Knoxville police officer Shigeki Nagamoto walked away from the force on July 4, just days after state agents opened a criminal investigation into his conduct and the department pulled his badge and gun. City and law enforcement officials say the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is handling the criminal side while Knoxville police run their own internal review.
The department’s internal probe was already underway when, on June 22, Chief Paul Noel signed a letter ordering Nagamoto to surrender his duty weapon and patrol gear, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel. At the request of Knox County District Attorney Charme Allen, the TBI confirmed it has opened a criminal inquiry, and KPD spokesman Scott Erland told reporters Nagamoto was moved off patrol pending that probe. The officer turned in his service pistol and equipment before formally resigning on July 4 and declined to answer questions when reached by phone this week, the paper reported.
TBI's Role and Process
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation typically steps in when a district attorney wants an outside agency to take the lead on a criminal review, collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses so prosecutors can decide whether to file charges. Recent TBI notices in Knox County show the agency acting at the request of 6th Judicial District Attorney Charme Allen in officer-related matters; background on that role is available from the agency at the newsroom site for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Department Records and Personnel Action
Public personnel files reviewed by city officials do not list any prior sustained discipline for Nagamoto, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel. The ongoing internal review led to his reassignment off patrol while the matter is examined. The June 22 order to turn in his weapon and gear, signed by Chief Noel, was followed by Nagamoto’s compliance and later his resignation, department officials say.
What Comes Next
The TBI’s findings will be turned over to the Knox County district attorney, who will decide whether criminal charges are warranted. Resigning from the department does not stop that process. If prosecutors file charges or Knoxville police take further administrative action, the Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission could review Nagamoto’s state certification and, if it chose, move to decertify him, which would block him from working as a law enforcement officer anywhere in Tennessee. Details on that authority are outlined by the Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission.
