GALLATIN, Tenn. – Major Don Linzey with the Sumner County Sheriff's Department has resigned.
That's after he was placed on unpaid administrative leave amid alegations of misconduct.
The investigation alleged that he took drugs from an evidence storage locker.
NewsChannel 5 has learned that Major Don Linzy is now the focus of a TBI investigation. Sheriff Sonny Weatherford has confirmed that Linzy is on unpaid administrative leave.
The TBI opened an investigation into alleged misconduct at the request of Sheriff Weatherford and District Attorney Ray Whitley.
Sources tell NewsChannel 5 the investigation stems from allegations that Linzy tampered with evidence in closed drug cases. The investigation is said to include surveillance video of this occurring at the evidence locker.
Linzy is expected to testify in several pending cases. It's unclear how this situation will affect his involvement.
No charges have been filed as of yet.
This is a case that has rocked the sheriff's office. Trained by the FBI, Linzy is a decorated officer and has been recognized for his work on animal cruelty cases.
Over the years, he’s also worked undercover narcotics. He was later promoted to chief of detectives with the Sumner County Sheriff's Office -- that means he now supervises all criminal investigations.
Taking him off the job is a very big deal for the agency.
Linzy has spoken with NewsChannel 5 over the years about a number of high-profile cases.
No additional details were known. Linzy could not be reached for comment.
