An investigation by special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has led to the indictment of a former Union County deputy accused of using excessive force during an arrest.

In April, at the request of 8th Judicial District Attorney General Jared Effler, TBI agents began investigating the circumstances surrounding a use-of-force incident involving now-former Union County Deputy Ashton Cole Lambert. Investigators determined that on April 10, 2025, Lambert used excessive force while arresting a woman in Maynardville. Lambert was terminated by the Union County Sheriff’s Office after the allegations came to light.

On December 2, a Union County Grand Jury returned indictments charging Lambert, born February 9, 1993, with one count of assault and one count of official oppression.

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