Updated on March 10,2026 to add information
The Marion County Sheriff’s Department responded to a harassment complaint after an individual reportedly went onto another person’s property, made unwanted contact, and caused alarm.
On March 5 at approximately 1:06 p.m., the Marion County Sheriff’s Department responded to a harassment complaint in the 1000 block of Story Drive in Knoxville. Deputies reported that Emma Bates, 76-year-old Knoxville resident went onto the property of the victim and made personal contact, causing the victim alarm.
According to the criminal complaint, deputies reviewed security camera footage, which showed Bates attempting to open the door to the residence and making several alarming comments to the victim, including a statement referencing a prior warning from law enforcement: “The sheriff was out here before and told her to get her ass out.”
Law enforcement noted that on February 25, officials had a phone conversation with the Bates, warning her not to have any further contact with the victim or go to the residence, as her prior behavior and comments had caused alarm.
Bates was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail and later released on a $300 cash/surety bond. A no-contact order was issued on March 6. A pretrial conference is scheduled for March faces a charge of third-degree harassment, classified as a simple misdemeanor.
Editors Note: All information was obtained from court documents related to the ongoing investigation.
