Panel finds no conflict in sheriff probe
However, the panel did recommend expanding disclosure rules and streamlining ethical standards to keep county employees and office holders above the appearance of wrongdoing.
“The panel’s investigation supports the conclusion that there has been a close personal relationship between Sheriff Hutchison and Mr. Hinton for at least the last two to three years,” the panel concluded in its report. “The panel’s investigation does not establish that Sheriff Hutchison and Mr. Hinton have currently, or have ever had, common ownership of any business or real estate.”
The panel based its findings on state law and the Knox County charter.
The panel interviewed Hutchison, Hinton and several other associates and county employees for its report.
Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale’s office released the report Friday.
The inquiry, conducted by a three-member panel, focused on Hutchison’s relationship with Hinton, owner of Chestnut Street Garage and Cedar Bluff Towing.
The mayor appointed the panel after the Knoxville News Sentinel newspaper published a story detailing Hutchison and Hinton’s involvement in a gated real-estate development in Sevier County.
Hutchison, Hinton and two other associates of the sheriff own the 65-acre property. Hutchison has said publicly that both his family and the Hintons own houses inside the Trace 200 subdivision.
Hutchison, a licensed general contractor, has repeatedly denied that he has personal business dealings with Hinton, but he has said he helped build Hinton’s lakefront home free of charge.
Records show Chestnut Street Garage has operated the Sheriff’s Office seizure lot for $2,000 a month since 1998. County officials have been unable to find a contract governing the arrangement.
Both of Hinton’s companies tow county-owned vehicles under a contract and private vehicles at the request of deputies.
Hutchison has said he and Hinton, a longtime political contributor to the sheriff, are friends.
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Information from: The Knoxville News Sentinel.