Knox County commissioners press for answers after McAlister's Deli incident; subpoena discussed

Commissioners at a Knox County Commission work session on Jan. 17 discussed next steps after an incident at McAlister's Deli involving a 15‑year‑old employee and county deputies.

Commissioner Amber Lundy, who brought the item forward, said she has asked the sheriff’s office for information and received an email from Sheriff Spangler saying he would not attend the workshop and that no county sheriff representatives would appear. Lundy said she was considering exercise of the commission’s subpoena power to compel testimony and records, naming potential targets as the officers involved, Sheriff Spangler and communications director Kimberly Glenn. Lundy said the move would require a two‑thirds vote: “I didn’t want to go this route, but … I’m gonna have to do it,” she said.

Public speakers at the meeting pressed for accountability. Rick Roach told the commission “Sheriff Spangler needs to be held accountable,” and linked the incident to broader concerns about training and responsiveness in the sheriff’s office. Will Bowen and other members of the public also criticized the sheriff’s department and the district attorney’s office, saying the county needs stronger oversight.

Several commissioners pushed back on framing the episode purely as a race issue while acknowledging community anger and pain. Commissioner Lee said she did not view the firing as a racial issue and asked whether counseling had been offered to the teenager; others, including Commissioner Lundy, said the incident highlighted longstanding concerns about how law‑enforcement actions affect young people and communities of color.

County legal staff said constitutionally elected officers have latitude to operate their offices, and the law director noted that subpoenas and similar investigatory steps have legal thresholds. No subpoena motion was made or voted on during the work session; Lundy said she would draft proposals and consult counsel about next steps. Commissioners encouraged continued dialogue and indicated they will consider formal options — from asking the sheriff for voluntary records and testimony to pursuing a subpoena if voluntary cooperation is not forthcoming.

The commission did not take a formal vote on disciplinary or investigatory actions at the meeting. Lundy said she would seek legal guidance and try first to obtain records and statements voluntarily before pursuing formal measures.