Executive Summary
- David Brewster indicted by Scott County grand jury on one count of sexual battery.
- TBI investigation alleges inappropriate contact with a female first responder at a scene.
- Brewster resigned as EMA director following the initial allegations in August.
- Defendant surrendered to authorities and was released on a $2,000 bond.
HUNTSVILLE, Tenn. – A former director of the Scott County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has been indicted by a grand jury on a charge of sexual battery following a state investigation into alleged misconduct.
David Brewster, 51, was charged with a single count of sexual battery on Wednesday, according to findings from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). The indictment follows a probe initiated in August upon referral by 8th Judicial District Attorney General Jared Effler. Investigators allege that Brewster inappropriately touched a female first responder while at the scene of an emergency incident.
Following the emergence of these allegations, Brewster resigned from his post as EMA director. The vacancy was publicly advertised by the Scott County Government in December. Prior to the indictment, the Scott County Ethics Committee attempted to convene regarding the matter, but County Attorney John Beaty advised against discussion due to the pending criminal investigation. The committee took no action as Brewster’s resignation had already rendered administrative measures moot.
Authorities confirmed that Brewster surrendered to law enforcement on Thursday and was released after posting a $2,000 bond.
Judicial Proceedings
This indictment formalizes the accusations against the former public official, transitioning the matter from an investigative phase to criminal adjudication. The court will now address the specific legal standards defining sexual battery within the context of professional interactions at an emergency scene. It is important to note that an indictment is solely an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
