A Hawkins County sheriff is speaking out after a man was caught impersonating a police officer. 

The Hawkins County sheriff's office says it received complaints 21-year-old Nathaniel Robinette was conducting traffic stops. His father, Phillip Robinette, was the police chief in the town of Bean Station.

According to investigators Nathaniel Robinette admitted to stopping a vehicle and identifying himself as a police officer, displaying a badge, detaining the occupant of the vehicle while conducting a search.

Deputies say they found items belonging to the Bean Station Police Department including sergeant badges, uniform patches and a gun in Robinette's possession.

We spoke with Sheriff Ronnie Lawson about the case. "[There was] a trunk load of swat gear, a helmet and bulletproof vest. I don't know about the SWAT stuff, but all the rest belonged to the Bean Station Police Department,” he told us.

Robinette faces impersonating a police officer, false imprisonment and possession of a prohibited weapon.

We’re told an internal investigation is underway at the police department. An interim police chief has been named.