Gay men won't hide in the woods. Equality Now.

One story is that he was in a work (Comcast) van.

Prayers go out to his wife and kids.

So much for cheap entertainment in bad taste.

Sad to hear. Prayers to him and his family.

anyone know the details of the so-called "surveillance operation?" was the city police or sheriff's office involved in the arrest?

The new date for the commissions vote on the budget is 4 June. A lot of time to research the issues. Not the time to get caught with your pants down. I hope the others are taking this budget seriously.

I wish this weren't news.

Sad that on the same day, you have a well qualified potential candidate ruled ineligible to run for office due to bipartisian judicial activism, while a commisioner gets busted for indecent exposure. Sad day for Knox Co.

I feel for his family. He has a wife and has raised 12 or more foster children.

How do we get people like this out of county government?

I'd bet it was city of Knoxville surveillence, can't imagine the Sheriff's Office taking out a commissioner unless it was just downright unavoidable

I don't agree w/ his politics, but this is a complete surprise. Prayers for him and his family.

I would be more sympathetic to him if I hadn't heard that he's been crowing about the North Carolina gay marriage ban, which also applies to civil unions.

(link...)

WATE article linked to above updated, Hammond calls for his resignation.

Hammond called on him to resign after he has his day in court. He did not call for him to resign immediately.

You addressed my question, Betty. Good thoughts toward his family as I too hope wife gets a good divorce lawyer.

I do not have sympathy or prayers for him. It is disgusting to see the good old boys crowd around him in support. But my biggest concern is for his children and foster children. What kind of model parent is he? I'm not afraid of homosexuality until the homosexual denies himself and cannot control his sexuality. This may be harsh but I am about protecting women and children first.

Details are out. (link) Not good.

You've summed up my thoughts very well Betty as you often do.

The closet is still a necessary tool for gay, bisexual, or curious men even here in today's 'enlightened' Tennessee. And probably most of them in the public eye turn to verbal gay bashing in order to reenforce their closet in an attempt to throw the hounds off the scent.

I can't find any sympathy for them when they get caught doing something this stupid.

Unless Ownby resigns, he will still be in office for the school budget vote. If he does resign, Commission must vote to replace him, and it may not be legal nor possible to do that in under two weeks, which could leave the 4th district without a vote on the budget.
I think he owes it to his constituents to continue to represent them unless and until an ouster has run its proper course. This is not a serious crime. It's a crime of morality, and it's not the government's place to enforce morality. I'd rather see him apply his small-government philosophy to his dilemma so that his juvenile politics can mature and make him a better advocate for the citizens he represents.

I would expect most of those phantom KNS comments to run along the lines of church ladies prayin' for the relatives. Believe me there are worse things in life than finding out a loved one is queer. It's not a terminal illness, for God's sake. Several of us have had relatives with church ladies prayin' for them on that account.

Of course he could have chosen a better way to come out.

My prayers are that he can find strength and come to peace w/ himself. And that his family can be protected as much as possible from the social stigma and humiliation.

Is anyone adequately familiar with the ouster and recall processes for county commission to give us all a primer?

My recollection from the city recall effort is that an ouster is a formal court proceeding that must meet standards of evidence and proof, whereas citizens can initiate a recall for pretty much any reason, and the question gets on the ballot if sufficient signatures are gathered. In other words, public officials have limited power to remove Ownby, but citizens of the 4th district are constrained only by their ability to organize whatever sentiment may exist for getting a new representative.

Commissioners should AT LEAST be generally law-abiding and educated.

It was just reported on the 4pm news that the foster kids were removed from his home. I have very mixed feeling about this. I do not condon his behavior in a park, but why is his preference for the same sex an issue with regards to being a good parent? Sounds like this is getting very political before he goes to court. This is not a Penn State like issue where he was having sex with minors. And being a role model does not justify this action.

DCS absolutely has responsibility to ensure the welfare of (all) children and this probably means taking the children away until their safety has been confirmed. I don't like the state telling parents what they can do with their children most of the time but this is a sexual crime.

