Department activity as of 11/09/09

The Sheriff's Department picked up another person on a fugitive from justice charge last week. 28 year old Christina Love Johnson of Anthony Avenue, Smithville was arrested on Wednesday, November 4th for being a fugitive from justice. Johnson was in a vehicle that had been stopped and an NCIC computer check revealed she was wanted in Kentucky for attempting to obtain a controlled substance by fraud. Johnson appeared in court on Thursday, November 5th and Judge Bratten Cook II set her bond at $1,000 until Kentucky authorities could pick her up.

Meanwhile, on Friday, November 6th , a county deputy was traveling on Highway 70 west when he saw a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and passing another automobile in the turning lane. The vehicle almost clipped the deputy's patrol car. The officer then pulled over the vehicle. 31 year old Edward Franklin Dixon of Dave England Road, Sparta was the driver. When asked by the officer why he was speeding and over taking vehicles in the turning lane, Dixon replied he was running late to pick up his child. Dixon was charged with reckless driving and his bond was set at $1,000. He will appear in court on November 19th.

Also on Friday, a deputy while on patrol, observed a vehicle on Highway 70 east driving erratically. The automobile crossed the center line and the fog line several times. After stopping the vehicle, the deputy noticed a strong odor of alcohol coming from the inside the automobile. The driver, 33 year old Noelvi Deheza of West Green Hill Road McMinnville, submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. Deheza was arrested for driving under the influence and was issued citations for driving without a valid driver's license and violation of the implied consent law in which he refused to submit to a blood test. Bond for Deheza was set at $1,500 and he will appear in court November 19th on all of his charges.

A deputy on patrol Friday on Highway 70 West noticed 22 year old Phil Darnell Fullilove of Laverne Street Alexandria driving a motor vehicle. The officer had prior knowledge of Fullilove's driver's license being suspended. He stopped Fullilove and arrested him for driving on a suspended license. Fullilove's license was suspended for failure to pay child support and also for failing to pay three citations in Wilson County. Bond for Fullilove was set at $1,000 and he will appear in court on November 18th.

50 year old Edward Lynn Taylor of Page Drive Smithville was stopped Saturday by a deputy on Highway 70 East for a light violation. Upon speaking with Taylor, the officer noticed a smell of alcohol coming from within the vehicle. Taylor submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. Taylor was very unsteady on his feet and admitted to the officer that he was drunk. Upon an inventory of Taylor's vehicle, the deputy found a cup, containing a mixed drink, in the cup holder of the vehicle. Taylor was arrested for a 4th offense of driving under the influence and he was issued a citation for having an open container of alcohol in his vehicle. Bond for Taylor was set at $6,000 and he will appear in court on November 19th.

Also on Saturday, deputies received a call on Page Drive Smithville about a suspicious vehicle. After arriving, the officers spotted the automobile and found the driver, who was sitting behind the wheel, was passed out. The engine was still running. The officers attempted to wake the driver and found him to be incoherent and confused. He also had a smell of alcohol on his person and was unsteady on his feet. The driver, 40 year old Larry Harold Maddox of Maples Street, Lebanon was charged with a third offense of driving under the influence. He was also issued a citation for violation of the implied consent law. Bond for Maddox was set at $4,500 and he will appear in court on November 19th.

30 year old Scottie Wayne Knowles of Jacob's Pillar Road, Smithville was arrested Saturday for driving on a suspended license after he was stopped on Highway 70 East. Knowles' license was suspended for failure to satisfy a citation in Putnam County. Bond for Knowles was set at $1,000 and he will appear in court on November 25th.

On Sunday, 26 year old Clifford Steven Bechtel of Bluff Springs Road Smithville was charged with leaving the scene of an accident with property damage. Deputies were called to an automobile accident on Highway 70 east early Sunday morning. The automobile that Bechtel was driving struck a utility pole causing damage to it. The pole had to be replaced. Bechtel then left the scene and later reported the accident to local authorities at around 10:00 a.m. Sunday. Bechtel was then arrested. He was also issued citations for not wearing a seat belt, having no insurance on his vehicle, and violation of the registration law. Bechtel's bond was set at $1,500 and he will appear in court on November 19th.

Department activity as of 11/02/09

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department arrested a Wisconsin man last week on a fugitive from justice charge. 41 year old Richard John Ceska of First Street Apartments, Waterford Wisconsin was arrested on Monday, October 26th for being a fugitive from justice. Ceska was wanted for substantial battery, domestic abuse, and disorderly conduct out of Wisconsin. Ceska is being housed without bond. He appeared in General Sessions Court Thursday where he signed his waiver of extradition back to Wisconsin.

48 year old Kenneth Clayton Odom of Hamilton Drive, Murfreesboro was arrested Wednesday, October 28th for possession of drug paraphernalia after deputies stopped to assist a stranded motorist where Odom was present. The officers found a hypodermic needle in the back pocket of Odom's jeans. Bond for Odom was set at $1,000 and he will appear in court on November 19th.

On Friday, October 30th deputies spotted 25 year old Andrew Dillon of Hurricane Ridge Road, Smithville running a stop sign at the intersection of Highway 70 East and Smith Road. After stopping Dillon, the officer checked Dillon's driver's license and discovered it was suspended for a failure to satisfy a citation in Putnam County. Dillon was charged with driving on a suspended license and his bond was set $1,000. His court date was set for November 4th.

36 year old Matthew D. Stevenson of Old Road Lebanon was stopped for a traffic violation at the intersection of Highway 70 West and Toad Road on Sunday, November 1st. Deputies smelled an odor of alcohol on Stevenson's person. He submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. A check of Stevenson's license revealed that they were suspended. Officers also found a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic gun between the front seats of Stevenson's car. Stevenson was charged with a third offense of driving under the influence, an eighth offense of driving on a revoked driver's license, and possession of a loaded handgun while intoxicated. Bond for Stevenson was set at $17,500 and he will appear in court on November 19th.

Department activity as of 10/26/09

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department has made another arrest in a burglary and theft investigation in which two others have already been charged.

33 year old Tyrone Dewayne Owens of Shady Drive, Smithville was charged on Friday, October 23rd with three counts of aggravated burglary, three counts of theft over $1,000 and one count of theft over $1,000. Bond for Owens is set at $67,500. Detectives discovered, during an investigation, that Owens was involved in the same recent burglaries and thefts as 49 year old Timothy Riley and 43 year old Martin Riley of Poss Road, Smithville who were arrested in September. Owens is accused of breaking into homes on Silver Point Road and Ponder Road. Among the items stolen from the homes were stainless steel refrigerators, stainless steel gas ranges, TVs, microwaves, night stands, cookware, vacuum cleaners, chairs, radios, and telescopes Meanwhile, in another case, Owens is believed to have taken a Troy Built lawnmower from someone's property on Hurricane Ridge Road in Smithville. Owens will appear in General Sessions Court on November 19th to face the charges against him.

21 year old Cynthia Marie Shehane of Page Drive, Smithville was arrested Friday for filing a false police report. On October 20th, Shehane reported to a deputy that her 1995 Chevy Blazer had been stolen. After an investigation, the officer learned that Shehane had traded the vehicle and that it had not been stolen. Bond for Shehane was set at $1,000 and she will appear in court on October 29th.

On Thursday, October 22nd, deputies responded to an accident on Sparta Highway and arrested 30 year old Robert Lee Nichols Jr. of E.H. Haas Road Dowelltown after he was found to be operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. Officers noticed an odor of alcohol on Nichols' person and he was unsteady on his feet. Nichols' submitted to field sobriety tasks but he failed. Upon a search of Nichols, officers found pills believed to be clonazepam and hydrocodone on his person. Nichols was arrested for driving under the influence, simple possession of drugs, and he was issued citations for driving on an expired driver's license, failure to maintain his lane of travel, no insurance, and violation of registration for his vehicle. Bond for Nichols was set at $2,500 and he will appear in court on October 29th..

19 year old Robert Earl Watley of Tramel Branch Road, Alexandria was arrested on Saturday, October 24th on a failure to appear warrant in which he was sentence by the court to serve weekends in the DeKalb County Jail. Watley missed a total of six weekends. Watley's bond was set at $1,000 and he will appear in court on November 5th..

On Sunday, October 25th, detectives arrested 38 year old Chad Everete Knowles of The Loop Smithville after officers stopped a vehicle on Highway 53 in Alexandria in which he was a passenger. Knowles was found to have in his possession a small bag containing three metal containers with a total of 240 dilaudid pills in them and another container which had two types of hydrocodone pills. Knowles was released on parole from the Tennessee Department of Corrections earlier this year and he relocated back to DeKalb County. Knowles had earlier been found guilty of possession of dilaudid and he had been serving a sentence on that charge. As a result of this latest offense, Knowles was charged with simple possession of a schedule III drug (hydrocodone) and possession of a schedule II drug (dilaudid) with the intent to sell and deliver. Detectives also seized $131.44 from Knowles believed to be money used in the drug trade. Bond for Knowles was set at $105,000 and he will appear in court on November 5th. More charges are pending in the case.

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department would like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Halloween this Saturday. The department will be on special patrols this weekend to help keep everyone safe. This weekend, trick-or-treaters will take to the streets all over DeKalb County in search of candy and other treats. I would like to help ensure those little ghosts and goblins are safe and would like to offer a few tips to help make their Halloween a happy event.

• Make sure your all of your children have eaten before they go trick-or-treating and give them some candy from home to eat while out to avoid the temptation to eat from their treat bags. Adults should check all treats before your child has a chance to eat it. Adults should look for faded or opened wrappers or other signs of contamination, like puncture holes. Parents should discard any homemade candy or baked goods in your child's treat bag unless received from someone you know and trust. If in doubt, throw it out.
• Leaving the porch light on is the universal welcome sign for Halloween and signifies the best places for children to trick-or-treat at. It is also very important to talk with your child about why they should not enter homes or apartments unless accompanied by an adult. Parents should remind their children about the dangers of talking to or taking items from people that they do not know.
• People who are welcoming trick or treaters to their homes should make sure their sidewalk area is clear of anything that could cause someone to fall. Pet owners should also make sure their pet is tied or penned away from walkways or porches where people will be traveling.
• Children should be reminded about running from house to house and urged to use the sidewalk if available, rather than walking in the street.
• Parents should also discuss the dangers of running out from behind or between parked cars and why it's important to stop at all intersections and look and listen for traffic before crossing any street.
• I want to remind motorists to slow down and be alert on Halloween Night. Motorist needs to be on the look out for people crossing the street. Sometimes small children are hard for motorist to see. Also be careful about backing out from driveways. Try to back out slowly and look and listen for on coming traffic or people behind you.
• If the need arises for any assistance from Sheriff's Department, please call the Central Dispatch and a Deputy will be dispatched to your location."

Department activity as of 10/19/09

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department has charged a Woodbury man with stealing an ATM machine from a Liberty business. 42 year old Alton David Estes of Parchcorn Road, Woodbury was arrested on Tuesday, October 13th and charged with vandalism, burglary, and theft of property over $1,000.

During an investigation, detectives learned that Estes went to the Stop and Buy Citgo in Liberty and broke the glass out of the front door. Estes hooked some kind of apparatus to the ATM machine which was located in the front of the store shopping area and then hooked the other end of the apparatus to his vehicle and pulled the top half of the ATM machine loose from lower half. The top half of the ATM machine was found in a nearby creek later that day. Estes was unable to obtain any money from the machine. Estes was arrested at his home after detectives looked at video of the vehicle and checked out a citizen's tip of who owned an automobile like the one on the video. There was evidence that the ATM machine had been loaded into the back of Estes' vehicle. Bond for Estes was set at $80,000 and he will appear in court on October 29th

On Wednesday, October 14th, deputies responded to an accident on Sparta Highway near Quail Point. Upon arrival, they talked with the driver of the vehicle, 33 year old Jimmy D. Walker of Camp Overton Road, Rock Island. Officers noticed a strong odor of alcohol on Walker's person and he kept telling them he was in Warren County, not DeKalb County. Walker submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. Walker was arrested for a first offense of driving under the influence and his bond was set at $1,500. He was also issued citations for failure to maintain his lane of travel and violation of the implied consent law. He will appear in court on October 29th on all of the charges.

