A group of ministers said they believe there is other "corruption" in the Sheriff's Office other than a deputy who was indicted.
The group said, "The Consortium of pastors and ministers acknowledge and applaud District Attorney Neal Pinkston in his pursuit and commitment to justice. Indicting Deputy Daniel Wilkey of the Hamilton County Sherriff’s Department indicates a commitment to justice. As African American pastors and ministers, we have historically experienced the consequences of challenging the status quo; and have encountered the vitriolic nature that is the result of standing up against the power structure. We are struggling with the inability of the Hamilton County Tennessee Sheriff, Jim Hammond to effectively govern the office to which he was elected.
"It is no doubt that District Attorney Pinkston will be challenged by the power structure for just doing his job, because he has pulled back the covers exposing the systemic problem of corruption that exists in Sheriff Jim Hammond’s office. We have discovered that there are those who swore to protect and serve us, but are predators and career criminals with a badge.
"The unveiling of the lengthy rap sheet of Daniel Wilkey has brought to light that the most vulnerable among us are targets of the unjust culture existing in the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department. Not only does racism exist in this department but it violates defenseless bodies across racial and gender lines. The actions of Daniel Wilkey and those who stood by and did not come to the defense of the people being violated, serves as an example that if any member of our community is unsafe ALL are in jeopardy.
"The indictment of Deputy Wilkey is only a step in the right direction. The fact that there were other officers who witnessed the objectionable behavior and were complicit in it, by their silence, speaks to a larger problem. The fact that a deputy with such a lengthy history of malfeasance is called good and seasoned by the Sheriff speaks to a larger problem. The fact that the Sheriff publicly lectured black pastors to teach our people to comply while heading a department of men he “stands by” who show no regard for human dignity speaks to a larger problem. The fact that there are still questions about Daniel Wilkey’s employment even after the indictment speaks to a larger problem. Is this the type officer you stand by?
"When blatant misconduct and obvious violations of humanity is upheld and supported by a power structure, we cannot help but wonder what else is going on that we do not know about. How many other officers are there like this? How can an officer like Wilkey be on the streets? How often, if ever is dash cam or camera footage reviewed?
"So we thank God for all community leaders, community organizations, pastors, ministers and elected officials who have been persistent in the call for justice. Indeed, we are thankful for the courage of District Attorney Neal Pinkston. We have come this far through the struggle not forgetting nor relenting from our initial request and goal. We will not rest until competent, professional and compassionate leadership is in the seat of the Sheriff, and Jim Hammond has proven that neither of these are attributes he possess. We will continue to explore options to get Sheriff Hammond removed because 2022 is too long to wait."