Career Criminal Sentenced to Twenty-Four Years

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Career Gang Unit obtained multiple convictions against a career offender whose prior criminal history began in the 1980s.  David Ronald Jones, 52, pled guilty to four counts of Auto Burglary and one count each of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Escape, Assault, and Theft.  Judge Steve Sword approved the plea and the sentence of twenty-four years to serve in the Tennessee Department of Correction.

In a plea colloquy, Assistant District Attorney Larry Dillon explained to the Court that on several occasions from December 2020 to March 2021, Jones broke into vehicles parked in the Market Square garage and State Street garage in downtown Knoxville and stole items including an air compressor and various tools.  After posting bond in these cases, Knoxville Police Department officers encountered Jones while he was in possession of a handgun.  Finally, when Jones was in custody and appearing in General Sessions Court on these charges, he attempted to escape custody by running from the courtroom.  Knox County Sheriff’s Office officers apprehended Jones as he attempted to leave the City/County Building.

“Repeat offenders who have spent their entire adult lives committing crimes should expect to receive lengthy prison sentences,” said DA Charme Allen.

Jones has nine prior felony convictions for criminal activity dating back to the 1980s, including three convictions for Aggravated Robbery and four convictions for Auto Burglary.  Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator Madison Keel 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.