Sneedville Man Indicted for Allegedly Tampering with Jurors in Hancock County
Jack Mullins, 75, allegedly contacted potential jurors before his own trial in an attempt to influence the outcome, according to TBI investigators.
SNEEDVILLE, TENNESSEE — A 75-year-old Sneedville man faces criminal charges after Tennessee Bureau of Investigation agents determined he contacted potential jurors in an attempt to influence his own trial outcome earlier this year.
Jack Mullins was indicted by a Hancock County Grand Jury on one count of Improper Influence of a Juror following a months-long investigation that began in February. The charges stem from allegations that Mullins contacted potential jurors ahead of his jury trial scheduled for February 26th in Hancock County.
TBI Investigation Launched
Special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation began their probe at the request of 3rd Judicial District Attorney General Dan Armstrong. The investigation focused on allegations involving Mullins, who was born August 19, 1950, and was serving as a defendant in the February trial.
During their investigation, TBI agents gathered evidence indicating that Mullins had contacted potential jurors in an attempt to influence the outcome of his trial. The specific nature of the contact and the number of potential jurors involved were not disclosed in the indictment.
Arrest and Charges
Mullins was arrested today with assistance from the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department and booked into the Hancock County Jail. He is being held on a $5,000 bond.
The indictment represents the culmination of a four-month investigation by TBI special agents working in coordination with the district attorney’s office. Jury tampering cases are serious violations of the judicial process and can carry significant penalties under Tennessee law.
Legal Proceedings Continue
The charges against Mullins are accusations of criminal conduct and not evidence of guilt. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt through due process of law.
The case will now proceed through the Hancock County court system, where prosecutors will present their evidence regarding the alleged jury tampering. The investigation was handled by TBI special agents under the oversight of Attorney General Armstrong’s office.
No additional details about the underlying February trial or the specific methods allegedly used to contact potential jurors have been released by investigators.
