Media Release:

On June 20, 2016, Bradley County Commissioner Dan Rawls submitted a written complaint to my office
detailing a number of claims of wrongdoing by Sheriff Eric Watson.
The announced policy of my office is that I do not consider anonymous complaints. This was the first
written complaint submitted relating to Sheriff Watson since he took office. I have forwarded the
written request to the Tennessee District Attorney's General Conference for the appointment of a
District Attorney Pro Tem to determine if any of the claims warrant further investigation. I have asked
for this appointment because Sheriff Watson contributed to my campaign for District Attorney. Any time
this office has a conflict of interest, we seek the appointment of a pro tem attorney to evaluate the
merits of a complaint. This office has not conducted such an evaluation and will leave that to an
impartial review by another District Attorney General.
In addition to the conflict of interest, most District Attorneys seek the appointment of a pro tem
attorney any time one of their sheriffs are the subject of a complaint. This is done to prevent
impairment of the working relationships between offices. It is important to note that this office is
making no judgment as to the merit of the claims. We are seeking a review that will provide impartiality
and protect both the integrity of the evaluation and Sheriff Watson against any unfounded claims.
Our office will continue to work closely with Sheriff Watson and his department to promote and protect
public safety and justice for our community while this process is completed. We are fully confident that
none of the claims will affect any pending case or investigation.
Please confirm receipt of this email. Thank you.

STEPHEN D. CRUMP
DISTRICT ATTORNEY GENERAL
TENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT