TBI Investigates Detective’s Testimony

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation revealed Wednesday afternoon that they are launching an investigation into Detective Floyd Rodney Burns of the Gatlinburg Police Department.

Josh DeVine, a representative with the TBI, stated, “We are only confirming the District Attorney General has requested TBI Agents investigate a perjury allegation involving Rodney Burns. We will conduct the investigation and submit findings to the District Attorney General for his further review and consideration.”

Hamilton County District Attorney Neal Pinkston’s office released the following statement this afternoon:

“At the request of Hamilton County District Attorney General Neal Pinkston, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation will investigate Gatlinburg Police Department Detective Floyd Rodney Burns for perjurious testimony related to statements he made during sworn testimony in Hamilton County Juvenile Court on Monday, February 15, 2015, regarding the assaults and rapes of four Ooltewah High School freshmen basketball players at a tournament in Sevier County last December.”

Allegedly, Burns’ testimony on Monday was in stark contrast to what his preliminary reports had stated, according to a representative from the Hamilton County DA’s office, when the assaults were first investigated in December and has prompted the DA’s request for TBI’s help. Reportedly, in his testimony on Monday, Burns stated that he did not believe that the assaults were sexual in nature, but something that stupid kids do.

Gatlinburg Police Chief Randy Brackins released the following statement via City Public Relations Officer Marci Claude:

“The City of Gatlinburg and the Gatlinburg Police Department take all reported crimes very seriously and strive to ensure public safety for all our citizens and visitors.  Due to the pending trial of the Ooltewa juvenile case we cannot comment on this matter at this time.”

Updates will be posted as they become available.