocket showed he ordered two Smirnoff 80s, one Corona and two Ultras.
Soon after the crash, KCSO placed him on administrative leave. He was assigned to the juvenile transportation division at the time of the crash.
