DA’s office: Ex-Knox County deputy pleads guilty to exploitation of a minor

KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. ( WATE ) — A former Knox County Sheriff’s deputy pleaded guilty to aggravated exploitation of a minor, according to a spokesperson with the Knox County District Attorney’s Office.

The DA’s office released that Tim Stidam, who was indicted in May of 2022 , plead guilty to aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor and official misconduct.

Stidam was sentenced to serve four years in the Tennessee Department of Correction, with three of those years at 100%. The DA’s office added that Stidam is on the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry.

In March of 2022, Stidam was fired from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office during an internal investigation and “potential criminal probe” that was ongoing.

When Stidman was indicted and taken into custody, he was released after posting a $50,000 bond. The indictment listed the date of the alleged crimes as February 23, 2022.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.