On Saturday, October 17th, 37 year old Joey Donald Howell of Page Drive Smithville was arrested for burglary and theft of property over $1,000. Detectives allege that on October 15th Howell went to a construction site on Back Bone Ridge Road and busted the glass out of a work truck that was setting on the premises. Howell then took a 16 inch circular saw, a chop saw, and two nail guns that were valued at over $1,000. Bond for Howell was set at $10,000 and he will appear in court on November 19th.

Also on Saturday, deputies saw 31 year old Jason Richard Skaroupka of Midway Road Smithville operating a motor vehicle on Terrell Road. An officer, having prior knowledge of Skaroupka's driver's license being revoked for being a habitual offender, stopped him and placed him under arrest for driving on a revoked driver's license. This makes Skaroupka's 7th offense of driving on a revoked license. Bond for Skaroupka was set at $10,000 and he will appear in court on October 29th.

The Sheriff's Department Is Not Associated with FOP Fundraising Campaign

Beware of a telephone fund raising campaign by an out of state Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) group seeking funds using the name of the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department.

This group is making calls to people in DeKalb County, saying that they are raising money and that donations will go to the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office to buy things the department needs. This may be a legitimate organization, but it is misleading people by invoking the name of the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department. This group has not been authorized to raise money for his department, and the local sheriff's office will not receive any of this money.

If you should get a call from this group, don't give any money. Just call the sheriff's department to report it at 597-4935.

Department activity as of 10/12/09

Investigators Believe Senick to be the Victim of Homicide. Dental records have confirmed that the body of a man found last week in the rubble of a burned mobile home near Liberty is that of 63 year old Robert "Bob" Senick, the man who lived at the residence.

The mobile home, which belonged to Senick, was located in an isolated area about a mile off the Liberty to Dismal Road. The fire, which destroyed the home, apparently occurred either Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. The mobile home had already burned to the ground by the time it was discovered and reported Wednesday morning at around 9:13 a.m.

Senick's body was later sent to the State Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy. The investigation is being conducted by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Tennessee Department of Bomb and Arson, and District Attorney General Randy York and members of his staff.

Jf you have any information that could help investigators, please call 597-4935.

Meanwhile in other recent crime news from the Sheriff's Department, 25 year old Shannon Ray Herman of Author Hollis Lane Smithville is charged with driving on a suspended license. He will appear in court on October 21st. On October 5th, deputies while on patrol on Short Mountain Highway, stopped Herman for a traffic violation. Upon checking Herman's license, the officer learned that the license was suspended for failure to satisfy a citation in Warren County. Herman was arrested and his bond set at $1,000.

33 year old Gregory Michael Patton of Oak Place Drive, Smithville is charged with two counts of simple possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond was set at $3,500 on the drug charges. Patton also has five warrants against him for violation of probation. On October 8th a deputy while on patrol on Timber Lane, spotted Patton standing beside of a vehicle. Having prior knowledge that Patton had warrants against him for violation of probation, the officer stopped and placed Patton under arrest. While making the arrest, the officer noticed a small pouch beside of Patton and in the pouch was a pill crusher, a hollowed ink pen barrel containing residue, one and a half Hydrocodone pills. and a half of a Xanax pill.

21 year old Jose B. Soto Jr. of Miller Road Smithville is charged with driving under the influence and resisting arrest. On October 10th, Soto was involved in an accident on Dry Creek Road in Smithville and when officers tried to arrest him, Soto fled on foot. After the officers caught up with him, Soto began to resist but he was cuffed after a deputy sprayed him with mace. Soto had a strong odor of alcohol on his person and slurred speech. He refused to submit to any field sobriety tasks and also refused a blood test. Soto's bond was set at $4,000 and he was issued a citation for violation of the implied consent law. He will appear in court on October 22nd.

39 year old Danny Lee Smithson of Brook Lane, Smithville is charged with introduction of drugs into a penal institution. Correctional officers at the jail discovered a bulge in the sock of a weekend prisoner on October 10th. When they checked further, the officers found in Smithson's possession, a black taped wrapper containing seventeen whole pills and two half pills of Soma and six pink Hydrocodone pills. Smithson, who stands six feet tall and weighs three hundred pounds, also had a jacket under his belly containing tobacco, rolling papers, and a lighter. His bond was set at $5,000 and he will appear in court on October 22nd.

22 year old Dallas Edward Hannah of Evins Mill Road Smithville was arrested October 11th for driving on a revoked license after he was spotted driving on Highway 70 East. Hannah ‘s bond was set a $1,500 and he will appear in court on October 22nd.

23 year old Dallas James King and 18 year old Nathan Ray King both of Murray Kittrell Road, Readyville are charged with unlawful possession of a schedule VI controlled substance (marijuana) for resale. On October 12th, a deputy while on patrol, stopped a vehicle on Highway 70 West. The officer noticed a smell of marijuana in the vehicle. After obtaining consent from the driver to search, the deputy found a Nike shoe box containing 3.65 ounces of a green leafy plant believed to be marijuana. Another bag containing marijuana was also found in the back seat of the vehicle. Bond for both men is set at $3,500 each and they will appear in court on October 22nd.

Body Found in Mobile Home Destroyed by Fire

A body has been found in the rubble of a single wide mobile home near Liberty which was destroyed by fire this week. The body, burned beyond recognition, has been sent to the State Medical Examiner for an autopsy and to make positive identification through medical and dental records. The cause of death is currently unknown. An investigation is underway to determine if any foul play was involved.
The mobile home, which belonged to Robert Bob Senick, was located in an isolated area about a mile off the Liberty to Dismal Road. The fire, which destroyed the home, apparently occurred either Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. The mobile home had already burned to the ground by the time it was discovered and reported Wednesday morning at around 9:13 a.m.. The cause of the fire is also unknown.

The investigation is being conducted by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Tennessee Department of Bomb and Arson, and District Attorney General Randy York and members of his staff.

If you have any information that could help investigators, please call 597-4935.

Department activity as of 10/05/09

Three people were arrested Saturday by the Sheriff's Department. 35 year old Darrell Jerome Gurley of Parsley Road, Smithville is charged with criminal impersonation in addition to two warrants for violation of probation. 32 year old Michelle Lee Culwell of Parsley Road is charged charged with simple possession of a schedule III drug (Hydrocodone) and 29 year old Heather Perkins of Mountain View Drive, Smithville faces a charge of tampering with evidence.

A deputy, while on patrol on Highway 56 north Saturday, spotted Gurley sitting with two females, Culwell and Perkins, in a vehicle at the parking lot of a local business. The officer had prior knowledge of two active violation of probation warrants on Gurley so he stopped to speak with him. Gurley initially identified himself as Paul Allen Sullivan and gave a date of birth and social security number. But after the officer confronted him about his identity, Gurley gave his real name. Gurley's bond is $1,000 and he will appear in court on October 15th. After receiving consent to search from Gurley and the women, the officer found ten pink pills believed to be Hydrocodone in Culwell's pocketbook. Culwell said she had no prescription for the pills. Her bond was set at $1,000 and she will appear in court on October 15th. While searching the vehicle, the officer also noticed that the other passenger, Perkins, was trying to conceal something in her pants. The officer asked Perkins to empty her pockets and she produced a small container that was missing the lid. He inquired about what was in the container and where it went and she replied that it was a Xanax and that she had swallowed it. Perkins added that she did not have a prescription for the drug and that she had purchased it from a friend. Her bond was set at $1,000 and she will appear in court on October 15th.

Meanwhile, 50 year old Jack Christopher Adams of Petty Road, Smithville was arrested on September 28th after a deputy spotted him operating a motor vehicle on Highway 56 South. The officer had prior knowledge that Adams' drivers license was revoked. After stopping Adams, the officer confirmed that his driver's license was revoked for a conviction of driving under the influence on January 3rd, 2008. Adams also had eight separate prior charges of driving on a revoked driver's license. Adams' bond was set at $15,000 and he will appear in court on October 15th..

On Sunday, October 4th, deputies were dispatched to an auto accident on Highway 146. After speaking to the driver, the investigating officer arrested 31 year old Phillip Miranda of Cecil Hale Road Smithville for driving on a revoked driver's license. Miranda's license was revoked for a driving under the influence conviction on June 17th, 2008. Miranda's bond was set at $1,000. He was also issued a citation for no insurance and failure to maintain his lane of travel on the roadway.

Department activity as of 9/28/09

A 49 year old Smithville man was arrested Saturday, September 26th after officers of the Sheriff's Department found an explosive device in an outbuilding at his residence. Darrell L. Pack of Rolling Acres Road is charged with possession of a prohibited weapon (explosive device) and his bond was set at $10,000. He will appear in court on October 15th. Officers were called to the Pack home on Saturday and made the discovery during an investigation. The Tennessee Bomb Squad and the Tennessee Bomb and Arson Agencies were summoned to the scene to take custody and dispose of the device. Also found in the Pack home was a stolen gun out of White County. Detectives there were notified that the weapon has been recovered.

Meanwhile, in other cases 19 year old Misty Gingerich of West Main Street, Smithville was arrested Wednesday, September 23rd for criminal trespassing after she was found behind the DeKalb County Jail. Gingerich had walked on the property at night and was trying to smuggle contraband into the jail annex where inmates were being housed. Gingerich tried to put items though the rear outside door of the annex. Her bond was set at $2,500 and she will appear in court on October 22nd..

30 year old Kenny Wayne Bly of Midway Road Smithville was charged Friday, September 25th with criminal littering and evading arrest. Bly tried to smuggle contraband into the DeKalb County Jail by throwing down contraband on the ground behind the jail annex. When officers approached Bly, he took off running and was caught on West Main Street in Smithville. Bly's bond was set at $2,000 and he will appear in court on October 15th..

36 year old Gregory Wayne Cripps of Cripps Lane, Smithville was charged Friday, September 25th with a first offense of driving under the influence after an officer stopped him on Highway 56 South for weaving from one side of the roadway to the other. Cripps was unsteady on his feet and had very slow motor skills. Cripps submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. Cripps' bond was set at $1,000 and he will appear in court on October 15th.

24 year old Johnna Maynard of Banks Pisgah Road, Smithville was arrested on Friday, September 25th for aggravated burglary and theft of property under $500. Detectives allege that Maynard went to a home on Banks Pisgah Road Smithville and entered the residence without the owner's consent. While there she allegedly took a weed eater valued at $100. Bond for Maynard was set at $15,000 and she will appear in court on October 15th. Also arrested at Maynard's home was 35 year old James Hershell Patton of Oak Place Drive, Smithville. Detectives had knowledge that Patton was staying at the Banks Pisgah Road home and they also knew that Patton was wanted on a violation of parole warrant in DeKalb County. When detectives went to the door of the home, Patton tried to elude them by crawling into the attic. Patton was found buried under the insulation in the attic area. Patton was also charged with evading arrest and his bond was set at $3,500. He will appear in court on October 15th..

Also on Saturday, September 26th, deputies responded to a complaint call at the intersection of Highway 70 and Highway 96 in Liberty. Deputies found 29 year old Carlos J. Perez of Kipling Drive, Nashville to be in control of a motor vehicle. Perez had a strong odor of alcohol on his person, slurred speech, and he was unsteady on his feet. Perez submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. Perez was charged with a first offense of driving under the influence and his bond was set at $1,000. He will appear in court on October 15th.. A passenger of Perez's vehicle, 27 year old Joseph P. Reasons of Ashland City Road, Clarksville was charged with public intoxication after he was found to be passed out on the side of the road. Deputies found Reasons to be under the influence having blood shot eyes, he was unsteady on his feet, and was very confused. Reasons' bond was set a $1,000 and he will appear in court on October 15th.

Department activity as of 9/21/09

Two men have been charged in a recent burglary and theft investigation by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department. 24 year old Jonathon David Thomas of Nashville Highway, Liberty was charged on Thursday, September 17th with aggravated burglary and theft of property after an investigation into a break in on Tramel Branch Road. Another person, 34 year old James Steven Leduc of Gin Alley, Alexandria, who had previously been charged with theft of property, has now been charged with aggravated burglary. The two men went to a home on Tramel Branch Road, kicked in the back door and took several items including a black stove and ceiling fans from the home. The stove and fans were then sold to a business in Alexandria. The items have since been recovered. Bond for Thomas was set at $35,000 and Leduc's bond was set at $25,000 on the new charge. Both will appear in court on October 1st.

