Wilson County deputy accused of sex crimes, fired
LEBANON, Tenn. (AP) – A veteran Wilson County Sheriff’s Office deputy has been fired after being indicted on sex charges involving a 16-year-old.
Sheriff Robert Bryan tells news organizations that 45-year-old Joseph R. Patton was a civil service process server prior to his termination Thursday.
Patton, who was arrested Monday, is charged with 10 counts of aggravated sexual battery by an authority figure and 10 counts of especially aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor.
Authorities say the charges stem from incidents that occurred last year at Patton’s home when he was off-duty.
He had been with the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office for 24 years.
It is unclear whether Patton has an attorney to comment on the charges.
