A former narcotics officer will be facing trial for allegedly shaking down a known drug dealer in June of this year.
Robert Glenn Chadwell, 49, was indicted by the Claiborne Grand Jury during its latest session on Dec. 9. A true bill was returned for Chadwell on one count each of extortion and bribery by a public servant, charges he racked up while a deputy for the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).
Apparently the shakedown prompted the drug dealer to complain to his defense attorney. In turn, the attorney contacted the CCSO who, in turn, called the Eighth Judicial District Attorney General’s Office.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) was then contacted, who investigated the matter that eventually led to the arrest of Chadwell during an undercover sting operation.
The former narcotics officer was allegedly observed on June 18 accepting $2,000 in cash from the drug dealer with the agreement that Chadwell be provided additional money at a future date, according to an Affidavit of Complaint by TBI special agent Brandon Elkins.
The money, according to Elkins, was in exchange for Chadwell using his “discretion” as a law enforcement officer not to pursue criminal drugs and firearms related charges against the dealer.
Special agents for the TBI arrested Chadwell, who was booked into the Claiborne County Jail and held at the time on a $500,000 secured bond.
When the alleged evidence came to light, Claiborne Sheriff David Ray promptly terminated Chadwell’s position with his department.
During its December session, the grand jury also indicted Eddie R. Lawson Jr., 30, on one count each of aggravated burglary and burglary allegedly occurring during events on Oct. 2 and Oct. 4.
A true bill was returned on Rebecca Sue Rouse, 45, indicted for one count each of aggravated burglary and theft over $1,000 during events allegedly occurring on June 21.
Kenneth Evans Jr., 46, was indicted for one count of driving under the influence and two counts of driving on a revoked license during events allegedly occurring on April 18 and April 29.
The grand jury returned an indictment on David Matthew Leach, 44, charged with one count each of driving under the influence and violation of the implied consent law during events allegedly occurring on July 25.
Christopher Paul Dean, 39, was indicted for two counts of possession of a schedule II controlled substance and one count each of simple possession of a schedule VI drugs (marijuana) and drug paraphernalia during events allegedly occurring on June 27.
An indictment does not indicate guilt. It does indicate the grand jury found enough evidence to warrant turning the case over to trial.
Reach Jan Runions at 423-254-5588 or on Twitter @scribeCP.
