Savannah Chrisley – Why does Savannah throw her support behind obviously guilty people? This is part one of the people that Savannah has thrown her support behind, trying to pretend like she cares, but these people are violent and obviously guilty.
The first one is Tanner Abbott, a pizza delivery man turned deputy sheriff who had a reign of terror in Boyle County Kentucky. Savannah recently posted several posts about how he was sentenced for merely defending himself… but what really happened??
Tanner Abbott’s Conviction – Who exactly does Savannah Support
Tanner M. Abbott, a former Boyle County Sheriff’s Deputy in Kentucky, has become a focal point in discussions about police misconduct and accountability following his conviction for violating civil rights and obstructing justice. As of March 22, 2025, this case remains a significant example of the legal system’s response to law enforcement abuses. This note provides a comprehensive overview of the case, including detailed incidents, legal proceedings, the role of body camera footage, and additional allegations, highlighting the broader implications for policing practices.
Background and Context
Tanner Abbott served as a deputy for the Boyle County Sheriff’s Office from 2017 until his termination in 2021. His dismissal was triggered by an incident where he posted the identity of a confidential informant on Facebook after she criticized him on social media, an action that foreshadowed the deeper misconduct later uncovered. Prior to joining law enforcement, Abbott worked as a pizza delivery driver, joining the sheriff’s office in 2017, which raises questions about the vetting and training processes for officers.
Detailed Incidents and Crimes Committed
Between January and April 2021, Abbott engaged in a pattern of excessive force and obstruction, targeting multiple individuals during arrests. Specific incidents include:
- January 20, 2021 Traffic Stop: Abbott conducted a routine traffic stop on two young men driving to a restaurant in Danville, Kentucky. When the driver requested to speak with Abbott’s supervisor, Abbott punched him in the face, pulled him out of the car, and struck him several more times while he lay on the ground, not resisting arrest. When the passenger pleaded with Abbott to stop, the deputy struck him in the face with an elbow, breaking his glasses. Body camera footage later confirmed the arrestee, identified as W.W., was peaceful, showing Abbott squeezing W.W.’s testicles and then punching him when he turned his head.
- February 2021 Arrest: Abbott arrested a passenger and punched him in the face without justification. He later conspired with another officer to write a false report, claiming the man had approached Abbott aggressively before being struck, an attempt to justify his actions.
- March 2021 Illegal Search: Abbott conducted an illegal search of a hotel room without a warrant. He then falsified a report, falsely stating that the guest had given consent, further obstructing justice.
Evidence presented at trial revealed a disturbing pattern of behavior. Abbott targeted physically weaker individuals, including handcuffed persons, small individuals, one with a disability, and two teenagers. In one case, he broke bones in a victim’s nose and face, later bragging about it via text messages while the victim was hospitalized. Text messages from Abbott’s work cell phone included graphic and vulgar terms about the injuries he caused, and he sent photos of these injuries to friends, which were not included in official reports. This behavior was described as “sadism” by prosecutors, highlighting a lack of remorse and a pattern of enjoying the harm inflicted.
Abbott was convicted of four counts of violating constitutional rights, one count of conspiracy, and one count of falsifying records, with his sentencing on June 20, 2024, to 110 months in prison reflecting the severity of his abuses.
Role of Body Camera Footage
Body camera footage was a critical piece of evidence in Tanner Abbott’s case. While specific links to the footage are not publicly available due to legal restrictions on releasing law enforcement videos, court documents and trial evidence confirm its significance. In the incident involving W.W., the footage showed Abbott’s excessive force, contradicting his claims and those of his colleagues who attempted to cover up his misconduct. This footage was pivotal in securing his conviction for violating civil rights, underscoring the importance of body cameras as a tool for accountability in policing.
Additional Allegations
Beyond the charges for which he was convicted, several other allegations have surfaced regarding Abbott’s conduct, painting a broader picture of systemic abuse:
- Sexual Misconduct:
- Abbott was accused of soliciting explicit photos from women and possessing explicit images and videos of unidentified women on his work cellphone.
- One woman alleged that Abbott forced her to perform oral sex in exchange for dropping charges against her, though she was later arrested anyway. This allegation, while not established beyond reasonable doubt at trial, was part of the broader pattern of abuse.
- Two formal complaints were filed against him for inappropriate touching during searches, with multiple men reporting excessive genital touching. Colleagues confirmed this behavior as an assertion of dominance, adding to the allegations of misconduct.
