Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and Police Chief David Rausch named Officer Caleb Crothers the April Officer of the Month. Officer Carothers has been with the department since January 2007.

Chief Rausch said in February Officer Crothers conducted surveillance operations to address drug complaints around the Broadway and Magnolia Avenue area. The surveillance operation was planned after conducting a great deal of intelligence gathering. During the operation Officer Crothers observed two individuals sell crack cocaine to a third party. Officer Crothers was only a couple of feet away when the transaction occurred enabling him to see and hear the entire discussion between the three individuals. Officer Crothers alerted other officers who were able to take the two suspects into custody. The suspects, James Geter (DOB 2-8-65) and Csilla Moore (DOB 12-8-86), were arrested without incident. A few grams of crack cocaine and a small amount of cash were confiscated during the arrests.

On April 4, 2014, Geter took a plea deal for 12 years for the sale and delivery of schedule II. He also was sentenced to two 4-year sentences for probation violations on previous drug offenses. The sentences, which are schedule to run consecutively to one another, added up to a 20 year sentence for Geter. Moore's case is still pending at this time.

Chief Rausch said, "Due to Officer Crothers' actions, a known supplier of illegal drugs to the area has been put in prison for many years. This case should have long term positive effects for the area and can be attributed to Officer Crothers' quality of work and willingness to make a difference for our citizens."


Click here to view a listing of previous KPD award winners.