Justice Center Janitor Charged With Murder

The Criminal Justice Center is home to the police chief's office, criminal files, and the county jail.

Lopez passed a criminal background check before he was hired.

"Well, it's very, very sensitive because of the hearings that they may have in that building, the people that's in that building, the security, the protection of everything that goes on in that building," said Mark Isom, CEO of Premiere Building Maintenance Corp., which contracts with Metro. "It's very sensitive."

The Knoxville company hired Lopez through BestWay to clean the CJC.

Isom said Lopez cleared a background check when he was hired. But Isom said he has since learned certain crimes were expunged from his record.

Isom did not say what other crimes Lopez committed. Isom said had he known he would have reconsidered placing him at the CJC.

"He'll walk through on his break or while eating during lunch,"  said Chris Scales, who runs the hot dog stand outside the CJC.

Scales came to know Lopez and said those who worked with and around him are stunned to hear about the charge he faces.

Lopez was charged in connection with a murder in August. Police believe it was a shootout between rival gangs. A 19-year-old was murdered. Lopez is one of two people charged in that case.

Criminal background checks are standard for all Metro general service employees.

Now, the city plans to take a closer look at employees hired through independent contractors.