Meanwhile in other cases, on Monday, September 14th, deputies responded to a call on Highway 56 South where a "be on the look out" was issued for a wanted man, 48 year old David Petty of Houston Hollow Road, Alexandria. The described vehicle was stopped but the man in the automobile, Petty, tried to pass himself off as someone else. When Petty was asked for his name, he said it was Michael Petty and he gave the officer a fake date of birth and social security number. Petty, who was identified by prior bookings into the DeKalb County Jail, was charged with criminal impersonation. His bond was set at $2,500 and he will appear in court on October 1st.

On Tuesday, September 15th, deputies spotted a possible drunk driver on Highway 56 North. The vehicle could be seen weaving in the roadway. After the traffic stop, officers found 44 year old Richard Arthur Schilt of Allen Chapel Road Smithville to be under the influence. Schilt had an odor of alcohol on his person, slurred speech and he was unsteady on his feet. Schilt submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. Schilt was charged with a second offense of driving under the influence. He was also issued a citation for violation of the implied consent law. Schilt will appear in court on October 1st. Schilt's vehicle, a 1998 Chrysler car was also seized. Meanwhile, a passenger in the vehicle, 40 year old Elsie Mae Judkins of Allen Chapel Road Smithville was also arrested. After a search of her person, deputies found a hypodermic needle hidden in her sock. Judkins was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and her bond was set at $1,000. She will appear in court on October 1st. Judkins was also charged Tuesday after she tried to throw a pill under a deputy's patrol car after the officer made a traffic stop of her vehicle in the Big Rock Road /Vaughn Lane area. The deputy saw Judkins throw something under his car while he was talking to a passenger of vehicle and discovered that it was a perecot pill. Also found on Judkins were two hypodermic needles and a dilaudid pill. Judkins was charged with simple possession of a schedule II dug dilaudid, simple possession of a schedule II pill (perecot), and possession of drug paraphernalia. Her bond was set at $6,000 and she will appear in court on October 1st.

On Saturday, September 19th, deputies worked a one-car accident on Vaughn Lane in Smithville and arrested 44 year old David Lopez Reyes of Vinewood Road, McMinnville for a first offense of driving under the influence. Officers noticed Reyes to be under the influence. He had slurred speech, was unsteady on his feet, and he had an odor of alcohol on his person. Reyes submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. Reyes was also issued citations for no driver's license and violation of the implied consent law. His bond was set at $1,500.

On Sunday, September 20th, deputies arrested 33 year old Jeremy Nelson Moulder of Old Smithville Highway, McMinnville for driving on a suspended license. Moulder was stopped for a traffic offense and he told the officers that he did not have a driver's license. Upon running a computer check, the deputy learned that Moulder's license was suspended for a failure to file insurance after an accident. Moulder's bond was set at $1,000 and he will appear in court on October 1st.

Riley Brothers Charged in Area Burglaries and Thefts

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department has arrested two men believed to be responsible for several recent burglaries and thefts in DeKalb and other counties.

43 year old Martin Riley is charged with aggravated burglary and two counts of theft of property over $1,000. His brother, 49 year old Timothy Riley is charged with aggravated burglary and theft of property over $1,000. Both are residents of Poss Road, Smithville.

The Riley brothers didn't just allegedly steal small things, they also allegedly took large expensive household appliances. We've recovered all kinds of stainless steel refrigerators, stainless steel stoves, stainless steel freezers, radios, cd players, microwaves, toaster ovens, anything they could go into a house and get.

The Riley's favorite targets were lake homes although they allegedly burglarized other residences as well. They would make entry into the houses, mostly lake homes, where people are not there everyday, push all these appliances up next to the door or on the front porch, and then they would go, get a vehicle, come back and load it all up, and sell it right then.

A couple of the break-ins, for which the Rileys are believed to have been responsible, were on Shady Drive and Ponder Road. On September 9th, detectives investigated a break-in at a residence on Shady Drive where someone had stolen a lawn mower, a six foot trailer, and a generator. Another was on Ponder Road where they had broken into a cabin and stole refrigerators and other appliances.

The Rileys also allegedly burglarized homes in the City of Smithville. There have also been some cases in the City of Smithville with which we were able to help the Smithville Police Department. They (Rileys) took some of the same things they were taking out in the county such as lawn mowers. In one case they took lots of health and beauty aids that an individual had bought by the boxes, things like shampoo and toothpaste, and they (Rileys) sold that to an individual.

The investigation also implicated the Rileys in a scheme to steal a bobcat. A couple of weeks ago, there was a bobcat that was rented in Warren County. It was delivered here in the City of Smithville. These two individuals were involved with that. Martin Riley went up there (McMinnville) and gave the people at the rental center some fake information and when they brought the bobcat down here he and his brother Tim loaded the bobcat on a trailer and sold it to a man in Indiana. We've been working closely with the Warren County Sheriff's Department on that case. The detective was also able to find the guy who still had the bobcat and they're returning that to the Warren County Sheriff's Department.

After stealing the goods, the Rileys then tried to sell them as quickly as possible. We believe they went around the county, asking people if they wanted to buy a lawnmower or refrigerator or whatever, but the people who bought the items didn't realize they were stolen. At one of the places where they sold some of the items, the guy (buyer) had a vehicle tag that was laying over on the ground, which was still in date. They (Rileys) took the tag, stole it from him, and put it on their vehicle.

The Rileys didn't just peddle the stolen goods locally. In one case, they took a lawnmower from one of the break-ins and sold it to a guy on the street in Nashville. In some cases, the Riley's were so anxious to make a sale that it aroused the suspicion of the buyers. At two places in the county where they had made a sale, the people noticed something strange about the refrigerators because they were still cold. Some of them actually had ice still in the ice box.

We are asking for your help in this investigation. If you believe you may have made a purchase from the Rileys, please contact the Sheriff's Department . We're posting their pictures at www.wjle.com. Look at them because even though you might not know who you bought it from, you might remember their faces. If you have bought any type of appliances, radios, lawn mowers, flat bed trailers or anything, contact us. We would like to look at it. We're asking the community to help us get these items back to the victims. You might also recognize the truck the Riley brothers were driving. It was an early 90's model S-10 pick up truck, long wheel base. It was gray at one time but they spray painted it a little darker color. It would look like a black truck now. We were able to find the truck and retrieve the stolen license plate and give it back to the owner.

Department activity as of 9/14/09

A 27 year old man faces an aggravated assault charge after allegedly firing a weapon at his mother last week. Matthew Allen Baker is under a $5,000 bond and he will be in court October 1st. Deputies were dispatched to Pine Orchard Road Smithville on Tuesday, September 8th where a man had shot at his mother and was still armed. Upon arrival, officers found Baker at his residence and placed him into custody without incident. County detectives charged Baker with aggravated assault after they learned that Baker had a loaded shotgun and pointed it at his mother, shot twice in the ground in front her, and once over his mother's vehicle. Baker also busted out a tail light on his mother's vehicle as she was leaving with the butt of the gun. The woman was apparently not injured during the incident.

Also on Tuesday, deputies responded to an auto accident on Banks Pisgah Road Smithville and found the driver of the car 24 year old Flint Wilson Gilley II to be in an intoxicated state. Gilley had an odor of alcohol on his person. He was unsteady on his feet, had slurred speech, and red watery eyes. Gilley was asked to perform field sobriety tasks which he failed. Gilley did admit to drinking a six pack of beer prior to the accident. Gilley was charged with driving under the influence and his bond was set at $1,500. He will appear in court on October 1st.

On Friday, September 11th, a deputy spotted a vehicle driven by 45 year old Charles Wayne Smithson on Highway 56 North swerving and passing two cars on a double yellow line. After the stop, officers noticed Smithson had an odor of alcohol on his person, slurred speech, and was unsteady on his feet. Smithson was asked to perform field sobriety tasks but he refused. Smithson also refused a blood test to determine how much alcohol and/or drugs were present in his system. Inside the vehicle, deputies found beer cans and a .357 pistol. Smithson did not possess a valid hand gun carrying permit for any weapons. Smithson was charged with a first offense of driving under the influence, unlawful possession of a weapon, and he was issued written citations for violation of the implied consent law and for open alcohol containers. His bond was set at $4,000 and he will appear in court on October 29th.

On Sunday, deputies stopped 33 year old Jamie Lynn Cozart of Highway 96 Auburntown for a traffic offense. When the officer asked for his driver's license, Cozart said that he had left it at home. The deputy then ran a computer check which revealed that the driver's license was suspended for failure to satisfy citations in both Wilson and Rutherford Counties. Cozart was charged with driving on a suspended license. His bond was set at $1,000 and will appear in court on October 14th.

Department activity as of 9/08/09

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department has made four arrests on various charges since last Wednesday.

24 year old Flint Wilson Gilley II of Bethel Road Smithville was arrested September 2nd after deputies responded to a call of a vehicle sitting in the roadway on Short Mountain Highway. Upon arrival officers found Gilley passed out behind the wheel of his vehicle, which was still in drive, with the engine running. After securing the automobile, officers awoke Gilley and noticed him to be under the influence. Gilley submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. Also found were two pill bottles. One bottle contained eight yellow Xanax and the other bottle contained 8 pills and two half pills of Suboxone. Gilley had no prescription for these drugs. Gilley was charged with driving under the influence, possession of a schedule III drug (Suboxone), and possession of a schedule IV drug (Xanax). Gilley's bond was set at $4,500 and his court date is October 1st.

On September 3rd, a county deputy spotted 20 year old Anthony W. Tramel of Oakley Road, Liberty driving a motor vehicle. The officer had prior knowledge of Tramel's driver's license being revoked. Upon stopping Tramel, the deputy noticed a strong odor of alcohol on Tramel's person, his eyes were glossy, and Tramel was stumbling when trying to walk. Tramel was asked to perform field sobriety tasks, but he refused. Tramel did admit to drinking beer. Tramel was arrested for a second offense of driving under the influence and a third offence of driving on a revoked driver's license. Tramel's bond was set at $5,000 and his court date is September 17th. Tramel was issued a citation for violation of the implied consent law.

23 year old Brandon Scott Kidd of Four Seasons Road Smithville was charged September 5th with a second offense of driving under the influence after he was involved in an auto accident on Four Seasons Road. Kidd was found to be under the influence. He was unsteady on his feet and he had an odor of alcohol on his person. Kidd submitted to and failed field sobriety tasks. He also admitted to drinking beer and taking Xanax. Kidd's bond was set at $2,000 and he will appear in court on September 17th.

31 year old Tommy J. Eldridge of Rose Wood Lane Smithville was charged September 6th with public intoxication after officers checked out a report of someone lying in the ditch on Highway 56 North. Upon arrival deputies found Eldridge to be in an intoxicated state. She had an odor of alcohol on her person and she was very unsteady on her feet. Eldridge admitted to taking Xanax and drinking beer. Bond for Eldridge was set at $1,000 and she will appear in court on October 1st.

Department activity as of 8/31/09

An elderly Dowelltown man is charged with assault and sexual battery of a home health nurse last week. 83 year old Lloyd Howard Tisdale of Manhill Road Dowelltown was charged with one count of assault and one count of sexual battery on Monday, August 24th. Detectives received the complaint from a home health nurse who was at Tisdale's residence treating his girlfriend for a medical problem. Tisdale's girlfriend also lives in the residence. The nurse reported that Tisdale grabbed her bottom and pushed her against the wall and that when she tried to make a phone call from her cell phone to advise her employer of what happened, Tisdale grabbed her arm and slammed her wrist against a counter. The nurse was able to leave the home. She went to the emergency room to seek medical attention on her wrist. Detectives charged Tisdale with the crime. His bond was set at $6,000 and he will appear in court on September 17th.

37 year old Timothy Roy Hale of East Main Street, Liberty was charged Monday, August 24th with being a fugitive from justice. He is wanted in Fulton County Kentucky for failure to pay child support. Bond for Hale was set at $50,000 and he will appear in court on October 1st.

21 year old Gerardo Mares Delgado of Red Road McMinnville was stopped for a traffic violation on Highway 70 on Tuesday, August 25th. When the officer asked for Delgado's driver's license, he could not produce one but told the deputy that his name was Fernando Toomes. He also said his name was Fernando Torres. The officer checked and found his real name to be Gerardo Mares Delgado. He was charged with criminal impersonation and driving without a license,Patrick and his bond was set at $3,000.

