Sheriff’s captain accused of sexual battery, assault in second recent TN law enforcement indictment

HARTSVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - A sheriff’s captain in Middle Tennessee was indicted Tuesday on multiple serious crimes and is accused of misconduct.

Trousdale County Sheriff’s Department Captain Matthew Wright, 44, was indicted Wednesday by a Grand Jury in Trousdale County. He faces charges of sexual battery, official misconduct and aggravated assault, per the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI).

The captain’s arrest and indictment come after he served more than two decades in the office, with Chief Deputy Wayland Cothron confirming Wright started at TCSD in 2002.

Indictment follows months-long TBI probe

The TBI began investigating Wright last September after he was accused of misconduct, the state agency said in a press release. The TCSD chief deputy confirmed that Wright was also placed that month on administrative leave without pay.

“During the investigation, agents collected and presented evidence alleging that Wright assaulted a woman and touched her inappropriately,” a press release said.

Further details on the events leading up to the alleged assault or if the woman knew him were not provided.

The TBI said District Attorney General Jason Lawson recused himself from the case, and District Attorney General Pro Tem Jesse Emerson of the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference was subsequently appointed to the case.

The sheriff’s captain was booked into the Trousdale County Jail, and his bond was set at $10,000.

WSMV4 has reached out to the Trousdale County Sheriff’s Office for comment and more information on Wright’s latest employment status.

Second Middle TN law enforcement indictment this month

The news of Wright’s indictment comes just days after the TBI announced the indictment of another Tennessee law enforcement officer.

READ MORE: Former Tennessee police officer indicted, charged following TBI probe into resident contact

Millersville Police Department Officer Michael Singleton was also accused of inappropriate contact with a woman. The 33-year-old was indicted earlier this month.