Knox County Sheriff Confirms No Active Cases Involving Tren de Aragua Gang

KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. — While Tennessee officials raise concerns about a violent Venezuelan gang operating in major cities, Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler confirmed there are no active investigations involving the gang in the area.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation TBI issued a warning earlier this week about the gang, known as Tren de Aragua, being spotted in metropolitan areas statewide.

However, Sheriff Spangler stated on social media Saturday that the Knox County Sheriff’s Office KCSO has not identified any gang members in local correctional facilities or active cases tied to the group.

We will remain vigilant and keep you informed if there is a status change! Spangler assured residents.

TBI Director David Rausch explained that the gang primarily engages in human trafficking and operates in Tennessee’s larger cities. The agency’s goal in sharing this information is to raise awareness, not cause alarm.

I don’t think we’re at the point of people needing to watch outside their homes, but this group’s activity is a concern for law enforcement, Rausch said.

According to the TBI, the gang’s criminal operations often start by abducting women from Venezuela, trafficking them to the U.S., and escalating to drug-related crimes, organized retail theft, and violence.

Leave a Comment