Woman Charged With Trying To Bribe Hawkins County Deputy

A Kingsport woman is being accused of trying to bribe a Hawkins County deputy with sexual favors. According to the Hawkins County sheriff’s department, a deputy said he saw a vehicle cross the centerline of a road four times in less than a half-mile and that the driver stopped in the middle of the road after the deputy activated his emergency lights. Upon approaching the car, the deputy saw 33 year old Melinda Noel of Kingsport, trying to hide a bottle of whiskey. A bag containing suboxone was also found in Noel’s possession. On the way to jail, Noel asked if there was a camera in the vehicle, when told no…she offered the deputy sexual favors in exchange for her release. The deputy stated that Noel made that statement several times. Hawkins County sheriff’s office has charged Noel with bribery of a public servant, public intoxication, resisting arrest, and drug possession. She also had outstanding warrants in Kingsport and Scott County Virginia.