CHEATHAM COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — A former deputy with the Cheatham County Sheriff's Office indicted on several charges, including rape, has been fired, officials said.

According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, special agents began investigating 45-year-old Deputy Jeffrey Key on Oct. 2, following allegations that he had raped a woman.

During the investigation, agents reportedly determined that Key crashed a vehicle into a mailbox on the same night when the sexual assault occurred. Officials added Key was not on duty at the time.

On Tuesday, the Cheatham County Grand Jury returned an indictment charging Key with one count of rape, one count of assault, and two counts of vandalism. He was arrested and is being held in the Cheatham County Jail on a $80,000 bond.

News 2 reached out to Sheriff Tim Binkley about the arrest and charges, but he did not want to comment. However, he confirmed that Key was with the sheriff's office for nine years before the TBI informed him of the investigation, which led him to put Key on administrative duty with pay.

After authorities learned of the indictment, Key was reportedly fired. No additional information was immediately released.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/cheatham-county-deputy-charged-with-rape-fired-from-sheriffs-office/