~ from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office
On November 11, 2022, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office was notified about an Aggravated Statutory Rape that occurred to a victim under the age of 18.
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit began an investigation and identified the Suspect as 28-year-old Taquan Aruel Lane-Austin.
During the investigation, more evidence was revealed that the suspect might be involved in more related cases with other juvenile victims.
On April 20, 2023, the Grand Jury returned a True Bill with a fifteen-count indictment: 6 counts of Aggravated Statutory Rape, 5 counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, 3 counts of Especially Aggravated Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, and 1 count of Aggravated Sexual Exploitation of a Minor.
On April 24, 2023, at 2:39 p.m., Knox County Sheriff’s Office went to arrest Lane-Austin on the indictments. As contact was made, Lane-Austin refused the Detectives’ verbal commands and fled on foot. A short foot pursuit occurred, and Taquan Aruel Lane-Austin was taken into custody without further incident.
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office is currently trying to identify any other victims. If you or someone you know has any information, please contact Detective Chris Allison at the Knox County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Division at 865-215-3727.
