Elizabethton, TN – The Carter County Sheriff’s Office is responding to widespread rumors about a potential lawsuit, clarifying that no official court documents have been filed against the agency or its employees.
According to Sheriff Mike Fraley, reports began circulating on social media and through local news outlets claiming the office had been served in a lawsuit. Fraley said the department immediately verified the claims with staff and federal authorities. As of Wednesday, he confirmed no employees had been served and no case had been filed in federal court.
“We have received a copy of the document that is circulating,” Fraley stated in a written notice sent to Carter County Mayor Patty Woodby, county commissioners, and the district attorney. “The allegations are extremely serious, and we are carefully reviewing them. However, until we have been officially served, we cannot comment on what is, at this point, a non-event.”
Fraley emphasized that while the allegations in the document are concerning, the department will not address them until an official complaint is filed through the court system. He assured the public that once an official lawsuit is served, the Sheriff’s Office will review the claims in detail and provide updates to the community.
Community concerns have grown online as the alleged lawsuit document continues to circulate. Fraley reiterated that transparency will be a priority should the case proceed.
“This agency is committed to accountability,” the sheriff wrote. “We will keep the public informed and address the allegations once we are officially served with proper documents.”
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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