HARTSVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A now-former employee of the Trousdale County Utility District has been arrested and charged following a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation probe.
According to the TBI, agents began investigating Joe Slagle, 52, on Sept. 12, 2025, at the request of 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson, after allegations surfaced that he was having sexual contact with an inmate.
On Feb. 17, a Trousdale County Grand Jury indicted Slagle on four counts of sexual contact with an inmate. He turned himself in and was booked into the Trousdale County Jail on a $30,000 bond.
Our viewers are the best! When Hannah McDonald highlighted the plight of Serenity Sumler, so many of you immediately stepped up. Serenity stopped to help a driver after spotting a wreck and was hit by another car, resulting in terrible injuries. Without the funds to pay for physical therapy, she was at a loss. Because of the kindness of others - she now can rehab and get back to school. Best of luck to her as she trains to become a chef!
- Carrie Sharp
