Knox County DA’s Office: Gang member pleads guilty to drug, firearm charges

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — A Knoxville gang member has been sentenced to serve 30 years after he pleaded guilty to drug and firearm charges, the Knox County District Attorney’s Office said.

According to DA Charme Allen’s office, George Thomas Bryant, 33, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to sell fentanyl, possession of methamphetamine, and unlawful possession of a firearm. The DA’s office added that Bryant is a member of the Vice Lords gang and has 18 prior felony convictions.

Bryant’s trial was set to begin on Thursday, but during a plea announcement on Wednesday, prosecutors explained to the court that on April 4, 2023, a Knox County Sheriff’s Office deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle Bryant was driving on Clinton Highway. During the stop, Bryant appeared nervous and gave deputies a false name.

According to the DA’s office, Deputy Tucker Blakely saw a bag of drugs in the driver’s door and ordered Bryant out of the car, and Bryant attempted to close his car door and put the vehicle in drive. The deputies were able to remove Bryant from the car and placed him under arrest. The DA’s office said that deputies found multiple containers of fentanyl packaged for resale, more than $1900, digital scales and a loaded 0.40 caliber handgun when the vehicle was searched.

“Overdose deaths are decreasing, and aggressive prosecution of traffickers dealing fentanyl
helps save lives,” said DA Allen.

Allen’s office also shared that Bryant’s 18 prior felony convictions are out of Jefferson and Knox Counties for robbery, aggravated burglary, theft, and vandalism.

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