The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation arrested a Hawkins County Sheriff's Deputy Thursday night for theft of evidence from the Sheriff's Office.
Investigators charged 42-year old Brad Depew of Church Hill with burglary, theft and tampering with evidence.
The TBI, with assistance from the Tennessee Highway Patrol, searched Depew's home looking for narcotics and other evidence missing from the Hawkins County Sheriff's Office evidence room.
Depew was booked into the Hawkins County Jail.
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UPDATE: April 22, 2011 12:33 p.m.
The arrest of Hawkins County Sheriff's Department Deputy Brad Depew leaves the Sheriff's office coping with another issue.
Since Depew is accused of tampering with evidence, how will it effect the case, or cases, relying upon those items?
Carter County Sheriff Chris Mathes said it could compromise the entire investigation and effectively kill it.
Attorney Keith Bowers added the evidence Depew allegedly stole could be thrown out of trial.
"The defense council could file motions to exclude or put on hold part of the evidence that this officer either handled or had in his chain of custody," said Bowers.
In fact, Bowers said if Depew is found guilty, defense attorneys could make the argument that past cases he was involved with should be reopened.
For a full video report, click play above.
mhipolit@11connects.com
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