BEDFORD COUNTY, TENN. - An investigation into Castle Ministries and its director Brenda Knight got underway in Shelbyville late last month. The investigation is evidently focused on the Financial Exploitation of the Elderly and was launched by the Tennessee Department of Human Service and the Shelbyville Police Department.

Reports from investigators indicate that prior to the Tennessee Department of Human Services filing a complaint, the Shelbyville Police Department had already begun investigating Mrs. Knight and her management of the Open Hands Shelter on Hickory Drive and Castle Ministries on Madison Street, both in the Shelbyville area.

Shelbyville Police report, “This investigation was prompted by multiple complaints from individuals and organizations regarding Mrs. Knight's alleged financial exploitation of the homeless and elderly.” The investigation resulted in the arrest of 57-year-old Brenda Knight, who faces charges for theft of property over ($1,000) and the financial exploitation of an elderly or vulnerable person.

The Shelbyville Police Department also executed search warrants on Mrs. Knight's home and women's shelter on Mullinswood Road and the Castle Ministries Discipleship School on Madison Street. On Tuesday, Shelbyville Police confirmed that the investigation into the operation of Open Hands Shelter and Castle Ministries is continuing.

Police ask that anyone with additional information to please contact Detective Samuel Campbell at the Shelbyville Police Department by calling 931-684-5811.

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