Knoxville police chief suspended amid flirtatious texts and officer misconduct investigation

A Knoxville Police Department investigation found that Chief Paul Noel sent flirtatious messages to Officer Jasmine Reed, resulting in a one-month suspension and an ongoing inquiry. Reed was simultaneously under scrutiny for an extramarital relationship with Lieutenant Keith DeBow, during which the two engaged in sexual activity at work, including a relief trailer and a storage room, documented by surveillance video. The lieutenant, who had already retired before the internal complaint, was not subject to further investigation.

Captain Tammy DeBow, the lieutenant's wife and a fellow officer, was suspended after she discovered the affair and texted Reed about it. While the investigation concluded no criminal wrongdoing, all three individuals faced disciplinary action for violations of department policy. Additionally, Reed was cited for mishandling evidence on up to 20 occasions.