Federal subpoenas issued for Knox County officials

 A number of subpoenas issued by the United States Attorney’s office have been served on businesses and residents around the Knox County area. The subpoenas command these witnesses appear and testify before a federal grand jury in London on Sept. 23.

Federal officials are reluctant to comment on an ongoing investigation; however, the Mountain Advocate reached out to the U.S. Attorney’s office Monday to request any information they could release about the subpoenas. Their Public Affairs Officer, Kyle Edelen, not surprisingly, refused to comment.

Judge Executive J.M. Hall, when asked if he had received a subpoena, said “no.”  The judge further stated that he “was not aware of any federal investigation” involving the county. Four of five magistrates contacted have not been subpoenaed, nor are aware of a grand jury investigation.

While there has been no information released by the U.S. States Attorney’s office on exactly who or what they are investigating, the Mountain Advocate has learned that at least two Knox residents who received subpoenas were questioned about the county’s use of gravel, one of those instances being located in the Flat Lick area.

The fact that there is an investigation does not necessarily mean there is any wrong-doing or that anyone will be indicted on criminal charges. Based on allegations received by the federal investigators, the grand jury will hear testimony from those subpoenaed to determine if there is enough evidence to bring criminal charges against an individual or individuals.