- Disciplinary Issues:
- In 2019, Abbott was disciplined for being intoxicated while in his squad car, a serious breach of professional conduct.
- In 2020, he was reprimanded for entering a home without announcing his presence, violating standard procedures.
- In 2021, he was unofficially reprimanded for joining a high-speed chase while transporting someone for psychiatric evaluation, with his girlfriend in the car, further demonstrating a lack of judgment.
- Personal Vendettas:
- In September 2021, Abbott targeted a mother for a narcotics arrest after she criticized him on social media, showcasing a personal vendetta.
- He also set up a gas station owner for a drug trafficking charge following a personal dispute, using his authority to settle personal scores.
- Bragging About Misconduct:
- Abbott bragged to another officer about seeing a woman’s breasts during a traffic stop, implying he had orchestrated the stop for that purpose, adding to the allegations of abuse of power.
These additional allegations, while not all resulting in federal charges, further illustrate the extent of Abbott’s misconduct and the culture of impunity that allowed it to persist.
Legal Proceedings and Opinions
The FBI Louisville Field Office and Kentucky State Police began investigating Abbott following numerous complaints about his conduct, including allegations of abuse and hitting during arrests. The investigation, spanning two years, uncovered evidence that the conduct covered in the indictment was only a “small fraction” of the total misconduct. In October 2023, a federal grand jury indicted Abbott on five counts of deprivation of rights under color of law, one count of falsification of records, and one count of conspiracy, each carrying significant maximum penalties (up to 10 years for civil rights charges, 20 years for falsification, and 5 years for conspiracy).
The trial commenced in March 2024, with a federal jury in Lexington, Kentucky, hearing evidence that included body camera footage, witness testimonies, and Abbott’s own communications. Two additional witnesses testified about physical abuse during their arrests, and Abbott was found to have obstructed justice by testifying falsely in his own defense. On March 5, 2024, the jury found Abbott guilty of four counts of violating civil rights, one count of conspiracy, and one count of falsifying records, acquitting him of one count of deprivation of rights.
On June 20, 2024, Chief U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves sentenced Abbott to 110 months in prison, equivalent to 9 years and 2 months. Given the federal system’s lack of parole, Abbott must serve at least 85% of his sentence. His defense attorneys argued that he believed his actions were reasonable based on his training, experience, and knowledge of department practices, but prosecutors countered that his conduct was far from reasonable, describing it as “brazen criminal conduct.”
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division stated, “This defendant habitually and routinely abused his authority and used his badge to shield himself from accountability for years. This sentence should send a loud message that such abuses by law enforcement will not be tolerated.” U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV added, “Instead of protecting and serving the community, the defendant was physically abusing people — even bragging about the injuries he caused. That is not law enforcement; that is brazen criminal conduct.”
Impact and Implications
The conviction of Tanner Abbott has significant implications for law enforcement accountability. This case underscores the need for robust oversight and accountability mechanisms within police departments. The evidence, including Abbott’s own communications and body camera footage, highlights the importance of transparency and integrity in policing. While specific reactions from civil rights organizations were not widely available, the Department of Justice’s statements reflect a broader commitment to addressing law enforcement criminality. The case may prompt discussions about improving training, oversight, and reporting mechanisms, particularly in smaller jurisdictions like Boyle County.
Table: Summary of Tanner Abbott’s Legal and Prison Status
Current Prison Status
Serving 110 months at a federal facility must serve at least 85% due to no parole
Original Sentence
110 months (9 years, 2 months), sentenced June 20, 2024
Prison Release Date
Estimated around 2033, based on serving 85% of sentence, as of March 22, 2025
Charges Convicted Of
– 4 counts of violating civil rights
– 1 count of conspiracy
– 1 count of falsifying records
Recent Legal Actions
No further appeals reported as of March 22, 2025
Chances of Early Release
Minimal, given federal sentencing guidelines and lack of parole
Conclusion
As of March 22, 2025, Tanner Abbott remains incarcerated, with a projected release date around 2033, based on serving at least 85% of his sentence. His case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of police misconduct and the legal system’s capacity to hold officers accountable. The detailed evidence of his actions, from excessive force to falsified reports and additional allegations, highlights the need for continued vigilance in ensuring that law enforcement serves and protects with integrity. This case, while specific to Boyle County, resonates nationally, contributing to ongoing dialogues about police reform and civil rights protection.
Key Citations