On Tuesday, August 25th, a county deputy spotted a vehicle on Old Blue Springs Road going into the ditch, crossing the centerline, and at one point almost running another oncoming vehicle into the ditch. After the officer stopped the vehicle, he found 32 year old Dorothy Marie Herman to be the driver. He noticed Herman to be confused, sweaty, and to have slurred speech. Herman also had a white residue on her lips. Herman submitted to field sobriety tasks which she failed. Found in the car was a bottle with 1-½ pills believed to be xanax. Herman admitting to taking hydrocodone and xanax earlier in the day. Herman was charged with driving under the influence and simple possession of a schedule IV drug (xanax). Her bond was set at $3,500 and she will appear in court on September 17th

On Thursday, an inmate at the DeKalb County Jail, 20 year old Thomas Austin Bagnall of Land O Lakes Blvd. Tampa Florida was charged with vandalism after he set off the fire alarm in the DeKalb County Jail Annex. Bagnall tampered with the sprinkler system in a holding cell causing the sprinkler to activate and spray water into the Annex portion of the jail. Bond was set at $5,000 and he will appear in court on September 17th.

Department activity as of 8/24/09

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department has charged a Smithville man with aggravated sexual battery for allegedly having sexual contact with a four year old child. 41 year old James Aaron Vinca of East Main Street was charged with the offense on August 18th. In mid July, Vinca was accused of having unlawful sexual contact with the child at his residence. The child is a member of his family. Vinca has allegedly admitted to the crime. His bond was set at $25,000 and his court date is set for September 17th.

Meanwhile, in other cases 52 year old Calvin Kenneth Adcock of Keltonburg Road Smithville was arrested on August 18th for simple possession of a schedule III drug. Deputies spotted Adcock walking down the roadway and when asked if they could help him, Adcock said he needed a ride to his probation officer's office. The officer told Adcock that he needed to pat him down before seating him in the patrol car and Adcock consented. During the search, the officer found a blue pill believed to be Hydrocodone in Adcock's pocket. Bond for Adcock was set at $1,000 and he will appear in court on August 27th.

25 year old Stephen Brandon Pirtle of Rolling Acres Road, Smithville was arrested on August 21st for simple possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Deputies were summoned to the residence because of an unwanted guest. Upon entering the home, officers noticed rolling papers, a glass bong that is used to smoke marijuana, and a bag of marijuana in the bedroom. Pirtle tried to conceal the marijuana by throwing articles of clothing over the bag. Bond for Pirtle was set at $2,500 on the charges and he will appear in court on September 3rd.

36 year old Luis Manual Ramirez of Miller Road Apartments was arrested by deputies on August 23rd after a BOLO, or be on the lookout, was issued for a vehicle that was involved in an accident in Warren County. Officers spotted the automobile and attempted to pull it over. The driver, Ramirez, refused to stop. One of the deputies pulled in front of Ramirez's vehicle and stopped it. When Ramirez refused to get out of the vehicle, the deputies removed him. After a check of Ramirez's driver's license, it was found to be revoked for a 2007 driving under the influence charge in DeKalb County. Ramirez was charged with evading arrest, resisting arrest, and a first offense of driving on a revoked driver's license. His bond was set at $9,000 and he will appear in court on September 3rd.

A citizen report of a suspicious vehicle helped the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department solve a burglary over the weekend at a residence on the Old Mill Hill Road. 24 year old Joshua Cripps of Hodges Road, Smithville is charged with aggravated burglary and theft of property. Bond for Cripps was set at $75,000 and he will appear in court on September 3rd. Another man, 20 year old Raymond Howard Rollins of West Main Street Apartments, Smithville is charged with driving on a suspended license. His bond was set at $1,000 and he will appear in court on September 2nd.

On Saturday, August 22nd deputies received a call from a citizen about a suspicious automobile on Old Mill Hill Road, Dowelltown, and that someone had gotten out of the vehicle. Upon arrival the officer discovered that Rollins was the driver. A check of his license revealed that it was suspended for failure to satisfy a citation.

On Sunday morning, the sheriff's department received a call of a break in at a residence on the Old Mill Hill Road. Following an investigation, deputies arrested Cripps in connection with the crime. Officers discovered that Rollins and Cripps had been together on Saturday and that Cripps had told Rollins to let him out of the vehicle and to pick him up again in a few minutes. Rollins then rode around until he got pulled over and arrested on the driving charge. In the meantime, Cripps allegedly went to the residence of a family member, broke the glass out of a door, entered the home, and took a bottle of prescription medication. The victim was not at home at the time of the break in. Cripps then left and was picked up by officers later Sunday morning.

We want to thank the complainant who reported seeing the suspicious vehicle. The caller did the right thing by calling the dispatch and advising us of the vehicle. It made this theft investigation a lot easier for us to work. This is a great example of what happens when citizens are keeping watch on what is going on in their communities. We encourage people to call us and let us check out things such as this.

Department activity as of 8/17/09

We need your help in solving a theft ring which has been occurring in DeKalb and surrounding counties.

Most of these thefts have been taking place at night. We have been working with the surrounding counties on theft cases where someone has been stealing riding lawn mowers, bumper trailers, gooseneck trailers, boat trailers, and camper trailers. In some of the thefts, the thief will take the vehicle that is attached to the trailer and carry them into one of our surrounding counties and burn them. Authorities in all of the counties agree that this is the same theft ring they have been experiencing. In DeKalb County, we have seen a few of these thefts in the western part of the county with the last one being a travel trailer taken from the Smith Fork area in which a truck was attached to the travel trailer and the thief drove it into the creek and took the trailer. We are asking everyone to keep an eye out for anyone driving up and down the road or anyone that looks suspicious. We ask you to get a good description of the vehicle then call the central dispatch and relay the information to them where a deputy can be dispatched to that area. You may also call the Sheriff's Department at 597-4935 or the crime tip line at 464-6400 if you have any information on someone trying to sell these items.

Meanwhile in other crime news, detectives arrested 33 year old James Steven Leduc of Gin Alley Apartments in Alexandria for theft of property on August 11th. The victim, who resides on Tramel Branch Road in Alexandria, reported the theft of a G.E. clothes dryer, a compound bow, a refrigerator, and three electric floor heaters. Detectives found that Leduc had sold the stolen items to a business in Alexandria. When they picked up Leduc, he admitted to selling the stolen items. Leduc's bond was set at $40,000 and he will appear in court on August 20th.

22 year old Daniel Luke Brock and 20 year old Rex James Garza were picked up on sealed indictments for theft of property and burglary on August 11th. On December 30th, 2007, DeKalb County detectives and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation worked a break-in on Johnson's Chapel Road where items such as cases of beer, computers, a surround sound system, and two large screen televisions were taken from a business without the owners consent. Bond for both men was set at $25,000 and they will appear in court on September 21st.

Deputies responded to an accident on Sparta Highway on August 11th. Upon arrival, deputies talked with the driver, 60 year old James Brown Metcalf of West Bockman Way Sparta, and noticed that he was unsteady on his feet and had a smell of alcohol on his person. Metcalf submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. He did admitted to drinking vodka earlier. Metcalf ‘s bond was set at $1,500 and he will appear in court on August 20th.

43 year old Teresa Kay Beasley of McMinnville Highway was arrested August 15th on a sealed indictment for sale of a schedule II drug, delivery of a schedule II drug, possession of a schedule II drug for resale, delivery of a schedule II drug for resale, sale of a legend drug, attempt to sell a schedule II drug, and attempt to deliver a schedule II drug. Her bond was set at $6,000 and she will appear in court on September 21st.

Also on August 15th, deputies went to the residence of 46 year old Randall Johnson who lives on LaFever Ridge Road Silver Point, to serve a state warrant on him. When Deputies tried to cuff Johnson, he told them "No I'm not going!" The officers were able to subdue Johnson and place him into custody without incident. Upon coming into the DeKalb County Jail, Johnson was found to have a plastic bag on his person that contained a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana. Johnson was charged with resisting arrest and introduction of drugs into a penal institution. His bond was set at $7,000 and will appear in court on August 20th.

Department activity as of 8/11/09

Since Wednesday, the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department has made arrests for drugs, assault, and indecent exposure.

29 year old Crystal Lachell Thompson of Highland Street Smithville was served with a state warrant on Wednesday, August 5th. The arresting officer conducted a pat down search and found two pills believed to be hydrocodone, two pills believed to be soma, and one pill believed to be oxycontin. Thompson was charged with one count of simple possession of a schedule II drug (oxycontin), one count of simple possession of a schedule III drug hydrocodone, and one count of simple possession of a schedule IV drug (soma). Thompson's bond was set at $6,000.

While in custody of the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department, 34 year old Misty D. Shehane was charged Saturday, August 8th with assault after see caused a disturbance in the DeKalb County General Sessions Courtroom. Shehane had an altercation in the courtroom with another subject and when court officers tried to subdue her, Shehane took a swing at one of the court officers nearly striking him. Shehane also tried to kick the officers. Shehane will appear in court on August 20th on the charges.

Meanwhile on Friday, August 7th deputies responded to a call on Adcock Cemetery Road. When the officer arrived, the victim told him that she was walking down the road when a neighbor, 64 year old James Harold Davis also of Adcock Cemetery Road, yelled out the victim's name. When the victim looked at Davis, he (Davis) pulled his pants down exposing himself. When Deputies approached Davis about the complaint, he told them he was sorry and he would never do it again. Davis was charged with indecent exposure and his bond was set at $1,500. He will appear in court on August 27th.

Sheriff's Department Employee Resigns Amid Allegations in Warren County Investigation

An employee at the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department has resigned after his name surfaced along with three other Warren County/McMinnville Police officers in an investigation into illegal distribution of prescription drugs and TennCare fraud at the Ameri-Care Urgent Care Clinic in McMinnville.

On August 3rd, I was formally advised of an active investigation involving one of my employees. On August 4th, I placed the employee on paid administrative leave pending outcome of the investigation. Then on August 5th, the employee resigned their employment from the Sheriff's Department.

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office is conducting an internal investigation and is fully cooperating with all investigating agencies in this matter. The nature of my department's internal investigation centers around a probe being conducted in Warren County and the investigation will seek to determine if the former employee's conduct was criminal in nature.

At this time the former employee's name is being withheld until the investigation is completed.

Department activity as of 8/3/09

46 year old Jeffery Smithson of Viola Road Trailer Park is charged with arson. Detectives had been investigating Smithson for theft from a mobile home on Stoner Road near the Rollertown Road in the southern part of the county and through that investigation Smithson became a suspect in the arson case. He was charged on July 28th. Smithson allegedly went to the mobile home on June 28th, broke into the residence, and stole items from there. Smithson then allegedly set fire to the residence and fled. The fire caused extensive damage to the home. Bond for Smithson was set at $75,000 and he will appear in court on August 13th.

Also on July 28th, deputies went to the residence of 34 year old Misty Shehane , who lives on Carter Street in Smithville to execute a state violation of probation warrant on 38 year old Michael Glen Thomas of West Main Street Dowelltown. While there, officers spotted components of a methamphetamine lab and summoned county detectives to the scene. Found in the home were items such as tubing, used coffee filters, turkey basters, lye, charcoal starter fluid, red phosphorus, muratic acid, and other components used in the methamphetamine process. After obtaining consent to search, authorities found a fully operational methamphetamine lab in a box in the bed room that Thomas was occupying. Thomas was charged with manufacture of a schedule II drug (Methamphetamine). His bond is $50,000 and he will appear in court on August 6th.

Detectives also charged 31 year old Nancy Felts Brown also of West Main Street Dowelltown with manufacture of a schedule II drug (Methamphetamine) and possession of drug paraphernalia. Brown allegedly purchased or supplied items that were used in the Methamphetamine production process. Brown's pocket book contained a cut straw and a pill crusher and straws were found on a chest of drawers in the bedroom where she slept. Brown's bond was set at $26,000 and she will appear in court on August 6th.

