Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and Police Chief Eve Thomas awarded the January Officer of the Month award to Sgt. Jeremy Maupin.  Sgt. Maupin has been with KPD since January 2001.

On January 9, 2018, at approximately 2:30 a.m., Sgt. Maupin was patrolling the motel areas of the Clinton Highway corridor due to increased overdose calls and complaints of drug sales in the area as a result of the current opiate epidemic. 

Sgt. Maupin observed a male sitting in a vehicle alone in the parking lot of the Super 8 Motel and thought that to be suspicious for the time of the night along with the history of drug use and other calls for service that have arisen in this immediate area. Sgt. Maupin stopped and initiated an investigation.  He quickly discovered the subject to be Matthew McBath who he knew to be involved in the illegal narcotics business and a known gang member from his previous work experience in the Organized Crime Unit.

At his initial contact with the suspect Sgt. Maupin detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from McBath’s vehicle.  During the investigation, the suspect became increasingly nervous and attempted to place his vehicle into gear to flee the scene.  Sgt. Maupin dove into the vehicle to prevent McBath from fleeing as back up officers arrived on the scene.  After a brief struggle, the suspect was taken into custody. 

McBath was found to be in possession of 32 grams of crack cocaine, 7 grams of marijuana, a loaded 9mm handgun with an extended magazine, and $5,212 in cash. McBath was charged with Possession of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Possession of Cocaine for Resale, Simple Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Chief Thomas said, “Sgt. Maupin’s investigation led to the seizure of all the contraband and cash, but more importantly, he took a dangerous felon off the streets of our community. He prevented countless future crimes from occurring, saved numerous citizens from becoming victimized, and perhaps saved lives in making this arrest.”

“This is the type of work that Sgt. Maupin conducts on a daily basis.  He serves as an example that all of his officers should attempt to emulate.  We recognize Sgt. Maupin for his efforts in this outstanding investigation and arrest,” Chief Thomas concluded.