Knoxville police park surveillance? An undercover officer? Sounds like the KPD have everything they need. I mean since they were keeping the park under surveillance I am sure they will be able to show the video tape they have. It is great that we have the resources we do to be able to put these criminals away. The days have come and gone where these people can say the officer is lying now that we have all this technology. Personally, I always record a video when I see something illegal taking place. Since we all have a cell phone and they all have cameras now, there is just no excuse for an officer to not have proof. Thank goodness for our highly trained professional police who will bring in the proof and not rely on "believe me because I am a police officer".
I can’t wait to see these harden criminals brought to justice.
Thank goodness forest rangers have more brains, last week I went fishing with a buddy. We both had to go to the restroom and there was nowhere to go. I had to number 1 and he had to number 2. Can’t imagine what KPD would have thought we were doing.

...recall had a very long timeline (months to years) and organizing to collect the large number of signatures in a short time (60 to 90 days?) made it a nearly impossible hurdle...

Tamara will remember better, but I hope she will stay focused on the school board and budget decisions.

I would have no interest whatsoever in participating in any recall or ouster effort focused on Jeff Ownby, even if I were his constituent in the Fourth Commission District.

I participated in the Bill Lockett recall effort not because he was alleged to have bilked his former employer, but because--after the time he won his seat in the primary--he was alleged to have been soliciting multiple "loans" from prominent developers he barely knew.

A public interest existed in that Lockett appeared poised to sell off the county's future revenue stream (with regard to TIFs he might recommend) to pad his own pockets.

That public interest became all the more pressing when media informed us that the legal community's three-member Board of Professional Responsibilty that was to review allegations against Lockett was a panel Lockett himself had previously served on.

So a concern also existed that the BPR might treat the allegations in a manner more friendly than you or I would treat them.

Jeff Ownby's arrest, though, raises no such concern that he might perform his official duties in a manner detrimental to the county.

I do think that, since Ownby serves on the body charged with enacting local law, his constituents are reasonable to expect that their representative on that body will also uphold local law. For that very general reason, I would not find his constituents unreasonable to ask for his resignation.

I don't suggest that with any sense of rightous indignation, though.

Really, I feel for Jeff now what I felt for Bill following the accidental shooting death of his son just prior to his hearing with the BPR. In a manner both consequential and coincidental, both men were experiencing tremendous upheaval in every aspect of their lives--professional, familial, and financial. I couldn't revel in their anguish.

You'll understand, then, if I don't link any text from the Knox County Charter or the Tennessee Annotated Code...

I should have added last night that I expect he will resign.

Or maybe I should say "expected." It's not clear to me at this juncture why he's hired such a high-dollar attorney to defend him in what is really a rather inconsequential crime (just $500 bond, I mean)? Does his having hired Issacs mean that he doesn't intend to resign?

Steve, I didn't quite follow a thread you opened yesterday on the subject of the TN Sexual Offender Registry. Have media reported somewhere that Ownby's misdemeanor will cause his name to land on that list? Did he hire Issacs in the hope of avoiding this possible consequence?

Tks for the info. Did not realize that. It must be hard on the kids involved.

According to the TN sex offender registry that lists all possible convictions-39-13-511 (ii) reasonably expects the acts would be viewed by others (a) will offend an ordinary viewer
There could be room with a good lawyer to get the charges down to a lesser offense IMO.

Just published this on my blog this afternoon. I think it's time for the Sentinel to offer clear, consistent policies on how they decide to publish, delete and disable comments on each story.

(link...)

- Katie

After hearing this story, and we had moved on to arguing another issue (health care), I wouldnt let my brother interrupt my argument. UntIl he stuck this one-liner in:

"Steve, just because I'm a Republican, doesn't mean I have a **** in my mouth and I can't talk about the issue."

Couldn't hear what he said next, laughing too hard.

