DAVE CLARK DISTRICT ATTORNEY GENERAL SEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT PHONE (865) 457-5640 STATE OF TENNESSEE 101 SOUTH MAIN STREET. SUITE 300 FACSIMILE (865] 4579352 CLINTON. TENNESSEE 37716 MEDIA RELEASE Contact: Dave Clark Release Date: Immediate This of?ce does not often comment regarding pending investigations or criminal cases. However an exception is being made in this case since it relates to public con?dence in the criminal justice system. A probationary Oak Ridge Police Of?cer named Cassen Jackson-Garrison has been investigated, terminated and will be prosecuted for allegations of statutory rape of a sixteen year old girl and other charges. The Victim?s stepfather, who was in custody at the Anderson County Detention Facility (ACDF), made an allegation that an ORPD Of?cer had engaged in inappropriate contact with his stepdaughter. The allegation was made to an Anderson County Sheriff 3 Deputy Investigator who was present in the jail that an Oak Ridge of?cer was having inappropriate contact with his stepdaughter. Garrison was one of two of?cers who met the victim when he responded to the victim?s home in connection with a domestic violence complaint. As a result of that complaint, the victim?s stepfather was arrested and remains in custody at the ACDF. The ACSO Investigator made contact with the victim?s mother who corroborated the basis of the stepfather?s allegations. As a result, that ACSO Investigator contacted ORPD commanders regarding the complaint. That complaint was received by ORPD at approximately 4:00 P.M. on Thursday August 13, 2015. Realizing the nature and implications of the complaint, ORPD immediately contacted District Attorney General Clark. Concerns were immediately formed about the preservation of digital and biological evidence as well as the immediate need to remove Garrison from duty if it appeared there was any basis for the complaint. The Investigation continued throughout the night of August 13th. With the concurrence of ORPD, District Attorney General Clark contacted the TBI and assigned the investigation to them with the involvement of the Anderson County Sheriff' 5 Of?ce, ORPD, The District Attorney General, the Seventh Judicial Crime Task Force and the Oliver Springs Police Department (providing technical equipment and expertise in digital investigation). Garrison, who was off-duty, was contacted and interviewed by the TBI late the night of August 13th. At the conclusion of the interview, it was determined that there was probable cause to believe that on at least one occasion, and while on duty, Garrison parked his ORPD cruiser near the victim?s home and walked to her home while her mother was away at work. It is believed that Garrison entered the home and had sexual intercourse with the minor victim. Garrison was immediately suspended from duty by ORPD consistent with City policy. He was escorted home by other ORPD of?cers at approximately 3 :00 AM. on August 14th where his weapons and other ORPD equipment were taken from him. The following morning by 10:30 A.M., ORPD and City staff completed their administrative requirements and Garrison was terminated. The TBI will continue its investigation and, once concluded, charges will be presented to the Anderson County Grand Jury for consideration of criminal indictments. District Attorney General Clark remarked, am angry and bitterly disappointed in Garrison?s conduct on duty. Services will be offered for the victim and to help this family. The State of Tennessee will work hard to do justice in this case. At the same time, I am immensely proud of the other law enforcement of?cers and agencies involved who communicated and worked together quickly and decisively to protect the victim and the public at large as well as the reputation of the criminal justice system. It would not be possible to move any quicker than we did that nigh Oak Ridge City Manager Mark Watson remarked, ?The serious nature of this allegation led to immediate and decisive review within our internal City structures. After review, the City Manager took immediate action to terminate the services of Of?cer Garrison at 10:30 AM. on Friday morning. The City of Oak Ridge welcomes the assistance of District Attorney General Clark and the TBI on this very serious matter.?