A rural Tennessee deputy stands accused of trying to hire a hitman — and state investigators built the case themselves.
The case
Matthew Hopson, 29, worked as a Claiborne County deputy when the alleged scheme unfolded. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says agents began probing last October, after District Attorney Jared Effler asked them in. According to the TBI, the evidence shows Hopson solicited an individual as part of a hitman-for-hire scheme.
A Claiborne County grand jury indicted Hopson on August 13 on one count of official misconduct. He was booked into the Claiborne County Jail on a $10,000 bond.
What we don’t know
Who he allegedly tried to hire — and who the intended target was — has not been publicly identified. No court date has been announced.
What we’re watching
This story is developing. When the case moves — a hearing, new details, or answers on who the target was — we’ll update this story the same day.
The video is on our YouTube channel — look up Oh Dang Really.
Sources: Tennessee Bureau of Investigation; WIVK-FM, Knoxville. Booking photo: TBI.