Did anyone hear the rumor that the Ownby arrest was a setup by the KPD watch commander on duty the night the arrest went down? An information request could show that Ownby had been followed for weeks using KPD officers, to find out if there was anything that could be used to damage him politically. Would it be an abuse of power for a watch commander to use his position on the KPD to follow and entrap a fellow commissioner for political gain?

How many people have been arrested for indecent exposure on Sharps Ridge this year? It is a bit strange that sting operation, with cameras only netted two people. It is also strange that there were two sitting Knox County Commissioners involved in this drama, be it opposite sides of the law or not.

Anyone hear the rumor that there is a commissioner that works for the KPD that would like to be the next Knox County Sheriff?

Some officers may have heard that after the arrest, the watch commander bragged, “we finally got him on tape.”

Following people without cause is against KPD policy and is against the law.

Is there such a thing as political profiling by police officers under orders from their watch commander?

It would be interesting to find out exactly where along the 1.5 mile 111 acre park the surveillance
was set up. Lots of side roads and paths from what I read. If he was targeted it will make his defense that much easier. From reading about Sharps Ridge it kind of reminded me of the movie Deliverance with Burt.

Dear Randy,

I wish to apologize in advance for what I am about to do. I will likely be accused of not being a real American as well as being homophobic. It is inherent with being a humorist. If one truly has the ability to cut to the chase and hit nerves, eventually, everyone is offended.

That being said, the notion that is somehow the fault of the police commissioner that Jeff Ownby got caught during the spawning run of his trouser trout is so ludicrous that I have to explore it at length.

Thank you in advance for your consideration. This could well be the most fun I've had in a while.

Sincerely,

Bob

This is a hell of an explosive accusation, and one that's been circulating since the arrest.

I have no knowledge or opinion as to the truth of it, but that buzz started immediately, and not from Ownby.

* But I spoke to my primary source just now and he says that Ownby was unlucky enough to justcome along at the wrong time, stumble into a prostitution sting and get busted...

...that everyone in the Republican Party is gay.

" But I spoke to my primary source just now and he says that Ownby was unlucky enough to justcome along at the wrong time, stumble into a prostitution sting and get busted... "

McCracken is still in the detention center. McCracken wasn't in on it. It wasn't a sting. There were no other arrests. It was a setup to pressure Ownby on the school vote. Or to take him out.

Anders wants to be the next sheriff. And supports the school budget. Ownby was and maybe still is the swing vote to prevent a veto over ride. They found a way to get over on Ownby. No cop wants to be forced to do greasy private PI work. That is a morale killer in law enforcement. Hopefully someone will come forward and expose what happened. Anders bragging about having him on tape is worst than what Ownby did. And that was bad stuff. But Ownby's stuff is a misdemeanor. Surveillance without a warrant is serious bad law enforcement.

A couple of thoughts on some of the comments so far.

Ownby, if convicted, will not be put on the sex offender registry. According to the sex offender registry law, a person isn't put on the registry until a third offense for indecent exposure (unless the observer is a juvenile).

There is no expectation of privacy in a public park, or anywhere else on public property. Police are allowed to observe anyone on public property. I didn't cover this story, obviously, but it sure seems like KPD was set up in the park waiting for whoever came along. If there is credible evidence that they targeted Ownby, contact the KNS news desk at 342-6397 or news@knoxnews.com.

If Ownby resigns or decides not to vote on the school budget vote, it doesn't change the math. Six votes still will be needed to pass the budget proposal and seven still will be needed to override a veto.

While the claims made by LEO seem incredulous, the known facts of the Baumgartner saga should at least give pause in thinking they're impossible.

Agree with Scott's post (above). And am reminded of Lady Bird Johnson's comment when LBJ aide Walter Jenkins was arrested with another man in a Washington restroom. This was the 1960s so Jenkins promptly resigned, after failing to suppress the story.

LBJ distanced himself from the family friend, but Lady Bird spoke about the pressures and stress of his job.

