UNION COUNTY - An investigation conducted by special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has led to the formal indictment of a former Union County deputy.

In April, TBI agents commenced a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding a use-of-force incident involving the now-former Union County Deputy Ashton Cole Lambert. During the course of this investigation, agents discovered that on April 10, 2025, Lambert applied excessive force during the arrest of a woman in Maynardville. Consequently, Lambert was terminated by the Union County Sheriff’s Office once the allegations came to light.

On December 2nd, the Union County Grand Jury issued indictments charging Ashton Lambert (DOB: 02/09/93) with one count of Assault and one count of Official Oppression. Following this, on December 11th, he voluntarily turned himself in and was booked into the Union County Jail under a $2,500 bond.

It is important to note that the charges and allegations referenced in this release are merely accusations of criminal conduct, and do not constitute evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law. This principle of presumed innocence is a fundamental aspect of the judicial process, ensuring that individuals are treated fairly even when facing serious accusations.