Forty-one DUI cases involving arrests made by a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper in Bedford County have been dismissed, including multiple cases in which drivers were later determined to have no alcohol or drugs in their systems.
According to records obtained from the Bedford County Clerk’s Office, the dismissed cases involved arrests made by former Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Asa Pearl between 2021 and 2024.
Data compiled by the Bedford County District Attorney’s Office indicates that at least 22 of the dismissed cases involved drivers whose toxicology results showed no alcohol or drugs present or levels within the legal limit.
Trooper Pearl resigned from the Tennessee Highway Patrol in 2024. No reason for his resignation was listed in his personnel file.
Breakdown of the Dismissed DUI Cases
A spreadsheet prepared by the Bedford County District Attorney’s Office and reviewed by WSMV4 Investigates outlines the circumstances behind the dismissed cases.
- 41 total DUI cases dismissed involving arrests made by Trooper Asa Pearl
- 8 cases involved drivers who had neither alcohol nor drugs in their systems
- 14 cases involved drivers whose blood alcohol levels were within the legal limit and who tested negative for drugs
- 19 additional cases were dismissed for other reasons, including the trooper being unavailable for court or unable to recall arrest details
According to the district attorney’s office, the dismissals were based on evidence and procedural factors specific to each case.
Example Case: Ron LaFlamme
Ron LaFlamme was among the individuals arrested by Trooper Pearl and later cleared of DUI charges.
LaFlamme stated that he was surprised when the trooper initiated field sobriety testing during the stop.
“I was surprised when he started asking me to do a sobriety test,” LaFlamme told WSMV4 Investigates. “It was wrongful arrest.”
Toxicology results later indicated that LaFlamme had no alcohol or drugs in his system.
Statements from Legal Counsel
David McKenzie, an attorney representing LaFlamme, stated that multiple DUI cases involving the same trooper were being discussed within the local legal community while the cases were pending.
According to McKenzie, several cases involving Trooper Pearl reportedly produced toxicology results showing no impairment.
McKenzie told WSMV4 Investigates that the pattern raised concerns about how the arrests were conducted.
“It tells me there was a systemic problem with what he was doing on the side of the road,” McKenzie said.
Trooper Resignation and Personnel File
Personnel records reviewed in connection with the investigation show that Trooper Asa Pearl resigned from the Tennessee Highway Patrol in 2024.
The records reportedly do not specify a reason for the resignation.
The dismissed DUI cases were also not referenced in the personnel file, according to reporting by WSMV4 Investigates.
Pearl did not respond to requests for comment regarding the dismissed cases.
Tennessee Highway Patrol Response
The Tennessee Highway Patrol did not respond to requests for comment from WSMV4 Investigates regarding the dismissed arrests.
However, the head of the Tennessee Highway Patrol told investigators that he does not believe the drivers who tested negative for drugs and alcohol were sober.
No additional explanation for that position was provided in the reporting.
Broader Investigation into DUI Arrests
The Bedford County cases were identified as part of a broader investigative series by WSMV4 Investigates titled “Sobering Problem.”
According to that investigation, Trooper Pearl is one of several troopers identified in Tennessee who have made DUI arrests that later involved drivers determined to be sober.
The investigative reporting states that Tennessee Highway Patrol data shows the agency has recorded the highest number of DUI arrests involving drivers later determined to have no alcohol or drugs in their systems.
Current Status
At the time of reporting:
- 41 DUI cases linked to Trooper Asa Pearl have been dismissed
- At least 22 of those cases involved drivers who tested negative for drugs and alcohol or were within legal limits
- Trooper Pearl resigned from the Tennessee Highway Patrol in 2024
- No official reason for the resignation has been publicly disclosed
- The Tennessee Highway Patrol has not publicly commented on the dismissals
Frequently Asked Questions
How many DUI arrests were dismissed in Bedford County?
According to records from the Bedford County Clerk’s Office and the district attorney’s office, 41 DUI cases involving arrests by Trooper Asa Pearl were dismissed.
How many drivers tested negative for drugs or alcohol?
District attorney records indicate that 22 drivers either had no alcohol or drugs in their system or had blood alcohol levels within the legal limit.
Why were the remaining cases dismissed?
Nineteen additional cases were dismissed for procedural reasons, including the trooper being unavailable for court or being unable to recall details of the arrest.
Is the trooper still employed by the Tennessee Highway Patrol?
No. Trooper Asa Pearl resigned from the Tennessee Highway Patrol in 2024. No official explanation for the resignation has been publicly disclosed.
Has the Tennessee Highway Patrol commented on the situation?
The agency did not respond to requests for comment from WSMV4 Investigates regarding the dismissed cases.
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