In a press release from the office of District Attorney General Dave Clark, former Oak Ridge Police Department officer Zachary Gauthier has been indicted on 23 counts of official misconduct. An Anderson County Grand Jury laid out the charges after an internally sparked investigation within the police department, as reported by WVLT. Gauthier, 34, was booked into the Anderson County Detention Facility, with bond set at $50,000.
Arising from complaints within the Oak Ridge Police Department, the matter was approached by Clark for an independent investigation. After being terminated on April 24, 2025, Gauthier now faces legal repercussions, as noted by WATE. "It is a sad day when a law enforcement officer has to be charged with a crime," Clark stated, stressing the importance of police agencies demanding high ethical standards from their officers.
Dave Clark's comments were paralleled by the assurance from the Oak Ridge Police Department that they adhere to the highest levels of ethics and accountability. In a statement obtained by WBIR, Police Chief Robin Smith remarked, "The Oak Ridge Police Department holds its officers to the highest standards of professionalism, values, and integrity."
The internal investigation that led to Gauthier's dismissal involved allegations of unbecoming conduct, details of which have not been disclosed due to the ongoing legal process. However, the community was reassured, quoting Chief Smith, "We want to assure the public we take these matters seriously and remain committed to transparency, accountability, and the values that guide our service to this community," as mentioned by WBIR.
