JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
During May’s County Commission meeting, Thomas Morgan, a Marion County resident, expressed several concerns and accusations regarding the operations of Tennessee’s 12th Judicial District Drug Task Force (DTF), as the Board reviewed a new interlocal agreement with the agency.
Morgan stated that he had attended the Task Force’s most recent workshop meeting and left with serious concerns. Among his chief worries was the DTF’s reliance on civil asset forfeiture—a legal process that allows law enforcement officers to seize property suspected of being connected to a crime, regardless of whether the property owner is convicted. He also raised concerns about the lack of accountability and oversight over the agency.
According to Morgan, the DTF operates under the authority of 12th District Attorney General Courtney Lynch, giving her full command over officers in the district’s executive branch—something he claimed violates Tennessee law.
He further alleged that no proper regulatory reports had been submitted to the County Commission and that there was no civilian oversight in place. He also pointed to a lack of structural reform following former DTF Director Cody Smith’s recent convictions for theft and drug possession. Additionally, he stated that Marion County receives a 1% share of all forfeiture funds collected by the DTF, which he believes creates a conflict of interest.
Morgan recommended several specific actions for the Commission to consider in response to his concerns. He urged the Board to audit and oversee all finances and operations of the Drug Task Force within Marion County and to prohibit the use of forfeiture funds unless they are tied to a criminal conviction. Additionally, he called for the creation of a new policy requiring Commission approval for any future interlocal agreements involving the DTF. Morgan also advocated for the establishment of a civilian oversight committee to monitor both the Drug Task Force and the Sheriff’s Department, noting that the county currently lacks internal affairs policies for either agency.
Commissioner Ruric Brandt requested feedback from County Attorney William Gouger, who acknowledged the legal concerns raised.
Despite the concerns raised, the County Commission unanimously approved the new interlocal agreement with the 12th Judicial Drug Task Force during the meeting. No amendments were made in response to Morgan’s statements, and no objections were raised by commissioners at the time.
