A Knoxville man is facing a lengthy prison sentence after his involvement in a drug-related incident last year. Jeremiah Shannon Mills, 33, was handed a 15-year sentence for charges including Possession with Intent to Sell Methamphetamine, Driving Under the Influence, and Reckless Endangerment. This decision was announced by District Attorney Charme Allen.
During a trial in January, evidence was presented by Assistant District Attorneys TaKisha Fitzgerald and Molly Martin on the case stemming from an event on May 8, 2024. Knoxville Police Officer Christopher McCurry responded to a report of a vehicle crashing into a garage on Orangewood Road, according to a press release from the District Attorney's Office. At the scene, Mills was found unconscious in his vehicle and was revived with naloxone, an opioid overdose antidote. Upon regaining consciousness, Mills claimed he had not taken drugs, but officers discovered a bag at his feet containing thirty-three grams of methamphetamine and a smaller amount of fentanyl.
DA Allen highlighted the importance of law enforcement's role in addressing the opioid crisis, stating, "Part of the decrease in overdose deaths is due to taking both the drugs and the dealers off the streets," as mentioned in the same press release. Mills' prior record includes three felony convictions related to drug dealing, weapons, and evidence tampering. Additionally, Mills has been identified as a member of the Crips gang.
The sentencing handed down by Judge Scott Green is particularly significant as it must run consecutively to another case, owing to the fact that Mills was on parole when he committed the recent offense. The legal team, including Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator Sheri Burkett and Legal Secretary Cathleen Wilson, contributed to the prosecution's efforts in this case. For further inquiries, Sean McDermott of the District Attorney's Office provided contact information for those seeking more details about the case or the DA's office activities.
