Protecting our community is the Giles County Sheriff’s Office’s highest priority.

Remaining transparent to the people we serve is essential to that mission. When a Giles County Sheriff’s Office employee is accused of acting inappropriately, breaking the law, or abusing their position, they are held accountable to the same standards as the public.

On July 31st, now-former Giles County Sheriff’s Deputy Stetson Thomas resigned during the early stages of an investigation regarding inconsistent courtroom testimony that involved a taser deployment. Additionally, the Giles County Sheriff’s Office requested the District Attorney General Brent Cooper's Office to launch a full investigation regarding the incident. The Giles County Sheriff’s Office also requested the Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission to commence de-certification proceedings.

On August 12th, District Attorney General Brent Cooper’s Office presented the case to a Giles County Grand Jury. The Grand Jury returned indictments charging Thomas with one count of Official Misconduct, one count of Destruction and Tamper of Governmental Records, one count of Perjury, one count of Aggravated Perjury, and one count of Assault.

On August 13th, Thomas turned himself into the Giles County Jail and was later released on bond.

"The Giles County Sheriff’s Office has dedicated employees committed to protecting the community they serve. We are held to the same standards as the public and face the same consequences. Abuse of authority will not be tolerated. I trust and believe in the criminal justice system, and I’m confident that a Giles County jury will determine the appropriate outcome. I appreciate General Cooper and his staff for conducting the investigation," said Giles County Sheriff Joe Purvis.

The Giles County Sheriff's Office is fully cooperating with District Attorney General Brent Cooper's Office during this investigation, which remains active and ongoing.

The charges and allegations referenced in this release are merely accusations of criminal conduct and not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.