After an investigation into Misty Shehane's involvement, detectives charged her on July 30th with manufacture of a schedule II drug (Methamphetamine) by having knowledge that Methamphetamine was being produced and for supplying a place for the illegal drug to be produced. Shehane was also charged with child neglect for allowing her two children, ages 23 months and 4 years of age, to be in the home or to live in a home where she had knowledge that Methamphetamine had been manufactured. Shehane's bond was set at $30,000 and she will appear in court on August 6th. The Department of Children's Services was contacted and the two children have been placed with family members. More charges are pending.

34 year old William Howell of Fairview Circle, Sparta was charged with theft of property over $10,000 on July 29th. Detectives received a report on July 25th that two jet skis and a double jet ski trailer were stolen from a boat ramp near the River Watch Golf Course in the eastern part of the county. Detectives were able to obtain a tag number by viewing video surveillance tapes from the River Watch area. Through their investigation, detectives learned that Howell was the person who allegedly stole the items. Bond for Howell was set at $10,000 and he will appear in court on August 6th.. The two jet skis and trailer have been recovered by the detectives. Sheriff Ray says Howell has since admitted his involvement in the crime.

On July 31st, deputies stopped 35 year old Carlos Garcia of Bradyville Pike Apartments, Murfreesboro for a traffic offense on Highway 70. After speaking with Garcia, officers noticed a strong smell of alcohol on his person and Garcia's speech was slurred. Garcia submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. A computer check of Garcia's driver's license showed them to be revoked on May 19th, 2008 for not having insurance. Garcia was charged with driving under the influence and driving on a revoked license. Garcia's bond was set at $2,000 and he will appear in court on August 20th.

Deputies arrested two people after a traffic stop on Big Rock Road on August 1st. The officers initially spotted the vehicle sitting in the middle of Evins Mill Road. It then pulled away but stopped again on Big Rock Road where the driver swapped seats with the passenger. Arrested was 24 year old Michael Frederick Teachout of Students Home Road Smithville. He was charged with driving on a revoked license. Teachout's license had been revoked due to a driving under the influence conviction on February 25th in DeKalb County. The officer making the arrest saw Teachout swap from the driver's seat to the passenger side seat.

The passenger who swapped to the driver's seat was 29 year old Kym Denise Curtis of Judge Warren Road McMinnville. Curtis was found to have an odor of alcohol on her person and she was unsteady on her feet. She submitted to field sobriety tasks which she failed. Curtis was charged with driving under the influence and her bond was set at $1,000. Her court date is September 3rd. This is the second time Curtis has had a run in with the law in the last few days.

New Scam Warning

The scam usually occurs after a family has lost a loved one. The scammer sends a letter to the family or contacts the family by mail stating that they are from a bank or credit company and the deceased person has an account with them. The scammer tells the victim that they will discount the bill if the victim will pay the balance at one time. Most deceased victims have never had an account with the bank or credit company.

If you have been targeted by this type of scam, don't pay the bill, but instead call the bank or credit company and ask about it. You do not need to call the scammer's number. Many people that I have talked to said they called the bank directly and the bank had no knowledge of the bill whatsoever. If you believe you have been the target of a scam, you should report it to the Federal Bureau of Investigation by going on line to the FBI's main website.

Department activity as of 7/27/09

47 year old Lucille Killian Wright of Ragland Bottom Motel, Sparta Highway was arrested on Thursday, July 23rd for disorderly conduct. Deputies were summoned to Highway 70 East to a domestic call. After arrival, the officers were told that Wright was involved in the disturbance and upon talking to her, Wright began arguing with them. According to the deputies, Wright was cussing, screaming, and threatening to beat up the officers. Wright was arrested for disorderly conduct and her bond was set at $2,500. She will appear in court on August 27th.

23 year old Shauna Faye Stringer was arrested on Friday, July 24th for public intoxication after she entered the DeKalb County Jail to serve her weekend. Correctional Officers at the Jail noticed Stringer to be unsteady on her feet and she had an odor of alcohol on her person. Stringer's bond was set at $1,000 and she will appear in court on August 5th. We will ask Judge Bratten Cook II that Stringer be ordered to serve her time straight because this is the second time within the last few weeks that she has been charged for weekend violations. A few weeks ago Stringer was charged with failure to appear because she did not show up at the jail to serve her time.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, July 25th a county deputy was dispatched to the Four Seasons area in answer to a complaint about trespassers. While in the area, the officer stopped 29 year old Kym Denise Curtis of Judge Warren Road, McMinnville for a light law violation. After the traffic stop, the deputy noticed that Curtis had slurred speech. She was unsteady on her feet, and she had a strong odor of alcohol on her person. Curtis submitted to field sobriety tasks which she failed. She also refused a blood test. There were two passengers in the car, Curtis' five year old daughter and Curtis' 17 year old half sister. There was no child seat in the car for the five year old. When Curtis was asked if she wanted to call someone to come and get the child, her response was "I do not care, do what you want, you will any way. The 17 year old, who was also intoxicated, told the officers that Curtis had provided her alcohol and had furnished her marijuana in the past. Curtis was charged with a first offense of driving under the influence, child neglect, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor for furnishing the 17 year old beer. Her bond was set at $9,000 and her court date is September 3rd. Curtis was also issued citations for a light law violation, two seat belt violations, and violation of the implied consent law. The Department of Children's Services was contacted concerning the five year old.

Department activity as of 7/21/09

An arson investigation by the Sheriff's Department has resulted in the arrest of a Warren County man for aggravated burglary and theft.

46 year old Jeffery Smithson of Viola Road McMinnville was arrested Wednesday, July 15th for aggravated burglary and theft of property under $500.00. County detectives were called to investigate a house fire on Stoner Road June 28th. Through that investigation, the detectives learned that Smithson had entered the home before the fire and had taken the owner's cell phone. The residence burned a short time later. After he took the cell phone, Smithson gave the phone number to his friends so they could contact him. Detectives are still investigating the arson case. Smithson's bond was set at $17,500 and he will appear in court on July 23rd..

Meanwhile, on Friday, July 17th, a deputy spotted 39 year old Harold Eugene Cunningham of Johnson Chapel Road, Sparta driving on Highway 70. Having prior knowledge that Cunningham had a revoked driver's license, the officer stopped Cunningham, ran a computer check on Cunningham's license and found it to be revoked for a driving under the influence charge. Cunningham was placed under arrest for driving on a revoked license. Deputies also found three yellow pills believed to be Hydrocodone in Cunningham's pocket and was further charged with possession of a schedule III drug (Hydrocodone).

Meanwhile, a passenger, 44 year old Melissa Susan Cunningham also of Johnson Chapel Road Sparta, was arrested after four pink pills and twenty eight blue pills believed to be Hydrocodone were found in her pocket book. Ms. Cunningham said she did not have a legal prescription for the pills. She was charged with possession of a schedule III drug (Hydrocodone). Bond for both was set at $5,000 each and they will appear in court on August 6th.

Deputies responded to a drunk driver call on Dale Ridge road Saturday, July 18th , spotted the described vehicle on Snow Hill Road, and noticed it weaving. The driver, 35 year old Anthony Wayne Cantrell of Snow Hill Road Dowelltown was arrested for a first offense of driving under the influence. After stopping Cantrell's vehicle, Deputies noticed a strong odor of an intoxicant on Cantrell's person. Cantrell also was unsteady on his feet and he refused to submit to all field sobriety tasks. Bond for Cantrell was set at $1,500 and he will appear in court on August 6th..

In another incident on Saturday, deputies observed a vehicle on the south end of the county weaving in the roadway and running off into the ditches. Officers stopped 31 year old Jason Kenneth Cline on Haley Road and detected a strong odor of alcohol on his person. Cline also had red watery eyes and slurred speech. Cline submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. Cline was arrested for a second offense of driving under the influence and his bond was set at $3,000 He will appear in court on August 27th.

On Sunday, July 19th, deputies observed a male subject walking on Sparta Highway and stopped to check on him. 32 year old Jimmy Lane Estes of Jacobs Pillar Road was found to be intoxicated. Estes was unsteady on his feet and had slurred speech. Due to the safety of Estes, Deputies arrested him for public intoxication. Bond for Estes was set at $1,000 and he will appear in court on August 6th.

Department activity as of 7/13/09

A 37 year old Smithville man was arrested by the Sheriff's Department in a theft and forgery case last week.

Craig Anthony Hill of Holmes Creek Road Smithville was arrested last Wednesday, July 8th by detectives of his department for theft of property over $500 and forgery. Hill allegedly took jewelry from a residence on Hurricane Ridge Road without the owners consent and sold it to a local jewelry dealer. Hill also allegedly took checks belonging to the victim and forged them on June 29th and June 30th in amounts totaling $313.00. Hill's bond was set a $30,000 and he will appear in court on July 16th. The Smithville Police Department assisted in the investigation.

On Tuesday, July 7th, deputies received a call of a man who appeared to be intoxicated at the Hurricane Boat Ramp near Hurricane Bridge. Upon arrival, 35 year old Billy Haggard of Highland Avenue, Baxter was found to be intoxicated having bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and he was unsteady on his feet. Haggard was arrested for public intoxication and his bond was set at $1,000. He will appear in court on July 23rd.

On Thursday, July 9th, 19 year old Daniel Reyes of Franchers Mill Road, Sparta was arrested for driving under the influence and no driver's license. Deputies were summoned to a property damage accident on Highway 70 and found Reyes to be the driver of the vehicle. Reyes had an odor of alcohol on his person. He was unsteady on his feet and he failed all field sobriety tasks. Reyes had also been driving an automobile without a valid driver's license. Bond for Reyes was set at $2,500 and he will appear in court on July 30th.

Also on Thursday, July 9th, 25 year old Brandon Lynn Tallant of West Broad Street, Smithville ran from deputies while they were trying to serve two violation of probation warrants on him. Tallant was caught without incident and charged with evading arrest. His bond was set at $2,500 and he will appear in court on July 23rd.

Deputies arrested 30 year old Rafael Carreno of Short Mountain Road, Smithville on Sunday, July 12th for driving without a valid driver's license. Cortes was caught driving on Highway 146. He could not produce a valid driver's license. Bond for Cortes was set at $1,000 and he will appear in court on July 23rd.

I want to remind the citizens of the county who need a deputy to respond to make a report or complaint, to be sure you call the central dispatch at 215-3000. In the past few months, we have seen an increase in emergency phone calls at the jail and the employees there are having to transfer the calls to the dispatch. Anytime there are complaints in which a deputy needs to respond, remember seconds count. You are urged to call the central dispatch instead of the jail because we cannot dispatch calls to deputies from the jail. If you need any other assistance, you may call the jail and we will be happy to assist you.

Man Busted for Selling Drugs

A 24 year old man, believed to be a drug dealer, was arrested Tuesday in an investigation by the Sheriff's Department.

Shannon Ray Herman is charged with possession of a schedule II controlled substance (Dilaudid) for resale. Bond for Herman was set at $50,000 and he will appear in court on July 23rd.

Detectives, who had knowledge of Herman selling the highly abused drug Dilaudid, were able to take down Herman and two other persons in the parking lot behind a bank in Smithville. Herman is believed to have sold at least 15 Dilaudid pills to a female in the parking lot. After Detectives took the trio down, Herman was found to be hiding a glass bottle under his shoe that contained five more Dilaudid pills. Detectives plan to seek grand jury sealed indictments against others in this case.

Dilaudid or Hydromorphone is used to treat moderate to severe pain and is thought to be 8-10 times stronger than morphine. The sale of Dilaudid pills ranks in the top two most abused drugs here in DeKalb County. Drug dealers that sell Dilaudid here in the county will charge anywhere from $25.00 to $55.00 per pill depending on the quantity that is available to them.

If you have any drug tips please call the Sheriff's Department's Crime Tip Line at 464-6400 or contact me at the office.

Department activity as of 7/6/09

A 20 year old man was arrested last week by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department after allegedly stealing a debit card and using it to make purchases for himself. Detectives arrested 20 year old Thomas Keith Owen on Wednesday, July 1st on two counts of fraudulent use of a credit or debit card and one count of theft of property under $500. In May, Owen allegedly went to a residence on Sparta Highway, took the owners debit card, and used it on June 1st to purchase $28.00 worth of gas at a business in Smithville. He also allegedly used the card that day at a department store to buy $20.85 worth of items. Bond for Owens was set at $3,000 and he will appear in court on July 16th.

