KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Knoxville Police Department officer Shigeki Nagamoto has resigned amid an active criminal investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) into alleged misconduct.
According to an independent source, allegedly the investigation centers on possible sexual abuse of a female corpse discovered following a potential drug overdose. However, authorities have not issued any formal statements regarding the specific reason for the investigation, and no arrests have been made in relation to the alleged event. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Nagamoto, who joined the force in October 2020 and had no prior disciplinary record, submitted his resignation over the July 4 holiday weekend. His departure followed a June 22 order from KPD Chief Paul Noel requiring him to surrender his gun and police gear.
Prior to his resignation, Nagamoto had his police powers suspended and was placed on administrative reassignment. His duties were restricted to the department’s administrative wing, which typically involves answering phone calls.
The internal shift occurred after the TBI launched its criminal inquiry, a probe specifically requested by Knox County District Attorney Charme Allen. Concurrently, KPD’s Office of Professional Standards opened an internal investigation into the former officer’s conduct.
Authorities have maintained a tight lid on the ongoing case. A TBI spokesperson declined to answer specific questions, confirming only the involvement of the District Attorney. A spokesperson for the DA’s office has not provided a comment, and Nagamoto declined to answer questions when reached by phone on July 7.
KPD spokesperson Scott Erland confirmed the parallel investigations and stated the department’s intent to cooperate fully with state authorities despite Nagamoto’s departure.
“Though he is no longer an employee of the Knoxville Police Department, we will continue to support the ongoing criminal investigation as needed,” Erland said.
The resignation comes during a period of heightened public scrutiny for the Knoxville Police Department, which has navigated several unrelated personnel controversies in recent months. These include prior issues involving domestic violence records, dropped assault charges, and internal disciplinary actions. Officials note that none of those incidents are connected to the current investigation into Nagamoto.
The TBI investigation remains active. No additional public statements have been issued by Nagamoto or his legal representatives.