Stephen Stokes is a former County Commissioner of Benton County, Tennessee. He was also a teacher. He continued to serve as commissioner until his sentencing despite calls for his removal for absenteeism even before he was arrested for sexual battery of a minor in June 2025.
He was released on $100,000 bond, but in August 2025, he failed to appear and was arrested again.
He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years in prison on January 20, 2026.
- WBBJ: Local county commissioner indicted on sexual battery charge involving minor
- WBBJ: UPDATE: Former county commissioner taken into custody
- WBBJ: County commissioner sentenced to 2 yrs for sexual battery
Two years is better than nothing but seems a bit too little. At least he pleaded guilty. Another GOP creep in jail.