Former Corrections Officer Convicted

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Criminal Court Division obtained convictions against a former corrections officer who assaulted an inmate.  After less than an hour of deliberation, a Knox County jury found Nicholas Jeremiah Breeden, 37, guilty of Official Oppression and Assault.  Judge Bob McGee set the case for sentencing on January 26, 2017.

In a two-day trial, Assistant District Attorney Nate Ogle put proof before the jury that on November 28, 2014, Breeden was employed as a corrections officer in the Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility when he and other officers were tasked with gaining control of an inmate in his cell.  Officers were able to secure the inmate; however, two and a half minutes after the inmate was under control and restrained, Breeden kicked the inmate in the head.  Witnesses testified that anyone who had completed the Knox County Sheriff’s Office Training Academy would have known that this action was unlawful.  Breeden had completed that academy and had been a corrections officer for over three years at the time of the offense.

Official Oppression is a Class E felony that carries a punishment from one to two years. 

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.