Sheriff Tom Spangler launched this years Organized Retail Crime Holiday Task Force on Tuesday , November 17th, 2020. The Task Force is comprised of the ORC Units Captain, Sergeant, and the 3 Detectives who are regularly assigned year round, as well as Deputies from various other units inside the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.
As of Saturday evening the Task Force has arrested 114 people for various crimes, that include shoplifting, credit card fraud, check forgery, identity theft & drugs. The Task Force has also recovered multiple stolen vehicles and over 54,000.00 in stolen property for area merchants.
Sheriff Tom Spangler and members of The ORC Unit know this is so much more than just shoplifting. These are often times skilled criminals who use theft, fraud, forgery and drugs as their “career”.
The Task Force is something Sheriff Spangler has committed to local area retailers as well as the citizens of Knox County. It is a means to help keep shoppers and their identities safer as they enjoy Holiday Shopping.
These Deputies/Detectives are often unrecognizable, they look like any average citizen. They are walking stores, in parking lots, in the LP offices of retailers, all to keep the public safe.
Sheriff Spangler credits the hard work of the Loss Prevention and Management staff in these retail stores with the overall success of the Task Force.
“It’s important for them to know we are here to back them up, we are here to work alongside them to keep everyone safe, minimize the loss to both the retailer and consumer. It’s a win/win for all involved.” ~ Tom Spangler, Sheriff.

