Brian Keeton

This encyclopedia article is about a living person.

Brian Keeton is a Scott County lawman who has served as sheriff since 2022.

See Also: Sheriffs of Scott County
Preceded By: Ronnie Phillips

Personal Life

Keeton was born on June 28, 1977. He has a twin brother, Brad. They are the sons of Clifford Keeton (1945-2008) and Freda Hatmaker. He is married to Cheri Keeton.

An interesting fact: Brian Keeton is the second straight sheriff of Scott County to have a twin brother. Ronnie Phillips, who served as sheriff from 2013 to 2022, also has a twin brother, Donnie Phillips, who serves as Scott County Circuit Court Clerk.

Sheriff of Scott County

Keeton began his career in law enforcement as a corrections officer at the Scott County Juvenile Detention Center. He later worked as a school resource officer (SRO) at the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, and then as a deputy sheriff at the Sheriff’s Office.

Keeton first ran for sheriff in 2010. He finished a distant fifth in that election, behind Mike Cross, Jim Carson, Bobby Ellis and Brad Lay.

Later, in 2013, Keeton accepted a position as chief of police at the Caryville (Tenn.) Police Department. He held that position for nine years.

In 2022, Keeton ran for sheriff in Scott County for a second time. He defeated Ronnie Phillips, 4,220 to 2,595. He took office on Sept. 1, 2022. He named long-time Oneida Police Department sergeant Brett Bond as his chief deputy.

Keeton announced in September 2025 that he will seek re-election in 2026.