200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

ThomasMPatton • 423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX)

http://Police.KingsportTN.gov • www.KingsportPDBlog.com

His crime was quickly detected while still in progress, as the box is highly secure and closely monitored by video surveillance cameras that feed to multiple monitors spaced throughout the Justice Center. An alert K.P.D. Corrections Officer is credited with spotting Mr. DeMoura’s crime. This easily thwarted attempt should serve as a deterrent and a prime example of “what not to do” for other thieves with similarly foolish ideas.

This crime also paints a grim but accurate picture of just how addictive prescription drugs can be, that a desperate individual would actually resort to committing a crime inside a law enforcement agency’s headquarters in order to obtain them. Unfortunately, high risk-low yield crimes such as these have become more and more commonplace since the prescription drug epidemic first surfaced.

Mr. DeMoura was charged with 1) Theft of Property Under $1,000, 2) Possession of a Schedule IV Drug, Possession of a Schedule V Drug, and 2 counts of Possession of a Legend Drug without a Prescription. He was escorted just down the hall to the Kingsport City Jail. Regrettably, he was able to secure his release just over 3 hours later after posting a $3,750 bond as set by the presiding magistrate.

K.P.D.’s drug disposal box, dubbed “Project: Drug Drop Zone” is one of 224 permanent collection bins across the State of Tennessee for the safe disposal of expired, unwanted, or unused medications to include prescription drugs, over the counter (OTC) medications, vitamins, minerals, supplements, and even veterinary medications. The box is not designed for either illegal drugs or sharps (syringes).

K.P.D.’s drug disposal box was installed in January 2012, and has been more successful than anyone could have possibly predicted or even imagined. To date it has led to the incineration of nearly 8,000 pounds (4 tons) of drugs. The ultimate goals of this program are to prevent overdoses and accidental poisonings, protect the environment, and decrease addiction by keeping drugs from being diverted into the wrong hands.

K.P.D.’s box was donated to the department by the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI). These safe drug disposal programs are highly endorsed and supported by national, state, and local organizations to include the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), and the Sullivan County Anti-Drug (SCAD) Coalition.

On a related note, “National Prescription Drug Take Back Day” is just around the corner. It is scheduled for April 29, 2017 from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. While this 4-hour period is set aside to help draw attention and support for these programs, drugs can be dropped off almost anytime at any of the 224 bins across the state. The bin at the Kingsport Justice Center is conveniently accessible 24 hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year.

37 Years of Age

Kingsport, TN

2) Possession of a Schedule IV Drug

3) Possession of a Schedule V Drug

4) Possession of a Legend Drug Without a Prescription (2 counts)

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit