Knox County District Attorney General - Charme P. Allen

Press Releases

Former Professor Convicted of Aggravated Kidnapping

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen's Domestic Violence Unit obtained convictions against a former professor who beat and kidnapped his wife. Jay William Edwards, Jr., 42, was convicted of Aggravated Kidnapping, Assault, Interference with Emergency Calls, and Domestic Assault. Judge Bob McGee revoked Edwards' bond, ordered him into custody, and set the case for sentencing on June 27....more

Vicious Attack Leads to Seventy-Five-Year Sentence

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen's Career Gang Unit obtained a seventy-five-year sentence against a Crips gang member who pistol-whipped a Dollar General employee with a handgun during a robbery. Charles Bernard Griffin, 41, was convicted of Especially Aggravated Robbery and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon....more

Check-Cashing Ring Dismantled

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen's White Collar Unit obtained convictions against the leader of a check-cashing ring who used homeless people to cash fraudulent checks. Lee Otis Wilson, 36, was convicted of four counts of Identity Theft and one count of Identity Theft Trafficking. Judge Scott Green sentenced Wilson to serve eight years in prison. ...more

Failed Robbery Attempt Leads to Conviction

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen's Career Gang Unit obtained convictions against a man who attempted to rob a Dollar General store using a flashlight. Randy Lee Woody, 51, was convicted of Attempted Aggravated Robbery and Assault. Judge Scott Green revoked Woody's bond and set the case for sentencing on May 31....more

Two Sent to Prison for Kidnapping and Drug Charges

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen's Career Gang Unit sent two men from Detroit to prison today following a violent kidnapping in north Knoxville. Darius Patterson, 29, was convicted of Especially Aggravated Kidnapping, Possession with Intent to Sell Cocaine, Possession with Intent to Sell Heroin, and Employing a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony. Patterson received a forty-year-sentence without the possibility of parole. Co-defendant Lavan Tremayne Johnson, 20, was convicted of Especially Aggravated Kidnapping, Possession with Intent to Sell Heroin, and Possession with Intent to Manufacture Fentanyl. Johnson was sentenced to serve thirty years in prison and is not eligible for parole until after he serves fifteen years....more

The Vibe Closed as Public Nuisance following Second Shooting this Year

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allens Major Crimes Unit and officers with KPDs Violence Reduction Team closed a local nightclub under the state nuisance law. The Vibe, located at 2630 North Broadway, was closed by order of Judge Bob McGee based on gang activity, shootings, and extremely violent behavior occurring at the club....more

Drug Dealer Kills Two while Evading Arrest

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen's office obtained a forty-eight-year sentence against a drug dealer who led officers on a high-speed chase in two counties before running a red light at seventy miles-per-hour, killing two people. Ralpheal Cameron Coffey, 29, was convicted of two counts of Vehicular Homicide, two counts of Reckless Homicide, two counts of Evading Arrest, Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Cocaine in a Drug Free School Zone, Simple Possession, and Driving on a Revoked License....more

North Knoxville Residence Padlocked Due to Drug Trafficking

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen's Career Gang and Felony Drug Units and investigators with KPD's Organized Crime Unit have closed a North Knoxville residence that has been a hub of drug activity. 3104 Forestdale Avenue was closed today by order of Judge Bob McGee under the state nuisance law....more

Motorcyclist Convicted of Impaired Driving for Third Time

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen's DUI Unit obtained convictions against a driver who was so impaired he could not operate a stationary motorcycle. Donnie Bridges, 66, was convicted of Driving Under the Influence Third Offense, Simple Possession of Cocaine, and Driving on a Revoked License....more

Professional Criminal Sentenced to Thirty Years for Home Burglaries

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen's Career Gang Unit obtained a thirty-year sentence against a career offender with over thirty prior felony convictions. Lawrence Dewaine Schumaker, 37, was convicted of eight cases of Aggravated Burglary. Judge Steve Sword sentenced Schumaker to serve thirty years in prison....more

Foster Father Convicted of Sexually Molesting Child

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen's Child Abuse Unit obtained multiple convictions against a foster father who sexually abused his adopted daughter. David Lynn Richards, Jr., 41, was convicted of Sexual Battery by an Authority Figure, Rape, Statutory Rape by an Authority Figure, Sexual Activity Involving a Minor, and Incest. Judge Steve Sword revoked the Defendant's bond and set the case for sentencing on March 28....more

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