Deputies And Police Officers, Armed With Court Order, Not Allowed To Sweep Jail For Illegal Drugs

A surprise drug search at the Knox County Jail has once again put Judge-Executive Raymond Smith and Knox County Jailer Preston Smith at odds.

Police officers say Preston Smith refused to let them carry out a court-ordered drug search at the jail Tuesday.

Knox County Sheriff Public Relations Deputy Libby Carnes said Raymond Smith ordered the search after many allegations of in-jail drug possession had been received by both the sheriff's department and judge's office.

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