A powerful law enforcement association is being sued for allegedly retaliating against a whistleblower of unethical conduct.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A powerful law enforcement association is being sued for allegedly retaliating against its former leader, who took action to correct concerning conduct.

The lawsuit, filed Friday in federal court, claims the Tennessee Sheriff’s Association pushed Jeff Bledsoe out of his leadership role for reporting misconduct and ethics concerns within the organization.

Bledsoe took action against a number of alleged illegal activities throughout his four-year tenure, according to the lawsuit, including falsified training session attendance, undisclosed gifts, and the presentation of sexually explicit content in a virtual board meeting.Following Bledsoe’s efforts to correct such activities, the complaint alleges certain board members began holding secret meetings and manufacturing grievances against the leader.

According to the complaint, the board held an unannounced meeting in October 2025 and fired Bledsoe while he was out sick.

The termination didn’t follow proper procedure, according to the lawsuit, and took place just seven months after general members unanimously voted to extend Bledsoe’s term.Bledsoe is seeking compensatory and punitive damages—including lost wages—and associated court fees.

 

Allegations made in the lawsuit have not been proven in court.