Former FBI Agent Files Lawsuit After Wrongful DUI Arrest Despite Zero Alcohol or Drugs

Allison Tsiumis, a retired 33-year veteran of the FBI, is suing the city of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Officer Christian Ferraras after she was wrongfully arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) on Father’s Day 2025 despite having no alcohol or drugs in her system.

The lawsuit alleges that Ferraras fabricated probable cause for the arrest, claiming he smelled alcohol at the scene of a minor fender bender. Tsiumis denied consuming any alcohol, and a subsequent blood test confirmed her sobriety. Despite this, she was arrested, booked, fingerprinted, and held in jail. The ordeal left her with lasting consequences, including the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device—typically reserved for convicted DUI offenders—even though she was never found guilty.

Tsiumis described the experience as particularly jarring given her decades-long career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. She further claims that the ignition interlock device posed safety risks, as her vehicle reportedly shut down in traffic due to compatibility issues with modern start-stop systems, leaving her stranded in an intersection.

The lawsuit asserts that the officer’s affidavit does not align with bodycam footage, alleging inaccuracies and false statements used to justify the arrest. This raises serious concerns about how probable cause is being established in DUI cases across Tennessee.

Growing Trend of 'Sober DUI' Arrests in Tennessee

Tsiumis’ case is part of a troubling pattern in Tennessee, where sober drivers are increasingly being arrested for DUI. State data reveals that in August 2025, officials reported 600 such arrests. However, an updated report from early 2025 indicated that the actual number of wrongful DUI arrests over the past eight years exceeds 2,500.

Calls for Reform and Accountability

Beyond seeking damages, Tsiumis is advocating for broader reforms in Tennessee’s law enforcement practices. Her lawsuit demands better training for officers, improved roadside testing protocols, and greater accountability within the state’s criminal justice system to prevent future wrongful arrests.