News Summary
Knox County’s top prosecutor, Charme Allen, has recused herself from any involvement in the ongoing investigation surrounding Trustee Justin Biggs and his office spending practices. To maintain impartiality, Ryan Desmond, the District Attorney General from Blount County, has been appointed as the pro tem prosecutor. The inquiry began following concerns over the misuse of county-leased vehicles and travel allowances, leading to further scrutiny of other county officials, including Property Assessor Phil Ballard. As investigations continue, Biggs aims for reelection in 2026 while ensuring compliance with authorities.
Knoxville
Knox County’s top prosecutor, Charme Allen, has officially recused herself from any potential criminal case involving Trustee Justin Biggs and other county offices to prevent any appearance of a conflict of interest. This decision occurs amidst ongoing investigations into Biggs’ office and its spending practices.
Ryan Desmond, the District Attorney General from Blount County, has been appointed as the pro tem prosecutor for the case. This transition aims to ensure an unbiased legal proceeding, free from any perceived affiliations with the Knox County legal team.
Background of the Investigation
The investigation into Trustee Justin Biggs began in November when county investigators, responding to a tip, initiated a review of the office’s spending practices and travel expenses. Concerns specifically related to the use of county-leased vehicles for personal business have emerged, raising questions about the appropriateness of various expenditures.
Reports indicate that Biggs has been utilizing six leased Chevy Silverados while also accepting travel allowances. Further scrutiny from investigators revealed GPS data showing that employees were using these vehicles beyond their official duties, including taking them on trips out of state. This misuse of resources has prompted significant attention from both local authorities and state oversight bodies.
In light of the findings from local investigations, Knox County has alerted the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office. Investigators from the Comptroller’s Office have been actively reviewing Biggs’ activities within the City County Building since April, seeking to uncover any potential misconduct.
Additional Scrutiny of Officials
The investigation has broadened and is now also examining the actions of Property Assessor Phil Ballard, focused on his use of a county vehicle while receiving a travel allowance. Ballard has publicly committed to repaying the county for any travel allowance money he has received prior to ceasing this practice.
In a proactive response to the ongoing investigations, Biggs has stated his intention to cooperate with authorities and took decisive action by terminating an employee for alleged policy violations. These measures demonstrate an effort to restore integrity amid the allegations surrounding his office.
Future Implications
Despite the turmoil, Justin Biggs has affirmed his intention to run for reelection in 2026, aiming for a second four-year term. His plans for the future have drawn attention, especially in light of the investigations and the serious concerns that have been raised.
As investigations continue, there are indications of potential misconduct that links to the acquisition and sale of property under questionable circumstances involving a former employee of Biggs. This aspect of the inquiry adds further complexity to the situation and heightens the scrutiny on both Biggs and the broader management of county resources.
Local authorities are committed to ensuring transparency and accountability as the investigation unfolds, providing reassurance to Knox County residents that their government officials are being held to appropriate standards of conduct. Ongoing cooperation with oversight entities underscores the importance of addressing these serious concerns in a thorough and diligent manner.
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Additional Resources
- Knox News: Trustee Office Insider Information
- WBIR: DA Recuses Herself from Investigation
- Knox News: Rules on Flipping Tax Properties
- Wikipedia: Knoxville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Knoxville
