Career Offender Convicted of Bringing Drugs into Jail
DA Charme Allen announces that prosecutors in the Career Gang Unit obtained convictions against a man who was arrested at a traffic stop and then tried to bring methamphetamine into the jail. Harold Keith Davenport, 60, was convicted of Introduction of Contraband into a Penal Facility, Simple Possession, and several driving offenses. Judge Scott Green set the case for sentencing on January 24.
In a two-day trial, Assistant District Attorneys TaKisha Fitzgerald and Marissa Pecora explained to the jury that on June 8, 2023, Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Glenn Tucker conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Davenport on Clinton Highway because Davenport was on a cell phone and not wearing his seatbelt. Trp. Tucker learned that Davenport’s driver’s license was revoked because of a DUI 4th Offense. Davenport was arrested and taken to the detention facility. While going through the intake process, Knox County Sheriff’s Office corrections officers discovered a bag of methamphetamine that Davenport had hidden in his body.
“The work of these officers prevented dangerous drugs from coming into the jail,” said DA Allen.
Davenport has eight prior felony convictions from Knox, Loudon, and Anderson Counties for Theft, Vandalism, and Driving Under the Influence 4th Offense. Introduction of Contraband is a Class D felony, and because Davenport is a Career Offender, that offense carries a punishment of twelve years in prison. Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator Sheri Burkett aided in the prosecution of this case.
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.