Until you've been there you can't know the pressure a vote like the school board budget can bring on an officeholder. Jeff is pulled between vocal district supporters and his own connections with West High School (where principal Greg Roach left this year for a $10K raise in Maryville) versus his Tea Party political buddies who say no tax for no thing, no how.

No opinion, no solution -- just an observation.

Rather obviously, we do not wish for law officers to walk, bike, or drive around with their eyes closed. Neither do we generally wish them to ignore crime when they see it. So the question, if there is indeed one, becomes what is the legal difference between "saw" and "surveilled". I know of no restrictions on police officers being in public parks so, if one is there doing general checking and notes a crime taking place, they are obligated to act.

An individual who has sought a taxpayer supported position of public responsibility cannot possibly believe that they have an expectation of privacy in a public park.

Yikes, I will never go to a public park in Knoxville again. The local police may be recording me. Last year I spent time by the lake in Sequoyah Hills, reading and tanning. I had my top off to get some sun when I thought no one was around. Could the police have been hiding and looking, or worse yet, recording me?

There have been times in my younger years I would go up to Sharps ridge to look at the mountains and it was nice to not worry about being hit upon. Sure some guy would come over and chat but after he figured I was a real female the interest waned.

I'm wondering if it might be time for some of us S Knoxville women to integrate Fort Dickerson. Stage a sit in as it were. What next? --It might pave the way for families with children.

P.s. Sandy, topless sunbathing may not be a good idea in our local parks - we ain't France. Otherwise why not enjoy the parks. You're just hurting yourself by staging a boycott.

Since moving here from the D.C. area in 2007 (early retirement) there has been the Black Wednesday fiasco, a new Superintendent for schools hired that promised excellence for all children, the judicial system screwup, a trustee that pays out bonuses for course work not completed (what was completed was by someone else), trustees in court for hiring and paying ghost workers, and the KTSC board that does not know how much the CEO is making and getting credit for events they didn't book.
County government has never quite been the same since that Wednesday night. Seems that it brought out more arrogance in our politicians. We have a councilman now that may or may not have been a target of the police department.

I have to wonder about just two things WRT this latest fiasco, 1) Knox county taxes will be increased if the commissioners approve the school boards request. The likely vote to oppose this request looked like it was coming from Jeff Ownby. 2) JJ (KPD) did not propose an additional pay raise for all his people until he saw the school board request for extra funding. He just got a pay raise 6 months ago. But being a smart politician, knowing that there was a possible tax increase in the works, why not ask for twice as much and see if you can get half. (rule of thumb in the D.C. Area)

Just food for thought! This place has been messed up politically since I moved here and it does not seem to get any better as time goes on.

Pre-verts in ten gallon hats?

Fischbobber, I'm sure I left out a few things LOL. Will be interesting to see how things pan out between now and June 4th. Not to mention if Leno or Letterman picks up on this like they did with our legislature!

Ownby and McCracken should of gone to Timberfell..... BTW i wonder how long the officers watched the pair and what were they doing ???

Out west you have heavily populated by families. Topless sunbathing not advised.

I would think there would be too much light pollution for a telescope but I bet there are some good opportunities for night photography.

The last time I saw the city from there after dark was, I think, about 1967 or '68. We took a Pizza Palace Pizza and ate it as we enjoyed the view.

Ye gods, I was driving a '64 Grand Prix at the time and you couldn't pour gas onto the ground faster than it would flow through the carburetor on that thing. A slightly inebriated Sylvia S. (last name withheld to protect what is now a wrinkled old grandma) yelled "Stop the car", on the way up there while she climbed out, put her ear on the rail at the crossing, got back in and declared it safe to cross.

Oh, I'm sorry, I'm retrogressing again. We were discussing more recent photographic opportunities in the park.

After seeing the photos of these miscreants in the paper, I do have one piece of advice for Republicans who get caught diddling in the park. If it's gonna possibly cost you your career, you owe it to yourself to at least make it worth the risk by picking up some cutie instead of getting caught with an ogre.

Carry on.

