During the past 14 months, Sheriff Austin Garrett spent about $5,400 of Hamilton County funds across nearly five weeks of travel from a Virginia FBI graduation to a meeting with U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty.

Through an open records request, the Chattanooga Times Free Press obtained Garrett’s travel expenses from January 2024 through February 2025, which show Garrett expensed about $5,400 for 34 days of engagements outside of Hamilton County.

As a working sheriff, Garrett is dedicated to the safety and well-being of the county 24/7, 365 days a year, spokesperson Matt Lea said by email.

“While he is elected, he will be the first to tell you he is not a politician, nor has he forgotten how to conduct law enforcement operations,” Lea said. “He actively responds to incidents, pursuits and traffic stops at all hours, side-by-side with our personnel. Whether in town or on the road, he regularly communicates with his leadership team to ensure the safety and security of our community.”

Garrett’s travels were mentioned twice this year in federal lawsuits filed by former District Attorney Neal Pinkston on behalf of Deward Johnson and Christopher Ayala.

Johnson was arrested around 6:30 a.m. on March 14, 2024, in connection with a year-old shoplifting incident at a Chattanooga Walmart and was dead by 9:25 p.m. while in the custody of the sheriff’s office, the complaint said. Ayala was arrested April 27, 2024, on charges of improper use of 911, and medical staff found him to be comatose after spending less than four hours inside the Hamilton County Jail.

Pinkston alleged in both lawsuits that instead of improving Hamilton County Jail conditions, Garrett devoted significant time to addressing problems 1,200 miles away at the U.S. Southern border months prior to Ayala and Deward’s detention.

“In addition to touring Eagle Pass, Texas, as part of a group led by U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty, Garrett traveled to Nashville to participate in a press conference about the trip,” the complaints said. “He and Hagerty also hosted a ‘public’ event at the private Walden Club to ‘help our community understand’ … the ‘unmitigated disaster we are seeing unfold at the border.'”

Lea said this point of view overlooks the reality that law enforcement and government leaders worldwide routinely engage in educational opportunities, training and personal time without compromising their responsibilities or ability to lead.

“For an attorney, especially a former district attorney who also traveled to conferences and educational engagements himself, to suggest that Sheriff Garrett cannot lead the agency while attending a conference is short-sighted and petty,” Lea said.

Pinkston, however, said by text message his travels as district attorney are public record, and people will find he only attended meetings required by the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference.

The lawsuits speak for themselves, Pinkston said.

“I do not attend conferences,” he said. “I prefer to work.”

According to Garrett’s travel records, a majority of his taxpayer-funded visits included 23 days for Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association conferences, committees and meetings.

Garrett participates in annual mandated training through these conferences, Lea said. Additionally, Garrett serves on the association board as well as its legislative committee, advocating on public safety matters affecting all Tennessee counties, Lea said.

“It is not unusual, it’s expected, for a sheriff to travel and participate in training, etc., especially one who represents the fourth largest county in the state and serves in leadership positions on multiple statewide boards,” Lea said. “As part of his leadership responsibilities, particularly with the TSA, Sheriff Garrett regularly meets with legislators in Nashville and local, state and federal law enforcement leaders to discuss policies, issues and other matters vital to the law enforcement profession.”

Garrett spent three days in Stafford, Virginia, for an FBI graduation and four days in Nashville at an FBI conference, the records show.

The sheriff is a 2018 graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and a member of the Tennessee Chapter of the FBI National Academy, Lea said. Last year, Garrett attended the annual conference that included training, networking and technology, keeping the sheriff’s office active in the organization.

In 2024, Garrett also traveled to Quantico to attend the graduation of Chief Deputy Spencer Daniels from the FBI National Academy, marking the sheriff’s office first graduation from the national academy in over a decade, Lea said. Garrett plans to have more sheriff’s office personnel participate in the academy moving forward.

“Graduating from this prestigious 10-week academy is a significant career milestone, and law enforcement leaders, both sheriffs and chiefs, across the nation attend these ceremonies to support their personnel and this incredibly important accomplishment,” Lea said.