23 year old Shauna Faye Stringer of Alexandria Highway, Brush Creek was arrested Tuesday, June 30th for failure to appear when she did not show up at the DeKalb County Jail to serve her time. Stringer's bond is $1,500 and she will appear in court on July 16th.

On Wednesday, July 1st, a county deputy stopped a vehicle for erratic driving on Blue Springs Road and found 22 year old Martin Brionges Lazo of Greenhill Road, McMinnville to be driving without a license. Lazo was charged with no driver's license. His bond was set at $1000 and he will appear in court on July 30th.

Meanwhile on Sunday, July 5th, 49 year old Albert Manual Bedoy of Holiday Haven Road Smithville was arrested after being involved in an accident on Highway 56. Deputies noticed a strong odor of alcohol on Bedoy's person and that he was unsteady on his feet. Bedoy submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. Bedoy was arrested for driving under the influence. His bond was set at $1,000. Bedoy was also issued a citation for violation of the implied consent law. He will appear in court on July 16th.

Fourth of July Safety Tips

Water safety at the pool and lake:

• If possible, swim in a supervised, marked area with a lifeguard present, and swim with others.
• Never swim alone.
• Enter the water feet first.
• Enter the water headfirst only when the area is clearly marked for diving and has no obstructions.
• Adults should never leave a child unobserved around water. Practice "reach supervision" by staying within an arm's length of young children and weak swimmers while they are in and around the pool, lake or ocean.
• Take frequent breaks (about once an hour) where everyone gets out of the water, drinks water, reapplies sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) and rests.
• Watch out for the "dangerous too's" - too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.
• Keep toys away from the pool when it is not in use. Toys can attract young children into the pool.
• If a child is missing, check the pool first. Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool, bottom, and surface, as well as the surrounding pool area.

Fireworks safety:

There are nearly 9,000 emergency room-treated injuries associated with fireworks a year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission. You can enjoy these Fourth of July staples safely by doing the following:

• Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Keep a supply of water close-by as a precaution.
• Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
• Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud.""
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
• Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.

Safe Grilling:

Nothing says summer quite like the smell of barbecue. Make sure safety is a key ingredient in your Fourth of July by reading the following tips for safer grilling:

• Use gas and charcoal barbecue grills outside only.
• Position grills far from siding, deck railings, overhanging branches and house eaves.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using grills.
• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use

Department activity as of 6/29/09

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department has arrested four people since last Wednesday on traffic offenses, including two for DUI.

35 year old Thomas Chadwick Reed of Crown Hill Drive, Murfreesboro was charged Wednesday, June 24th with a second offense of driving under the influence after deputies found him in his vehicle and in an intoxicated state at the Cove Hollow Marina. Reed admitted to driving and consuming beer and mixed drinks. Deputies also noticed an odor of alcohol on Reed's person and he was unsteady on his feet. Reed submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. Two whiskey bottles were found in Reed's vehicle, one contained a very small amount and the other one was empty. There was one mixed drink in the car. Reed's bond was set at $3,000 and he will appear in court on July 23rd..

42 year old William Hardie Morris of Old Snow Hill Road, was arrested on Friday, June 26th for a first offense of driving under the influence and a third offense of driving on a revoked driver's license. Morris was involved in an accident on Holmes Creek Road and when deputies arrived they found him in an intoxicated state. Morris was unsteady on his feet, had slurred speech and he also had an odor of alcohol on his person. Morris' license were found to have been revoked on November 9th, 2002 in DeKalb County and December 14th, 2000 in Putnam County. Bond for Morris was set at $4,500 and he will appear in court on July 23rd.

Also on Friday, a deputy, while on patrol on Short Mountain Highway, spotted 20 year old Timothy (also known as Tyler) William Patrick driving a motor vehicle. The officer had prior knowledge of Patrick's license being revoked. Patrick was arrested for driving on a revoked license and his bond was set at $1,500. He will appear in court on July 30th..

Meanwhile on Sunday, June 28th, a deputy, while on patrol in the Long Branch area of the county, stopped 22 year old Brittany A. Loftis of Hanging Limb Road, Monterey for a traffic offense. Upon checking Loftis' name for a driver's license, it was found that she had none. Deputies arrested Loftis and charged her with driving without a license. Bond for Loftis was set at $1,000 and she will appear in court on July 30th.

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department would like to wish you a happy and safe Fourth of July.

Department activity as of 6/22/09

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department has arrested three persons since last Wednesday on drug related offenses, one man for public intoxication, and another for DUI.

25 year old Brandon Lynn Tallent of West Broad Street Smithville was arrested Wednesday, June 17th for possession of drug paraphernalia after a deputy spotted him sitting in a vehicle on Herman Road. The officer found three used hypodermic needles and four cut straws in the waistband of Tallent's pants. Bond for Tallent was set at $1,000 and he will appear in court on July 16th.

29 year old Felicia Ann Murphy of West Main Street, Smithville is charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. Her bond was set at $1,500 and she will appear in court on July 23rd. Meanwhile a no bond was issued on a violation of probation against her and she will appear in court on that offense June 26th.. On Thursday, June 18th, a deputy went to Murphy's residence to serve a violation warrant on her. When Murphy spotted the officer, she tried to leave. The deputy also noticed that she was holding an object close to her. Murphy was told to stop but she did not. After apprehending Murphy, the officer found on the floor where she was standing, a used cut straw and a hypodermic needle.

Also on Thursday, a county deputy spotted a vehicle on the side of the roadway on Highway 70. The officer talked with the driver who appeared to be intoxicated. Arrested was 37 year old Sandro Naun Valladores of Wade Street, Smithville. Valladores was unsteady on his feet and had a smell of alcohol on his person. Valladores was also seen repeatedly stepping into the on coming traffic lane. Valladores was charged with public intoxication. His bond was set at $1,000 and he will appear in court on July 2nd.

On Saturday, June 20th, a county deputy spotted 35 year old David Edward George of West Main Street, Smithville in a store parking lot on Highway 56 South. The officer had knowledge of an active warrant on George and was given consent to search his vehicle. Found in the vehicle were hemostats, a razor blade, ink pen barrel, and a piece of tile all containing drug residue. Also found on George's person were eleven pills believed to be Oxycodone. George was charged with possession of a schedule II drug (Oxycodone) for sale and delivery and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond for George was set at $7,500 and he will appear in court on July 23rd..

Also on Saturday, 22 year old Lazaro Romo Garcia of Cecil Hale Road, Smithville was charged with a 4th offense driving under the influence and a 2nd offense of driving on a revoked license after deputies received a complaint about a vehicle sitting in the roadway on Cecil Hale Road. Garcia was unsteady on his feet and had a strong odor of alcohol on his person. He also failed field sobriety tasks. Garcia admitted to drinking beer. His license was also checked and they were found to be revoked for a 3rd offense of driving under the influence. Garcia's bond was set at $6,500 and he will appear in court on July 23rd.

Department activity as of 6/08/09

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department arrested a Cookeville man last week after they found him with many pills in his possession. 32 year old Brian Bronson Roberts of Hamer Street, Cookeville is charged with one count of sale and delivery of a schedule IV drug Xanax and one count of sale and delivery of a schedule III drug Hydrocodone. Bond for Roberts was set at $50,000 and he will appear in court on June 25th. On Wednesday, June 3rd, deputies responded to a call about shots being fired on Hurricane Ridge Road in Smithville. When the officers arrived, they saw Roberts throw something on the ground. Upon a further investigation, Deputies found a container with 90 and ½ pills believed to be Xanax and 6 pills believed to be Hydocodone. They also found 9 more pills believed to be Hydrocodone in Roberts' pocket.

Meanwhile, 39 year old Danny Lee Smithson Jr. of Brooke Lane, Smithville and 42 year old Fowler Stoney Ramsey of Rolling Acres, Smithville were arrested Tuesday, June 2nd after deputies responded to a fight call on Brooke Lane. Ramsey was charged with public intoxication and possession of drug paraphernalia. Ramsey had indicators of being intoxicated and officers found on the ground beside Ramsey's feet, an ink pen barrel containing white residue. Ramsey admitted that it belonged to him and that he was using the device to snort pills. Ramsey's bond was set at $2,000 and he will appear in court on June 25th. Smithson, who was in control of a motor vehicle, was charged with a 4th offense of driving under the influence, a 5th offense of driving on a revoked license, and possession of a prohibited weapon. Deputies found a 15 inch long club with writing on it lying in plain view in his vehicle. Smithson's bond was set at $101,000 and he will appear in court on June 25th.

In another case, deputies stopped a vehicle on New Home Road in Smithville Friday, June 5th for a traffic offense. The driver, 38 year old Jefery Vincent Overall of West Green Hill Road, Smithville was arrested for a 6th offense of driving under the influence. Upon speaking with Overall, Deputies noticed his speech to be impaired, he was unsteady on his feet, and Overall had poor motor skills. Bond for Overall was set at $10,000 bond. He was also issued a citation for violation of implied consent. His court date is set for June 25th.

On Sunday, June 7th, the Sheriff's Department received a tip of someone growing marijuana at his residence. Deputies arrested 21 year old Eric Joseph Dickens of Banks Pisgah Road, Smithville for manufacturing marijuana after they found seven marijuana plants growing on the back deck of his home. Dickens' bond was set at $10,000 and he will appear in court on June 18th.

On Monday, June 8th deputies arrested two more people on sealed indictments from the drug round up several weeks ago. 34 year old Earnest Paul "Hot Rod" Barnwell and 27 year old Lisa Rena Taylor were picked up at a residence on Webb Lane in Smithville. Barnwell was indicted on two counts of sale of a schedule II drug (Dilaudid) and two counts of delivery of a schedule II drug (Dilaudid). His bond was set at $150,000. Taylor was indicted on an attempt to introduce a schedule II drug (Dilaudid) into a penal institution. Bond for Taylor was set at $50,000. Both Barnwell and Taylor will appear in Criminal Court on June 26th.

Meanwhile, Sheriff's Department detectives are currently investigating complaints received over the last few months of someone destroying mailboxes in parts of the county. We have had complaints on Blue Springs Road, Underhill Road, Banks Pisgah Road, Vaughn Lane, Big Rock Road, Four Seasons Road, and other roads in the county where someone has destroyed mailboxes. We are asking everyone to be on alert in the county and report any information such as tag numbers, vehicle descriptions, or any individuals who may be involved in the vandalisms. If you have any information of criminal activity in the county, you may call the DeKalb County Crime Tip Line at 464-6400 or call me at the Sheriff's Department at 597-4935.

Department activity as of 6/01/09

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department has arrested several people since last Tuesday on various charges including DUI, driving on revoked, suspended, or no license, and public intoxication.

Deputies arrested 25 year old Lorenzo Aguilar Hernandez of Mitchell Avenue, Cookeville on Tuesday, May 26th after he was involved in a one car accident on Vaughn Lane, Smithville. Authorities learned that Hernandez's license was revoked for a driving under the influence charge on February 28th, 2008 in Wilson County and November 28th, 2008 in Putnam County. Hernandez was charged with a third offense of driving on a revoked license and his bond was set at $3,000. He will appear in court on June 11th.

County officers responded to an accident at the intersection of Webb Lane and Students Home Road on Thursday, May 28th and arrested 47 year old James Allen Hargrove of Old Bildad Road, Smithville. Deputies detected an odor of alcohol on Hargrove's person. Hargrove submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. He did admit to drinking a 12 pack of beer. Hargrove was charged with a first offense of driving under the influence, driving on a suspended driver's license, and violation of the implied consent law. His bond was set at $2,500 and he will appear in court on June 11th.

On Friday, May 29th, deputies responded to a domestic call at a business in the Ragland Bottom area of the county. 48 year old Rickey Dewayne Hice of Salem Road ,McMinnville was arrested for public intoxication. Hice was very loud and arguing with his wife in the business and he had a strong odor of alcohol on his person. Hice's bond set at $1,000 and he will appear in court on June 11th.

Also on Friday, deputies arrested 45 year old Donald E. Maxey of Earhart Road, Hermitage for driving on a suspended license. Maxey was stopped on Highway 70 East for a traffic violation and upon running Maxey's driver's license; officers learned Maxey's license was suspended for failure to file security after an accident. Maxey's bond was set at $3,000 and he will appear in court on June 24th.