KNS left the comments turned on for this story in 2010. One of the arrested was a youth pastor.

(link...)

I didn't get the reference either and upon following the google, I can certainly see how how a less than progressive person might be offended, but really?

Folks, a child didn't die here. Owenby's life is likely in upheaval, but when you get right down to it, his life was likely in a state of upheaval to begin with. I don't wish ill will on anyone, but.......

Banning obtuse humor is not the answer to whatever you six down votes saw as the problem.

Cool story, bro. Really. I thought the Caddy was going to fly apart on Kingston Pike and the whole escapade reminded me, as it probably did most around here, of my own similar misadventures in my youth. You were lucky indeed you didn't spend a night learning a life lesson in the drunk tank.

But acts of such youthful indiscretions are not really in the same league as Owenby's arrest. They'll always be youth shenanigans, but our parks being overrun with sex offenses is a more serious and chronic problem, I would think. And leniency or lack of it by law enforcement has changed over the years too.

I bought my first house in 1971 and the neighborhood kid who cut my grass, while hitting on me for a $5 loan to go to the prom, asked me if 'they' had a Sharp's Ridge when I was young. I told him I hoped he meant the park 'cause I'm sure Sharp's Ridge itself has been there a while.

Ownby did not attend today's Commission meeting, and despite a long roster of people speaking during public forum, no one addressed Ownby's arrest. If the subject came up at all, it would have been during the chairman's luncheon, which is not televised and I did not attend.

Yes, Rikki....residents could start a recall or seek an ouster suit. I was just addressing the issue regarding Commission, which doesn't have a role in either of those.

Nota sure I would judge how people in the district feel based on anonymous web comments or lack of same.

I for one have tried using other articles to solicit comments about this mess. News from sports and another but they were taken down fairly fast. A few stayed up but did not generate much. I find that a lot of comments just tend to generate insults between a few and usually end up off topic.

I live in the 4th, having moved there after Ownby was elected. I would like to see him resign, but don't see the efforts of a recall at this point. I could be wrong. My problem is that he is being a hypocrite, and that he chose to carry out a private act in a very public place. I don't care what happens Bettendorf to consenting adults, but I do care that the selfishness of the act was not considered. The marriage vows were still in place. There were children to consider. Anyone who wouldn't think about all if that, who apparently also put his job in jeopardy, appeared to be asking for the boil of his personal pain to be lanced. Otherwise, it seems he selected a much less risky way of getting his sexual needs met.

I have never liked his politics, but I am praying for his race and for his family. and I hope he realizes that he needs to just focus on that right now and doesn't need to be playing at public service at the same time.

I think Pam's using an iPad or something and autocorrect is the culprit. Same with "I don't care what happens Bettendorf to consenting adults."

I'm seeing this all over the internets these days. Sometimes you can't even understand what people are saying. I'm sure Pam will clarify.

IMO I do not think that anything will happen before the commission vote on the 4th. I believe that there will be enough votes to pass a tax increase for the school boards request along with half of JJ's request for his requested funding and a few of the other additions. I also believe that now there will be enough votes for the veto. After that it will be up to the 4th district and Jeff to determine the best for all. I say this because I have only lived in the area since 2007 and have seen and read about the politics that goes on in this county. I've posted many comments on the KNS website WRT the school budget and my opinion of the superintendents 5 star "excellence for all children" brief given in 2008 and the lack of any positive results for the K-3rd graders. IMO, what is going on behind closed doors right now will be demonstrated on the 4th of June. Politics as usual but I could be wrong!

Has anyone heard the rumor that the KPD does NOT have a video tape showing the public exposure on Sharps Ridge?

One would wonder why they claimed to have a video tape if there is not one.

Did the KNS verify there was a video tape before printing in the paper that there was?

Ownby was arrested for indecent exposure. McCracken was arrested for indecent exposure and trespassing. A Comcast vehicle was towed.

