KNOXVILLE, Tenn — UPDATE 5 PM TUESDAY: While revealing little Tuesday about an ongoing investigation into the department's longtime fleet services manager, Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler said Tuesday he acted promptly after learning about "inappropriate conduct by a Knox County employee."
Spangler said he consulted with Knox County District Attorney General Charme Allen and then asked the TBI to step in.
The sheriff, elected in 2018, put Ronnie Kidd on paid leave Friday. Kidd, who has worked in fleet services since 2006, has not been charged.
"I made the request to assure public confidence in the outcome of the investigation, whatever the outcome might be," Spangler said in a statement Tuesday afternoon.
"There are no words to describe my disappointment," the sheriff's statement reads. "I promised each of you that I would be honest, forthright and transparent when elected. As painful as situations involving allegations of employee misconduct are, it is important for the integrity of the Agency and for the honest, hardworking men and women of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office that I do everything within my power to appropriately handle situations as openly and expeditiously as possible.
"The overwhelming number of men and women in the Knox County Sheriff’s Office are hard-working public servants who take their oath and our mission seriously. I assure the citizens that the men and women of this agency will continue to do their jobs with honor and integrity."
The District Attorney General's Office said Tuesday it couldn't comment. The TBI referred questions about the case to the DA's Office.
PREVIOUS STORY: The fleet services manager for the Knox County Sheriff's Office has been put on paid leave while the TBI conducts an unspecified investigation of him.
Sean McDermott, spokesman for the Knox County District Attorney General's Office, said Tuesday DA Charme Allen asked the TBI to look into whether Ronnie Kidd has committed a crime. He said he could not comment further.
Kimberly Glenn, spokeswoman for the Sheriff's Office, confirmed Sunday that Sheriff Tom Spangler had put Kidd on administrative leave. Kidd has been fleet manager since 2006, according to his personnel file, and currently draws biweekly pay of $3,501.
Spangler acted Friday, Glenn said, "pending the outcome of the investigation involving Mr. Kidd."
"Due to the fact this is an active and ongoing investigation, no other details can be released at this time."
A TBI spokeswoman referred questions Monday about the case to the District Attorney General's Office.
Fleet Services personnel take care of the Sheriff's Office's vehicles. The department has its own garage.
Inmates also are given the chance to work on fleet vehicles while in custody for training and work experience.
Kidd, 65, previously worked as a fleet manager at Reeder Chevrolet before moving over to KCSO in 2006.
Past evaluations give him strong marks, including one that said he took care of equipment, "Just like it was his."