Daughter of Montgomery Co. sheriff under investigation by TBI

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – The daughter of Montgomery County Sheriff John Fuson is being investigated by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the agency confirmed Thursday.

A TBI spokesman said the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services received a suspected child abuse complaint at Tylertown Learning Center involving employee Sarah Fuson, the sheriff’s daughter.

“The District Attorney subsequently requested we investigate the matter,” TBI spokesman Josh DeVine wrote in an email. “That work remains active and ongoing.”

TBI is withholding details regarding the alleged abuse at the childcare center, citing an ongoing investigation.

TBI confirming the ongoing investigation into Sarah Fuson comes after her father denied reports that he changed the department’s mugshot policy to help protect his daughter. The sheriff released a memorandum on March 21 saying mugshots shared on social media can cause harm to one’s reputation and mental health. Therefore, his department would no longer be sharing them publicly online.

“My daughter has not been arrested or accused of anything. If she were, she would be entitled to the same protections as anyone else. The example of what’s going on right now, on social media, is the perfect example of the point, and purpose of this policy change,” John Fuson said in a written statement. “It is despicable that my daughter has to be yet another example of this nasty, inhumane, and disgusting commentary. I continue to receive numerous positive comments and words of encouragement in support of this policy change. I want to thank all of those who have reached out and shown that support. This is not the Montgomery County that I know, and I am confident that a majority of our citizens feel the same.”

The Tennessee Department of Human Services said it was aware of an incident at Tylertown Learning Center. TDHS oversees licensing for child day cares in Tennessee.

“The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS), Child Care Licensing Team is aware of an incident involving Tylertown Learning Center and a child in their care. Child mistreatment investigations are typically led by the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services, and they may be able to provide more information. However, TDHS will assist law enforcement and other authorities in their investigation as needed,” TDHS said in a statement.

Tylertown Learning Center said in a statement it is aware of the incident and cooperating with authorities.

“We were deeply saddened to learn an incident occurred between one of our students and a staff member at our facility (Tylertown Learning Center) on Tylertown Road.  The same day our director conducted an investigation that concluded in the staff member being terminated.  The student’s family as well as the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS) and the Clarksville Police Department (CPD) were immediately contacted to report what had occurred,” representatives said in a statement. “Both DCS and CPD sent representatives to investigate what had transpired.  Due to the nature of the incident, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) became involved and sent agents to investigate.  Our senior leadership and staff have fully cooperated with the authorities as they conducted their investigations.  It is our policy to fully cooperate with these authorities when dealing with the safety and welfare of our students and staff.  We have also supported the family of the student and will continue to do so through the conclusion of this process.”

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