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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Career Offender Crashes Vehicle Leaving Behind Drugs

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allens Felony Drug Unit obtained convictions against a career offender who ran from a traffic stop, leaving behind his methamphetamine. Noah Thomas Cox, 35, was convicted of Facilitation of Possession with Intent to Sell Methamphetamine in a Drug Free School Zone, Theft, Evading Arrest, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Driving on a Suspended License.

Impaired Driver Convicted of Felony

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allens DUI Unit obtained a felony conviction against an impaired driver who caused a traffic accident. Jorge Arturo Gutieres, 49, was convicted of Reckless Endangerment and Driving Under the Influence First Offense. Judge Steve Sword revoked Gutieres drivers license for violating the Implied Consent Law and set his case for sentencing on April 11.

Gangster Disciple Convicted of Murder

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allens Career Gang Unit obtained multiple convictions against a gang member who murdered a man last year on Martin Luther King, Jr., Avenue. Odell Luther Glass, Jr., 35, was convicted of First Degree Felony Murder, Reckless Homicide, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon. Judge Bob McGee sentenced Glass to life in prison with the possibility of parole after fifty-one years.