Authorities have charged an individual following an investigation that began with a reported burglary, which later unfolded into allegations of false reporting and financial misconduct.
On January 15 at approximately 9:09 p.m., the Knoxville Police Department responded to the 400 block of E. Robinson Street, where officers met with Joseph Workman, 36, of Knoxville, regarding a reported burglary.
According to court documents, Workman stated that his apartment had been broken into and that electronics were stolen. He also reported that there were unauthorized bank transfers on his credit union account. Law enforcement later conducted an investigation into the alleged burglary.
During the investigation, officers spoke with a female who provided authorities with text messages in which Workman allegedly offered her money in exchange for sexual acts. The female reported that she did not accept the money and did not engage in any sexual conduct with Workman.
On February 26, a Knoxville police officer questioned Workman. During that interview, Workman admitted that he had fabricated the burglary report, that no electronics had been stolen, and that the reported unauthorized bank transfers had not occurred without his consent. Court filings indicate that Workman admitted to initiating the bank transfers, totaling $260.
Workman also acknowledged that he reported the transactions as unauthorized to his credit union, despite having authorized them at the time they were made. He further stated that the payment was intended to persuade the woman to come to his residence for sexual activity.
An arrest warrant was issued and served on Workman on March 20. He is currently being held at the Marion County Jail. A pretrial conference is scheduled for March 27.
Workman is charged with false report to a public entity (simple misdemeanor), fifth-degree theft (simple misdemeanor), and prostitution (aggravated misdemeanor).
Editors Note: All information was obtained from court documents related to the ongoing investigation.