Garrett was also in Franklin for four days from Feb. 18-21 last year for a meeting with Hagerty, the travel records show. During that time, Garrett and Hagerty held a news conference in Nashville about a group trip to Eagle Pass, Texas, where they met with members of the community and law enforcement, including U.S. Border Patrol.

The two-day border trip was not paid for by county taxpayers, Lea said, though the office could have paid from its travel or training budgets.

Garrett spent about $650 of his campaign funds, instead, according to his financial disclosure statement.

“The knowledge and insights Sheriff Garrett has gained through his involvement with the TSA and the FBI National Academy have had a direct, positive impact on our community,” Lea said. “Moreover, his recent trip to the border provided him with a unique, unfiltered perspective on the complex challenges of illegal immigration, enhancing his ability to address the broader implications it has now brought to our local community.”

Garrett also went to Washington, D.C., for the inauguration of President Donald Trump, but it was a personal trip that he opted to cover costs for personally, Lea said, adding the visit serves as an example of the fact Garrett is always working.

“While in Washington, he accommodated media interviews and requests for comments from reporters in Hamilton County, highlighting the fact he makes himself accessible, even when he is on a personal trip,” Lea said. “He is always the sheriff, and he is always working.”

Friday, Garrett was invited to participate in a roundtable discussion with newly appointed FBI Director Kash Patel, which underscores the importance of fostering meaningful connections and a commitment to public safety, Lea said.

“This opportunity to represent Hamilton County at such a significant meeting was made possible through Sheriff Garrett’s ongoing efforts and the strong relationships he has cultivated with local, state, and federal law enforcement, as well as Tennessee’s elected officials,” Lea said.

Contact Sofia Saric at ssaric@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6476.

Read the original published story on the Times Free Press here.

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Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett is full throttle on entering into a voluntary agreement with federal immigration authorities to identify unauthorized immigrants who have been arrested on criminal charges.

Garrett is still reviewing the office’s application but will sign and submit it in the next week or so, he said in an interview after speaking Thursday at the Rotary Club of Chattanooga.

“People come to this country for a better way of life or for the American dream,” Garrett said. “I’m focusing on the people who are here to cause a nightmare. These are the people that are committing violence, and they’re here preying on people.”

The 287(g) program allows local and state law enforcement agencies to enter into agreementswith U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to check databases and determine the immigration status of people who have been arrested.

The program is entirely separate from the Tennessee law that passed last year requiring law enforcement agencies to relay the immigration status of any individual to the appropriate federal agency, Garrett said. The 287(g) program complements the law.

“This is beyond that,” Garrett said of 287(g). “That’s a documentation process. This is actually assisting with immigration duties. This is actually us doing some of the work for them within the correctional facility.”

Garrett said the agreement with ICE would not change anything for taxpayers, since ICE absorbs the costs of training and equipment for the deputies dedicated to the program, and their salaries are already paid by the office.

The sheriff said his job is to hold people who are committing crimes accountable.

“That includes me and my staff going out when our federal partners have warrants to pick these people up,” he said. “I’m going to be with them most of the time, and we’re going to go pick them up. I may be in a political position, but I’m not a politician. I’m a working sheriff.”

Garrett’s focus is unauthorized immigrants committing violent crime, but “if you’re here illegally, you’re committing a crime,” he said.

“There’s poison flowing into this country across the border from, not just coming out of Mexico, it’s coming from all kinds of places, but it’s coming across the border,” Garrett said. “I’m going to do what the people … elected me to do, and I’m going to work to keep them safe.”

ICE’s website displays the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office as having a pending application, even though the sheriff said he has not signed it. He said he has every intention of signing the document and added that the sheriff’s office is going to pursue programs that help keep the people of Hamilton County safe.

Read the original story published by the Times Free Press here.

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With an annual allocation of approximately $70 million, the HCSO manages one of the largest financial budgets within Hamilton County government.

“I am incredibly proud of the fiscal discipline and transparency demonstrated by our agency,” said Sheriff Garrett. “This achievement reflects the hard work and commitment of our leadership to ensure that taxpayer dollars are utilized efficiently and responsibly. This audit outcome would not have been possible without the leadership of my Chief of Staff, Ron Bernard, Senior Accounting Manager Carolyn Catchings, and their finance and purchasing team, who work diligently every day to ensure that the HCSO leads the way not only in law enforcement and corrections, but also in fulfilling our fiduciary responsibilities to the taxpayers of Hamilton County.”

