TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Julia Wilburn on Jul 9, 2025

Knox County has dismantled the long-standing leadership at the Richard L. Bean Juvenile Detention Center following reports of alleged poor medical care, missing medication and retaliatory firing of whistleblowers. An 18-month transition plan approved by county commissioners will place control of the facility under the Knox County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) effective Jan. 1, 2026, while oversight will be provided by a newly appointed board and continued check-ins by the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services. The shift drew criticism due to concerns about the sheriff’s department, including a recent inmate death at the county jail. The overhaul follows the forced resignation of Richard Bean, who had run the facility since 1972 allegedy with little oversight and a handpicked board of trustees. Knox News has the story.