One possible explanation for this set of facts is that the violation occurred on Comcast property or property Comcast can access. As a Comcast employee, Ownby was not trespassing and was not charged. There are several small, fenced areas near and around the transmitter towers in the park.

There are also paths and areas where no-trespass signs have been posted to curtail the longstanding, ongoing use of the park as a sexual meetup spot for all genders and permutations, so this hypothesis is merely possible, not certain. It is consistent with what is known.

If this kind of stuff is going on with a lot of white guys, I, for one, am glad someones praying for our race. We can certainly use all the help we can get in these dark times.

See if you can leave Mitt Romney out though with some kind of Mormon loophole that only a southern evangelical could push through an ecclesiastic request such as this. The Methodists seem to be questioning the sincerity of my faith so God only knows what the Baptists are saying.

Let's all pray together so we can make it a majority rule thing and marginalize whatever direct influence I might be having (or not, just in case the Methodists are right) on God.

Mayor Rogero has a test now. She has to prove KPD didn't setup an elected county official to change the school board vote. Is Anders a straight up police officer? Or did he go off and do some secret policing?

Bullshit. Mayor Rogero doesn't have to do a damn thing. This whole conspiracy theory business is ridiculous and y'all need to knock it off or take it somewhere else.

In fact, if you have evidence you should take it to the DA. Oh, right, you don't trust him either. So take it to the TBI. Or better yet the DOJ. Police misconduct in the form of malicious prosecution is a federal crime under civil rights law. Up to you guys to prove it happened, not KPD or the mayor to prove it didn't. Sheesh.

I think there is much more to this story that we don't know yet, however, to suggest that Mayor Rogero had anything to do with it? She is one of the politicians that is the least likely to be corrupt in Knox IMO. Just have to wait for the June 4th vote.
Interesting article in the KNS about the Pond Gap's community school project today. Briggs and Hammond were in attendance and stated more of the commissioners should have attended.

LMAO, And I wonder why I have a hard time convincing people the importance of education in the K-3rd grade.

After reading through all these comments, I don't think anyone should complain about the numb skull crap often left on the KNS site.

Brad Anders conspiring to have Ownby arrested? That is the dumbest statement I've heard this week. But, also typical of a coward who hides in anonymity.

On a side note, the reason John "Release the" McCracken was charged with the trespass crime was because he had been caught at Sharps Ridge before and told not to come back.

Now, back to the regularly scheduled program.

When the KNS disabled comments, all the loonies came here to post their dribble. I would prefer they all stay at the KNS comments and leave this site to more intelligent discussion. However, it has been amusing to see misinformation bantered about and the depth of the conspiracy theories.

(Breathlessly) Tune in your ham radio, CT!

Brad's on there right now reportin' that he's trackin' Tony Norman through Tyson Park and Tony ain't wearin' nothin' but a weldin' helmet and a pair of hip waders!

Brad don't know what he's up to, but says Tony's a-draggin' a shop vac around behind him...

Just released by KNS that he does not plan to resign. Foster kids removal false.

As skeptical asI am about politics in Knox, he is the chairman, and as such needs to know who will be present for the vote. Not saying that others have not talked to Ownby.

After reading through all these comments, I don't think anyone should complain about the numb skull crap often left on the KNS site.

Yes they should. I don't think most of the comments you're referring to come from usual KV contributors. I'd bet they came over here from KNS because this thread is not closed.

And has any stupid comment at KNS been challenged by a KNS editor the way Randy did here?

Good for you! I do not normally read them, but might see the first few if I read an online article.

I commented on comments (?) more often when I was a reporter than I do now. It's time-consuming and I've got a job to do -- editing, researching and writing editorials, meetings, etc. Also, every day I have to greet the black helicopter that delivers the directives from the Illuminati.

You weren't supposed to admit that last part, but yeah--I understand. Reminds me of a story a friend told me many years ago. A co-worker of his who was a conspiratorial type (working for the federal government in Oak Ridge, of course--added irony) referred to the KNS as having a left-wing bias and pointed to the Scripps lighthouse logo on the front page stating something like, "That's all you need to know about this paper." Heh.

