PIGEON FORGE – A Pigeon Forge police officer has been fired following an internal investigation after he communicated with a minor he met while on duty, according to the Pigeon Forge Police Department.
Officer David Stinnett was placed on administrative leave with pay in August 2025 after the department became aware of communications between Stinnett and a female under the age of 18, police said.
The case was referred to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for review. Investigators later presented the case to a grand jury, which declined to return an indictment in November 2025, officials said.
Despite the lack of criminal charges, the Pigeon Forge Police Department initiated an internal affairs investigation in December. That review concluded Stinnett violated departmental policies and the police code of conduct.
As a result, on January 13, Stinnett was terminated for conduct unbecoming of an officer, according to the department.
Police officials said the department holds its officers to a high professional standard and actions that undermine public trust will not be tolerated.
No further charges have been announced in connection with the case.