Audits

Deputy Jerry Burns – Blount County Sheriff’s Office

Written by CBKN76

In July 2016, Deputy Jerry Burns was involved in the death of Anthony Edwards following an altercation. Burns stopped Edwards and another individual for questioning, during which Edwards fled. After a chase, Burns used a Taser unsuccessfully and subsequently tackled Edwards, allegedly slamming his head to the ground. Edwards sustained a skull fracture, brain bleeding, multiple rib fractures, and contusions, leading to his death. A wrongful death lawsuit accused Burns of excessive force and the Blount County Sheriff’s Office of fostering a ‘culture of violence.’ The lawsuit also alleged attempts to cover up the incident. The Blount County District Attorney did not pursue criminal charges against Burns. ([wate.com](https://www.wate.com/news/local-news/lawsuit-blount-county-sheriffs-office-culture-of-violence-led-to-mans-death/?utm_source=openai))

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