(This was long after the demise of the Journal and the known shift of your paper from left of center, as it was once considered to be. Guess I should have stated that first.)

It will be against the law for high school students to discuss the implications of this act and how it affects local government in civics, history, critical thinking, sociology, American government as well as a plethora of other approved and taught classes in Knox County.

The "Don't Say Gay" legislation has effectively precluded any discussion of whether or not Ownby's personal behavior interferes with his ability to effectively govern.

WHOA!!!!!

HEAD RUSH!!!!

I need a beer to ponder the deeper implications of just exactly what we are pulling off in the fourth. It would appear that Stacy Campfield has legalized right wing exhibitionist , non-conforming public sexual behavior. I knew that wasn't a wrestling mask. I saw Snuff (and, I might add, was deeply disturbed by the movie), but I never thought Campfield's motivation for his bizarre political behavior was just a front to legalize and socialize his deviant sexual proclivities. It boggles my mind.

The running commentary on the tribualtions of Mr. Ownby offer a fascinating window into the right-wing Tea Party Fox News movement. It appears that the movement is far more about tribalism than it is about a coherent political philosophy. Ownby came into office on a conservaitive small-government family values platform. These are the common themes on conservative talk-radio and on Fox News, helping define the core audeinces of these media. These are the same themes that drove unwavering support for State Senator Campfield as he pushed the 'don't say gay' bill, and made inaccurate pronouncements about the transmission of HIV. This is the same set of central themes that have driven things like the recent North Carolina one-man-one-woman marriage referendum.

Then suddenly Ownby is caught in an action that is seemingly anathema to the central underpinnings of the whole conservative movement. Surprisingly, the reaction from within is not what would be expected from a truly puritanical conservative movement. There has perhaps been some bewilderment and even a little dismay, but no shunning. Were the stated vaules of the movement truly central, Ownby would have been treated most harshly by those most closely affilited with him. Instead, he is defended. Conspiracy theories of a setup are proffered, and Bill Clinton's foibles are brought up. The supposed values of the gay community are even offered in attempts to deflect criticism from the left.

The phenomenon is similar to what happened after Rush Limbaugh was caught in deception and law-breaking as he fed his presciption drug addiction. His core audience, accustomed for years with harshly judging others based on a black-and-white worldview, suddenly discovered nuance in efforts to explain away the cognitive dissonance.

The only explanation is that the core values of the conservative tea-party movement has far more to do with tribalism than it does any particular stated political position. Adherents are more concerned about holding firm against declared enemies than they are about achieving the goals of their own stated agenda.

It is quite possible that Ownby could ride out the controversy, because it is more important to his supporters that they have "one of their own" in office than anything else. He may simply apologize for his actions, staing that he has sought counseling to correct his error. He could then try to paint himself as a victim of the slings and arrows of the liberal elite, and later charge forward, once again loudly proclaiming the supposed conservative values aganeda. Facts and consistency will be far less relevant than simply being a member of the tribe.

Such obvious lies. A helicopter. We all know the Illuminati have put implants in your head.

I always thought the helicopters were an elaborate decoy for a guy driving by in a Plymouth K Car delivering the instructions.

Come to think of it....isn't it Cohen??

There are multiple channels of communication - in addition to the aforementioned helicopters, implants and K-cars, we use TV towers on Sharp's Ridge with lights blinking Morse Code, certain words in crossword puzzles, smoke signals (why do you think the mulch facility is so close to the News Sentinel building?), homing pigeons and that guy in front of you in line at Pilot who buys 15 different kinds of scratch-off lottery tickets.

"Hey, the helipad for black helicopters got shut down at knoxnews so they were diverted to knoxviews": http://www.knoxnews.com/photos/galleries/2012/jun/04/knox-county-commision/46768/

As for exposing lewd behavior on video, the KPD outsources that: 
 http://www.knoxnews.com/videos/detail/hooked-prostitution-sting-nets-seven/