A Wilson County Sheriff's Office deputy was fired after being indicted on multiple sex charges including sexual exploitation of a minor and aggravated sexual battery.
Veteran deputy, 45-year-old Joseph R. Patton was terminated on Sept. 8. Patton was a civil service process server prior to his termination.
He was charged with ten counts of aggravated sexual battery by an authority figure and 10 counts of especially aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor involving a 16-year-old.
The charges stemmed from alleged incidents that occurred last year at Patton’s home when he was off duty.
The initial arrangement date has been scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Oct. 7.
“Once the allegations were reported, a criminal investigation was conducted with the assistance of the District Attorney’s Office and presented to the Wilson County Grand Jury who returned with the indictments,” Sheriff Robert Bryan said. “We take all allegations against our personnel seriously, and we acted swiftly to thoroughly investigate and prosecute this complaint."
Patton had been with the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office for 24 years prior to being terminated.
