Investigations – Property Crimes - Knox County Sheriff Website

Knox County
Sheriff's Office

KCSO PROPERTY CRIMES

The Property Crimes Unit investigates residential burglaries, business burglaries, vehicle burglaries, thefts, vandalisms and other property crimes. The detectives assigned to the unit work diligently to develop persons of interest, identify suspects, interview witnesses, to obtain evidence of the crime and to recover and return stolen property to the victims. The detectives work with surrounding law enforcement agencies to track patterns of criminal activity and to provide case information to the District Attorney’s Office to assist them in the prosecution of criminal cases. Find out about additional responsibilities below.

Pawn Shop Unit

The Pawn Shop Unit, while investigating assigned cases, monitor pawnshop databases to identify pawn patterns of persons of interest and to locate and return stolen property to the victim. Pawn shops and second hand stores are required by law to report pawns and purchases to a law enforcement. The Pawn Shop Unit insures the businesses are compliant with current state laws regarding the reporting of pawned and purchased items.

Auto Theft

Auto Theft Detectives investigate all motorized vehicle, camper, motorcycle, trailer, all-terrain vehicle thefts and scrap metal thefts. The Auto Theft Unit works with state and local agencies to identify persons of interest, patterns of motor vehicle thefts, and review scrap metal databases to recover and return stolen property to the victim.

Arson Investigations

Fire investigation, sometimes referred to as origin and cause investigation, is the analysis of fire-related incidents. After firefighters extinguish a fire, an investigation is launched to determine the origin and cause of the fire or explosion. Investigations of such incidents require a systematic approach and knowledge of basic fire science. Fire investigators conduct their investigations using a systematic approach. Fire/Arson Investigators compile evidence and information to determine criminal intent. They will interview witnesses and or suspect(s) to obtain reasonable suspicion and or probable cause to charge a suspect(s) with the crime.

Fraud & Forgery

The Fraud and Forgery Unit investigates cases involving identity theft, credit card fraud, forgery of financial instruments and counterfeit money. Fraud and Forgery Detectives work closely with financial institutions to obtain information of offenders. The Fraud and Forgery Detectives work with the Secret Service and other local agencies to investigate counterfeit money cases. This unit also works with Adult Protective Services investigating financial exploitation of the elderly and vulnerable adults.

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985

Total Unsolved Cases

40

Yearly Incurring Unsolved Cases

125

Cases Resolved by Cold Case Each Year

Contact Property Crimes

**If this is an emergency or if you are in need of police response, please call 911**

Knox County Sheriff's Office

Knoxville, TN

Tom Spangler, Sheriff

1985 Homicide of Betty Joyce Brown

On July 20, 1985 the burned body of Betty Joyce Brown,aka Simmons, was found in the woods at 3805 Maloney Road in South Knox County. The 29 year old Austin-East graduate had been stabbed before being burned. Ms. Brown was last seen on July 14, 1985 between midnight and 1:00am in front of the Bread Box at Magnolia Ave and Spruce Street. It is believed that Ms. Brown was offered and accepted a ride from an unknown subject. Ms. Brown’s last know address was 2737 Tarleton Ave. Initial investigation indicated that when Ms. Brown’s body was found, she had been dead approximately 1 week. Family members described Ms. Brown as being a “very sweet and loving mother.”

If you have any information please call the Knox County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit at (865)-215-3520/3590 or e-mail coldcase@knoxsheriff.org.