To some people in Tennessee, it may seem that law enforcement officials consider themselves above the law at times. Despite the number of high-ranking public officials, corporate executives and other people deemed to be “respectable” citizens, it is sometimes surprising that such a stereotype can still exist.
A recent report makes it all too clear that even members of law enforcement are not themselves above the law. They, too, can be arrested and charged with serious offenses. The man involved in this case is a 48-year-old resident of Maryville. He has been employed as a deputy in the Blount County Sheriff’s Department. Asheville police actually arrested the man in October and he was taken in to the Buncombe County Detention Center. His bond has been set at $50,000.
The deputy is accused of soliciting sex with a 14-year-old girl. The alleged solicitation is said to have taken place online. The defendant is accused of having traveled a distance to meet up with the girl. It is not known if the deputy was aware of the girl’s actual age or not. It is also not known how the alleged solicitation was discovered or what prompted authorities to stop and arrest the defendant.
People in any job or role in society should always remember that the law applies to everyone. At the same time, every defendant always deserves the right to defend against charges. Talking with an attorney at these times may be helpful in that process.
Source: Citizen Times, “Tennessee deputy arrested in Asheville, charged with sex crime,” Abigail Margulis, Oct. 7, 2016
