A Blount County probation officer is behind bars after state investigators say he had sexual contact with a woman he was supervising. Authorities have identified the officer as James Glenn Dale, who is now facing charges of official misconduct, official oppression, and sexual contact with a probationer. Dale was booked into the Blount County Adult Detention Facility and is being held on a high bond.
According to a news release from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, agents opened the case in January at the request of 5th Judicial District Attorney General Ryan Desmond. Investigators say they developed evidence pointing to criminal conduct involving a female probationer under Dale’s supervision. As reported by WATE 6 On Your Side, Dale’s bond was set at $250,000, and the station identified the East Tennessee Human Resource Agency as his employer.
What Investigators Say Happened
In its release, the TBI stressed that “the charges and allegations referenced in this release are merely accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence.” Agents allege that Dale had sexual contact with a probationer who was under his supervision. The agency lists counts of official misconduct and official oppression along with the sexual-contact allegation, and says its investigation produced probable cause to seek criminal charges. Those are allegations, and Dale is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in court.
The Employer And Local Supervision Programs
The East Tennessee Human Resource Agency oversees community-corrections and day-reporting programs that supervise people on probation in Blount County and surrounding areas. The agency’s website says those programs aim to reduce recidivism while protecting public safety, and notes that they connect participants with services such as treatment and job support, per the East Tennessee Human Resource Agency. Local probation and community-corrections efforts often rely on outside providers to deliver those services to people under court supervision.
What Happens Next In Court
Dale remained in custody at the Blount County Adult Detention Facility on a $250,000 bond, according to the WATE report. The case will move through the 5th Judicial District, where prosecutors will decide which charges to formally present in court. Upcoming hearings and filings are expected to appear on local court dockets as the case progresses.