The HCSO remains focused on utilizing taxpayer funding responsibly and prioritizing fiscal responsibility and transparency, said officials. This includes leveraging grant funding and cutting-edge technology to enhance operational efficiencies and maximize the value of public funds. This is evident in the fact it is currently managing over $13 million in federal, state and local grants, said officials.

Read the original posting here from Chattanoogan.com.

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Since its initial seizure, this vehicle has undergone a complete color change, from its original color to our agency’s standard fleet color of white, made possible through the efforts and generosity of local vendors, students, and businesses. From body work and painting to upfitting with lights and emergency equipment, every detail was covered through partnerships. Seized from a local drug dealer and using only Asset Forfeiture Funds, this vehicle ultimately came to our fleet at no cost to Hamilton County taxpayers.

Sheriff Garrett said, “This vehicle represents two specific purposes. The first is my commitment to the children of this county and providing them with the resources necessary to mitigate peer-related challenges. The second is my commitment to the community and a clear message to those who choose to sell drugs in and around this county. If you choose to sell drugs in and around Hamilton County, we are going to take your assets that are derived from criminal activity because in this County, crime doesn’t pay.”

This fully operational Sheriff’s Office vehicle will not only be involved in law enforcement operations, it will also be showcased at community events, parades, and schools to promote our D.A.R.E. Program. Serving as a mobile classroom and conversation starter, it signifies the Sheriff’s Office commitment to partnering with schools, families, and the community to build a safer, drug-free future for our youth.

The D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Program plays a vital role in equipping young people with the knowledge and skills to make safe, responsible decisions. By fostering awareness about the dangers of drug use, bullying, and violence, it empowers students to resist peer pressure and embrace healthy lifestyle choices. The HCSO D.A.R.E. Program strengthens community relationships by involving parents, teachers, and law enforcement in nurturing a supportive environment for youth development. Ultimately, D.A.R.E. promotes lifelong resilience, critical thinking, and positive values, contributing to the safety and well-being of our young people.

Since re-instituting the HCSO D.A.R.E. Program in the Fall of 2022, there are now five certified instructors teaching in five schools (listed below). By the end of this school year in May 2025, approximately 1,000 students will have graduated county-wide since 2022.

Read the original story here on Chattanoogan.com.

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The endorsement comes on the heels of Garrett’s first financial disclosure, and just over two weeks from the filing deadline to run for office in this cycle. 

In the Endorsement Letter from the IBPO Local #673:

“The International Brotherhood of Police Officers Local #673, would like to proudly announce their endorsement of Austin Garrett for Hamilton County Sheriff.”

“Since Starting in his leadership role in the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Garrett has led the implementation of several programs within the Hamilton County Sheriff Office to include the Body Worn Camera deployment, educational programs within the jail, partnerships that address mental health in the community. And the complex transition of the Hamilton County Jail.”

After receiving the endorsement letter from the IBPO, Garrett stated:

“Receiving the endorsement and support of the IBPO, which is comprised of men and women who protect this community every day, is incredibly humbling. It has been a privilege to serve alongside them as chief deputy, and I look forward to the honor of serving them and the community as their sheriff.”

Please find the endorsement letter from IBOP #673 here.

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If you would like to donate to Austin Garrett, please do so here.

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The endorsements come from Sheriff Gary Sisk of Catoosa, Sheriff Ray Cross of Dade, and Sheriff Steve Wilson of Walker. 

Each Sheriff submitted an endorsement letter to Austin Garrett.

Sheriff Sisk of Catoosa stated:

Sheriff Cross of Dade stated:

Sheriff Wilson of Walker stated:

These endorsements come following the endorsement of Sheriff Phillips of Jackson County, Alabama. 

In February of 2019, Austin was appointed to serve our community as the Sheriff Office’s Chief Deputy by Sheriff Jim Hammond. He is directly responsible for the administration of all Sheriff’s Office day to day operations.

Prior to this leadership appointment, Austin served 25 years with the Chattanooga Police Department, retiring as a lieutenant.

Please find Sheriff Sisk’s endorsement letter here.