County officers responded to an accident on Dale Ridge Road Friday and found 25 year old Joseph Lee Merriman of Dale Ridge Road to be the driver of the vehicle. Deputies noticed Merriman to be unsteady on his feet and he had slurred speech. Merriman submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. Merriman admitted to taking a pill but he could not tell the officer what the pill was. Merriman was charged with driving under the influence His bond was set at $1,500. He will appear in court on June 18th.

Deputies stopped a vehicle on 70 West for a traffic violation on Saturday, May 30th. The driver, 20 year old Paulino Roberto Depaz of Oberlin Circle, Maryland, did not have a license. Depaz was charged with no driver's license and his bond was set at $1,000. He will appear in court on June 25th.

Also on Saturday, deputies arrested 47 year old Joe R. Hall of Mack Floyd Road, Sparta for driving under the influence. Hall was involved in an accident at the intersection of Dale Ridge Road and Chapman Hollow Road. Officers noticed that Hall was unsteady on his feet and had a strong odor of alcohol on his person. Deputies performed field sobriety tasks on Hall which he failed. Bond for Hall was set at $1,500 and he will appear in court on June 25th.

Department activity as of 5/23/09

Law Enforcement Agencies Work to Keep Graduation Night Safe.

Aside from a few traffic offenses, all was apparently quiet on graduation night in DeKalb County.
The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department and Smithville and Alexandria Police Departments conducted sobriety check points in several locations and more than 800 vehicles were stopped as they passed through. Some arrests were made.

118 vehicles were checked on the Sparta Highway and one citation was issued to a motorist because a child in the automobile was not wearing a seat belt. In another case, 40 year old Jeffery L. Taylor of Peeled Chesnut Lane, Sparta, was charged with a second offense of driving under the influence after officers detected an odor of alcohol on his person. Taylor also failed field sobriety tasks. His bond was set at $3,000 and he will appear in court on June 11th.

A total of 123 vehicles were checked on Highway 53 in Alexandria.

261 vehicles were checked on Highway 96 in Liberty and one arrest was made. 19 year old Nery Marcito Enriquez of Mercury Boulevard, Murfreesboro was charged after deputies discovered that he did not have a valid driver's license. Bond for Enriquez was set at $1,000 and he will appear in court on June 11th.

A total of 231 vehicles came through the check point on McMinnville Highway and 23 were stopped on Cookeville Highway.

One arrest was made on Short Mountain Highway where 60 vehicles were checked. 20 year old Timothy (Tyler) William Patrick of Louis Drive, Goodlettsville was charged with driving under the influence. Patrick had glassy, blood shot eyes and he failed field sobriety tasks. Patrick was also charged with driving on a revoked driver's license. Patrick's total bond was set at $3,500 and he will appear in court on June 11th.

I along with Alexandria Police Chief Mark Collins and Smithville Police Chief Richard Jennings wish to thank everyone for the kind words that were expressed to them and their Departments while conducting the check points. Sheriff Ray says all three departments working together tried to make this year's graduation night a safe one for the seniors and their families and friends.

Meanwhile, in other crime news, deputies responded Friday to a motor vehicle accident on Vaughn Lane, Smithville. Upon arrival, officers noticed that the vehicle had run into a barn and the driver, 27 year old Matthew Allen Baker of Pine Orchard Road Smithville, was climbing out of the automobile. Baker was unsteady on his feet. He submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed but Baker refused to take a blood alcohol test. Baker was charged with a second offense of driving under the influence and violation of the implied consent law. His bond was set at $3,000 and he will appear in court on June 4th.

On Monday, May 18th, deputies, while on patrol, noticed a vehicle that failed to stop on Whorton Springs Road at a stop sign. 41 year old Carlos Reyes of Skyline Drive, McMinnville was arrested for driving without a valid driver's license. Reyes' bond was set at $1,000 and he will be in court on May 28th.

Also on Monday, May 18th, deputies stopped a vehicle on Jacobs Pillar Road Smithville for violation of the light law. 25 year old Christopher W. Miles of Earl Avenue, Smithville was arrested for driving on a suspended driver's license. Miles' license was suspended due to failure to satisfy a citation in DeKalb County on June 4th, 2008. Bond for Miles was set at $1,000 and he will appear in court on June 24th.

Meanwhile, a passenger with Miles, 37 year old Richard Manuel Standridge of Jacobs Pillar Road, Smithville, was arrested on a state warrant out of Bradley County. Standridge also had a cigarette pack that contained marijuana and a marijuana roach. Inside the vehicle, authorities found a case containing an ink pen shell, ½ pill of Suboxone and 10 Xanax pills. Strandridge was charged with possession of a schedule III drug (Suboxone), possession of a schedule IV drug (Xanax), simple possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. His total bond was set at $7,500 and he will appear in court on June 25th.

On Wednesday, May 20th, deputies stopped a vehicle on South College Street in Smithville for erratic driving. 35 year old Eric Todd Dolberry of Depot Road, Rock Island was arrested for driving on a suspended license. His bond was set at $1,000 and he will appear in court on June 25th.
Also on Wednesday, officers arrested 38 year old Jimmy R. Baker of Pollard Road ,Walling for violation of the sexual offender law after he was found to be living in DeKalb County at the Lake Motel for approximately two weeks without registering with the DeKalb Sheriff's Department. Baker was living in the room with a 16 year old youth. Bond for Baker was set at $75,000 and he will appear in court on June 25th.

On Thursday, May 21st, DeKalb County Jail Correctional Officers were moving an inmate in the old part of the jail when the prisoner tried to escape. Arrested for attempted escape was 40 year old Lisa Faye Gibbs of North Mill Street, Dowelltown. Gibbs made it outside of the jail but was apprehended on the Public Square. Gibbs is serving a sentence for violation of probation. Bond for Gibbs was set at $25,000 and she will appear on the escape charge on May 28th.

On Friday, May 22nd, 31 year old Jackie Darrell Ervin of Old Mill Hill Road, Dowelltown was arrested on a sealed indictment charging him with two counts of sale of a schedule II drug (Oxycontin) and delivery of a schedule II drug (Oxycontin) both in a drug free zone. Ervin's bond was set at $150,000

Also on Friday, 40 year old Jeanna Snow Bain of Banks Pisgah Road, Smithville was arrested on a sealed indictment charging her with two counts of sale of a schedule II drug (dilaudid) and delivery of a schedule II drug (dilaudid). Bain's bond was set at $100,000. Bain is currently incarcerated in the Tennessee Prison for Women.

Department activity as of 5/18/09

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department has arrested three men for allegedly stealing potted plants from a local nursery. 25 year old Bradley Wayne Ferrell of Tubbs Street, Liberty; 23 year old Michael Andrew Snyders of West Main Street, Smithville; and 34 year old Kevin Donald Bogle of Barnes Mill Road, Smithville are each charged with theft of property under $500. Bond for them was set at $1,500 each and they will appear in court on May 28th.

On Thursday, May 14th, a deputy was on patrol on South Tittsworth Road, Smithville when he spotted a truck weaving in the roadway. Upon stopping the vehicle, the officer talked with Ferrell, who was the driver, and noticed a smell of an alcohol beverage on Ferrell's person. Ferrell submitted to field sobriety test which he passed.

The deputy then noticed several potted trees in the bed of the truck and also discovered that the trees had a label on them from one of the local nurseries on Short Mountain Highway. Ferrell told the officer that he had purchased the trees from a man and provided the man's name. The deputy called the man but he denied selling any trees to Ferrell. Ferrell provided several other names but every time the deputy checked, there was no name or listed phone number for any of those persons.

The officer then talked with Snyders and Bogle, two men who were passengers with Ferrell, but they also told several conflicting stories about the trees. After checking with the local nursery, it was determined that these three men had scaled a fence on Herman Road and took the potted trees.

Meanwhile, in another case, deputies were dispatched to the area of Jacobs Pillar Road on Wednesday, May 13th to answer a possible drunk driver call. Officers saw the vehicle running a stop sign at the intersection of Jacobs Pillar and Turner Road and upon stopping the automobile, found 37 year old Christopher Dale Cantrell of King Ridge Road, Dowelltown in an intoxicated state. Cantrell had slurred speech, was unsteady, and had a smell of alcohol on his person. When Deputies asked Cantrell to perform field sobriety tasks, he refused. Cantrell also refused to take a blood alcohol test. Cantrell was charged with driving under the influence and issued citations for running a stop sign and violation of the implied consent law. Cantrell's bond was set at $1,500 and he will appear in court on May 28th.

This last week's Grand Jury sealed indictment round up where drug defendants and other criminal violators were arrested was a big success. If you know of someone who is dealing drugs or involved in any illegal activity, take advantage of the crime tip line or call our department. We want people to report illegal activity in the county. What some people might think of as insignificant information might be an important clue in solving a crime. The crime tip line is 464-6400. All calls are kept confidential.

You can also visit our website at http://www.dekalbsherifftn.com/Crime-Stoppers.html and report any crime.

DeKalb West School DARE Graduation

Fifth graders at DeKalb West School received certificates during the annual DARE graduation ceremony held Friday. The Drug Abuse Resistance Education program was conducted by DARE Instructor and Chief Deputy Don Adamson of the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department.

Each student prepares an essay during the course and those with the best essays from each class are recognized and awarded. This year's essay winners at DeKalb West School are Sam McMillen and Tavia Cantrell.

McMillan was the over-all winner and he read his essay during Friday's program. In addition to the award, prizes, and recognition, McMillen gets to keep "Daren the Lion" the DARE Mascot. Judge Bratten Cook II also presented him a check for $50.

D.A.R.E. is a cooperative effort by the DeKalb Sheriff's Department, DeKalb County School System, parents, and the community. I ask you today students, to take this valuable information and apply it to your lives, now and forever.

Others on hand for the ceremony were DeKalb West School Principal Danny Parkerson, Judge Cook, Director of Schools Mark Willoughby, Circuit Court Clerk Katherine Pack, Register of Deeds Jeff McMillen, Trustee Sean Driver, Assessor of Property Timothy "Fud" Banks, and County Clerk Mike Clayborn and employees of the Sheriff's Department.

Undercover Drug and Theft Investigations

Members of the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department spent much of Wednesday night rounding up defendants named in sealed indictments returned by a special session of the Grand Jury on Monday.
The defendants were arrested and brought to the main station of the DeKalb County Fire Department on King Ridge Road to be booked.

The Grand Jury returned 162 count sealed indictments involving twenty four defendants as the result of an undercover investigation conducted by the Sheriff's Department, which has been underway since last fall. " They are charged with drug trafficking crimes and several of the defendants are charged with theft crimes. All the drug defendants are considered active dealers in their communities.

During our investigation we bought prescription drugs such as hydrocodone, dilaudid, oxycontin, and a new drug we've seen come out called roxycodone, which is the same thing as oxycontin, it's just not time released like oxycontin. We also bought marijuana.

We had a couple of defendants who were charged in theft crimes at the Four Seasons Boat Marina and at an impound lot of a local wrecker driver. They broke in there and stole some radios and other equipment. Some of them also busted out the front glass of some businesses around the City of Smithville.

This operation is my administration's way of showing the citizens of DeKalb County that we are serious about dealing with the drug problem here. We're also serious about the burglaries and thefts that we have here in the county. I made a pledge to the citizens and voters that I would help put people in jail that deal in drugs and keep them off the streets and out of the reach of children.
We've already started our next phase of drug investigations so we'll probably be taking more warrants at a later date. We also have some more theft and burglary cases that the criminal detectives are working on that also could possibly turn into sealed indictments such as these.

31 year old Brandy Egerton of Page Drive Smithville - auto burglary and vandalism under $500.00 bond $10,000.00

The following are names of defendants in this investigation who have been arrested so far:
19 year old Amanda Brook England of A.B. Frazier Road Smithville- 4 counts of auto burglary, 13 count of burglary, 8 counts of vandalism under $500., 6 counts of vandalism over $500, 8 counts of vandalism over $1,000, 5 counts of theft of property under $500, 1 count of theft of property over $500, 5 counts of theft over $1,000, 1 count of sale and 1 count of delivery of a schedule III drug (Hydrocodone). Total bond $150,000

21 year old Troy Lee Cunningham of A.B. Frazier Road Smithville- 4 cts of Auto burglary, 13 cts. Burglary, 8 cts. vandalism under $500.00, 6 cts vandalism over $500.00, 8 cts of vandalism over $1,000.00, 5 counts of theft of property under $500.00, 1 ct. theft of property over $500.00, 5 cts theft over $1,000.00, 1 ct. of sale and 1 ct. of delivery of a sch. III drug (Hydrocodone). Total bond $150,000.00

34 year old Brad Elliott Johnson of Village Place Smithville- 2 cts sale of sch II drug (Oxycontin), 2 cts sale of sch II drug (Roxycodone), and 4 cts of delivery of sch II drug. These sales were made in a drug free zone. When Deputies picked up Johnson, they found a tube with white residue in it. Deputies charged Johnson with possession of drug paraphernalia. Total bond $101,000.00. He will appear in court on 5/28/09 for the possession of drug paraphernalia.

