ERWIN, Tenn. (AP) - A former East Tennessee Sheriff is being tried on two of 10 felony counts against him.
Opening statements came Monday in the trial of Kent Harris, the former sheriff of Unicoi County.
According to the Johnson City Press, the charges center on two vehicles, $4,500 in county funds and a pair of bloodhounds. The charges are theft over $1,000 and criminal simulation.
District Attorney General Tony Clark said in his opening statement that there was no need for money to be withdrawn because the vehicles were donated to the county.
Defense attorney Stacy Street said the money was intended to be used to train dogs for search and rescue work. Eventually, the dogs were donated to a bloodhound rescue organization.
The trial continues in Erwin.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