Please find Sheriff Cross’ endorsement letter here.

Please find Sheriff Wilson’s endorsement letter here.

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“This is what it takes to be Sheriff.” Stated Sheriff Phillips of Jackson County. “Leading by example. Respecting and trusting your coworkers and superiors. Loyalty to not only the cause, but also the team that surrounds you. Commitment, energy, and willingness to go the extra mile. Austin exemplifies all these traits and more.”

Sheriff Phillips began his tenure as Sheriff of Jackson County in 2011. 

Starting his career in Law Enforcement in 1988, Sheriff Phillips served along side Austin Garrett’s father, who deputies called “Cowboy”, a 20-year veteran of the office at the time. 

   Sheriff Phillips went on to state, “His achievements during his career speak for themselves, but knowing him as I do, I know they were earned and not given.” While speaking about Garrett.

Austin Garrett stated:

 “I am humbled to receive Sheriff Chuck Phillips endorsement and support. Sheriff Phillips knew my father for many years and has been a friend and mentor since I first began my law enforcement career at the Chattanooga Police Department. Thank you, Sheriff Phillips.”

Please find Sheriff Phillips endorsement letter here.

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“I have been humbled by the support and encouragement from an overwhelming number of community leaders and citizens as Pam and I have explored seeking this position.” stated Austin Garrett. “With twenty-eight years of service to this community as a law enforcement officer, I am proud to announce I will be seeking your support as a candidate in the Republican Primary for the office of Sheriff. I’ve been honored to serve these last few years with the men and women of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. Together we will focus on the safety of this county through innovation and the commitment of providing the highest level of law enforcement services to our community.” 

Born and raised in Bryant, Alabama, Austin Garrett became a resident of Hamilton County in 1993. Austin is married to Pam McAllister-Garrett, and has two daughters, Haley and Madalyn. Together with his wife, Austin is an active member of Shelter Church on East Brainerd Rd. 

In February of 2019, Austin was appointed to serve our community as the Sheriff Office’s Chief Deputy by Sheriff Jim Hammond. He is directly responsible for the administration of all Sheriff’s Office operations.

Prior to this leadership appointment, Austin served 25 years with the Chattanooga Police Department, retiring as a lieutenant where he was responsible for command of the Tactical and Traffic Operations Division.

Over the course of Austin’s career, he has served as a patrol officer, auto theft investigator, FBI Task Force Investigator, and special events supervisor. Austin has extensive experience in public safety partnerships along with large-scale event planning and management. 

During his last nine years with the CPD, Austin was directly responsible for the multi-agency planning, managing, security, and safety at all major events held in the city of Chattanooga. These events included the Ironman 70.3 World Championship, the U.S.A. Pro-Cycling Championships, and the annual Riverbend Music Festival.

Austin is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session 273, graduate of the Southeastern Command and Leadership Academy, and holds a degree in criminal justice from Bethel University. 

Within our community, Austin serves as a board member for the Forgotten Child Fund. A volunteer organization who provides gifts to over 10,000 local children every Christmas. He also serves as a board member for YCAP. YCAP is a volunteer arm of the YMCA which focuses on early intervention and prevention programs from youth ages 10-15.

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Read this story in its original posting by Chattanoogan.com here.

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The car was commissioned by Chief Deputy Austin Garrett to honor those who responded to the attack on Sept. 11, 2001.

The vehicle features a red, white and blue color scheme with a 9/11 decal on it.

“On September 11, 2001, the American people experienced the most horrific terrorist attack in our Nation’s history. On that day, thousands of first responders responded to the call. We will never forget those who perished and always remember the bravery and resolve of the heroes who charged into the threshold of hell that day without hesitation in service to their city and fellow man. It is my hope this vehicle will be a constant reminder in our county of 9/11 and as a symbol of our resolve and American spirit,” stated Chief Deputy Austin Garrett.

The city 9/11 ceremony will be Saturday at 10 AM at Ross’s Landing.

“It is important for us to remember the sacrifices made by first responders and citizens as the events of 9/11 unfolded and the aftermath that followed. The courage and sacrifice shown by these individuals should never be forgotten,” stated Sheriff Jim Hammond.

Visit the link here to read on WDEF’s website.

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