40 year old William Andrew (Andy) Cantrell of Redmon Road- 1 ct sale sch II drug (Dilaudid) and 1 ct. delivery of a sch. II drug. Total bond $50,000.00

43 year old Tammy Denise Miller of Author Hillis Road Woodbury- 1 ct sale of sch II drug (Dilaudid) and 1 ct. delivery of a sch II drug. Total bond $50,000.00

36 year old Arthur (Art) Lee Dawson Jr. of Grand Ave Smithville 1 ct sale of sch. II drug (Oxycontin) and 1 ct of Delivery of a sch. II drug. Total bond $150,000.00.

21 year old Priscilla L. Roberts of Students Home Road Smithville- 1 ct sale of sch. II drug (Oxycontin) and 1 ct of Delivery of a sch. II drug. Total bond $50,000.00.

21 year old Coty L. McCormick of West Main Street Smithville- 2 cts. sale of sch VI drug (marijuana) and 2 cts. delivery of a sch VI drug. Also charged when picked up with possession of a sch VI drug (marijuana) for resale when Detectives found marijuana on his person. Total bond $90,000.00.

Detectives took state warrants on 20 year old Melissa Gail Andrews for simple possession of a sch III drug Hydocodone after she was found to have the pill on her person. A search warrant was also executed at the West Main Home in Smithville 5/14/09 where Detectives found more marijuana. Andrews was also charged with simple possession of marijuana from the search warrant. Andrews’ total bond was set at $4,500.00 and she will appear in court on 5/28/09.

40 year old Michael (Waterhead) Lee Lawrence of Springfield TN- 2 cts sale of sch II drug (dilaudid) and 2 cts of delivery of a sch II drug. Total bond $100,000.00

32 year old Jimmy Lane Estes of Jacobs Pillar Road Smithville- 1 ct of sale of sch II drug (Dilaudid) and 1 ct of delivery of sch II drug. Total bond $50,000.00

42 year old Ritchie Lee Bennett of Old Temperance Hall Road Lancaster- manufacture of a sch VI drug (Marijuana). Total bond $50,000.00

34 year old Billy Wayne Crook Jr. of Blue Springs Road Smithville- manufacture of a sch VI drug (Marijuana). When picked up Deputies found a Marijuana cigarette on Crook’s person. He also resisted arrested when Deputies tried to take him into custody. Total bond $57,500.00 Crook will appear on the resisting arrest and simple possession charge on 5/28/09.

43 year old Riley Anthony Bullard of Prater Road Smithville- possession of sch II drug (dilaudid) for resale and delivery of a sch II drug. Total bond $100,000.00

48 year old Nickey Reese Cantrell of Short Mtn. Highway- possession of sch II drug (dilaudid) for resale and delivery of a sch II drug. Total bond $100,000.00

19 year old Travis Allen Bogle of Eagle Creek Road Smithville- 1 ct vandalism under $500.00 and 1 ct auto burglary. Total bond $10,000.00

Most of these defendants will appear in criminal court for arraignment on May 22nd.

DARE Graduation Held at Northside Elementary School

Fifth graders at Northside Elementary School received certificates during the annual DARE graduation ceremony held Tuesday.

The Drug Abuse Resistance Education program was conducted by DARE Instructor and Chief Deputy Don Adamson of the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department.

Each student prepares an essay during the course and those with the best essays from each class are recognized and awarded. This year's essay winners at Northside are Daisy Recendiz, Aleka Curtis, Kelly Armour, Andrew Cooper, Allison Mosely, Madison Hayes, and Kaitlin Rhea.

Madison Hayes was the over-all winner and she read her essay during Tuesday's program. In addition to the award, prizes, and recognition, Hayes gets to keep "Daren the Lion" the DARE Mascot. Judge Bratten Cook II also presented her a check for $50.

D.A.R.E. is a cooperative effort by the DeKalb Sheriff's Department, DeKalb County School System, parents, and the community.

Others who made remarks during the ceremony were Northside Principal Dr. Gayle Redmon, Judge Cook, and Director of Schools Mark Willoughby.

Other public officials on hand for the DARE graduation program, were County Mayor Mike Foster, Circuit Court Clerk Katherine Pack, Register of Deeds Jeff McMillen, and Trustee Sean Driver.

Top picture on left: Left to right - Kaitlin Rhea, Madison Hayes, Allison Mosely, Andrew Cooper, Kelly Armour, Aleka Curtis, and Daisy Recendiz

Top picture on right: Left to right - DARE Instructor and Chief Deputy Don Adamson, Madison Hayes and Sheriff Ray.

Department activity as of 5/11/09

A 19 year old man has been arrested for breaking into a local business last week. James Andrew Marsh of Green Acres Drive, Smithville is charged with burglary and theft of property under $500. His bond is $7,500 and he will appear in court on May 28th. On Thursday, May 7th, deputies responded to a report of a break in at a business on Highway 146. Through an investigation, officers learned that Marsh had broken into the business and stolen a cash register and cigarettes. Marsh was arrested later in the day.

Meanwhile, in other cases, 36 year old Gary Edward Matthews of Four Seasons Road, Smithville, who had no driver's license, drove by a deputy on Tuesday, May 5th. and was later taken into custody. Officers, during the arrest, found a straw containing a white powdery residue along with three 10 milligram pills believed to be Hydrocodone and a half pill believed to be a 7.5 Hydrocodone. Matthews was charged with two counts of simple possession of a schedule III drug, (Hydocodone), possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving on a revoked driver's license. Matthews' total bond was set at $10,000 and he will appear in court on June 4th.

Also on Tuesday, officers arrested 28 year old Fernando Olivera Aldino of West Main Street, Smithville for driving under the influence and no driver's license. While on patrol on Highway 56, deputies spotted Aldino weaving in the roadway. During the investigation, officers detected a strong smell of alcohol on Aldino's person. He submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed and he could not produce a valid Tennessee driver's license. Aldino's bond was set at $2,000 and he will appear in court on May 28th.

On Saturday, May 9th, officers responded to a suspicious person call at the Johnson's Chapel Community Center on Johnson's Chapel Road. Upon arrival and talking with the subjects there, a deputy noticed a glass pipe containing marijuana, sticking out of the gas tank lid of the subjects' vehicle. Officers also found more marijuana inside of the vehicle and a marijuana cigarette. 23 year old Anthony Ray Ribble of Hayes Court, Smithville was arrested and charged with possession of a schedule IV drug (marijuana) and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $2,000 and he will appear in court on May 28th..

In another case, deputies arrested 22 year old Alfonso Almaguer Soto of South Third Street, Smithville Saturday after he had parked in the roadway of Banks Pisgah Road. Officers detected a strong smell of an alcoholic beverage on his person and he was very unsteady on his feet. Soto submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. Soto also had no driver's license and he gave a fake name at the scene. Officers later discovered Soto's real name. He was charged with driving under the influence, no diver's license, criminal impersonation, and violation of the implied consent law. Soto's total bond was set at $3,000.

Also on Saturday while deputies were on patrol, they spotted a vehicle weaving in the roadway on Highway 56. The driver was 46 year old Jamie Lara Amaya of Newby Circle, McMinnville. He had an odor of alcohol on his person and he was unsteady on his feet. Amaya submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. Amaya was charged with driving under the influence. His bond was set at $1,000 and will appear in court on May 28th.

On Sunday, May 10th deputies were dispatched to a fight call at the Keltonburg Community Center on Keltonburg Road. As officers began investigating the fight, 31 year old Jason Stewart of Edgewood Drive, Cookeville started yelling and pointing his finger in the deputies' faces. Stewart was told several times to calm down but he continued yelling. Stewart was arrested for disorderly conduct. His bond was set at $1,000.

Deputies also responded to an accident on Bright Hill Road and found 34 year old Enrigue Villa of Earl Avenue, Smithville to be driving without a license. Villa was charged in the case and his bond was set at $1,000. He will appear in court on May 27th.

Also on Sunday, deputies were on patrol on Highway 70 when they stopped a vehicle for weaving. 47 year old Gregory A. Young of Young Ridge Road, Sparta was charged with an 8th offense of driving under the influence. Officers noticed that Young was unsteady on his feet and had an odor of alcohol on his person. Young submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. Young was also cited for violation of the implied consent law. Young's bond was set at $10,000 and he will appear in court on May 28th.

Department activity as of 5/04/09

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department arrested three people in separate drunk driving offenses last week and found a baggie of marijuana during one of the investigations.

Deputies arrested 30 year old John Robert Lucas of West End Avenue,McMinnville last Wednesday, April 29th after he was stopped on Highway 56 South for weaving.The officers detected an odor of alcohol on Lucas' person. He was unsteady on his feet and his speech was slurred. Lucas submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. Upon receiving consent to search Lucas' vehicle, deputies found under the seat, a baggie containing a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana.

Lucas was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and simple possession ofmarijuana. His bond was set at $3,000 and he will appear in GeneralSessions Court on May 28th.

Also on Wednesday, deputies were on patrol in the Dowelltown and Liberty area ofthe county when they spotted a vehicle driving erraticly on Highway 70. An officer activated his blue lights but the vehicle continued going. After officers got the automobile stopped on Main Street in Liberty, they found 35 year old Luther Odell Miles of Granada Avenue, Nashville to be the driver. They also noticed that Miles had an odor of alcohol on his person. Miles submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed.

Miles was charged with a first offense of driving under the influence. His bond was setat $1,500 and he will appear in General Sessions Court on May 28th.

On Saturday, deputies responded to a hit and run accident on Cookeville Highway and spotted the vehicle that had left the scene about three miles from where the mishap occurred. After stopping the vehicle, officers detected a strong odor of alcohol. The driver, 51 year old David William Boyd of Puckett's Point Road, Smithville, submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. Deputies also checked Boyd's driver's license and discovered that it was suspended.
Boyd was charged with a second offense of driving under the influence, a fourth offense of driving on a suspended license, and leaving the scene of an accident. Boyd's total bond was set at $9,500 and he will appear in General Sessions Court on May 28th

Department activity as of 4/27/09

Two men were arrested by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department Thursday after a burglary and theft on Adcock Cemetery Road.

19 year old Jerry D. Cantrell of Adcock Cemetery Road, Smithville and 19 year old Cody L. Murphy of Sparta Highway, Smithville are charged with aggravated burglary and theft of property under $500.

Officers received a complaint call on Adcock Cemetery Road of a break in at a home where thieves made off with the owner's TV and DVD player. Through an investigation, deputes discovered that Cantrell and Murphy went to the residence and used a credit card to gain entry to the home. They removed the TV and DVD player and then went back to Cantrell's residence where they hid the items underneath the home. The stolen items have been recovered. Bond for both men was set at $15,000 each and they will appear in court on April 30th.

Meanwhile, 31 year old Samuel McClure Jr. of Harrison Avenue, Murfreesboro and 29 year old Joshua Edward Dennis were arrested Wednesday and charged with two counts of theft of property under $500 and one count of burglary. McClure's bond was set at $5,000. Bond for Dennis was set at $12,000. Both men will appear in court on April 30th.

These two men were allegedly with 30 year old James Ricky Ashford of Burnwood Trailer Court, Murfreesboro when deputies made a traffic stop on Sunday, April 12th on Highway 96 in Liberty and found stolen goods in Ashford's truck.

County deputies were on patrol in the Snows Hill and Dowelltown area when they made the traffic stop and noticed a leaf blower and a tool box in the back of the vehicle that Ashford was driving. After an in-depth investigation, officers discovered that Ashford and two other persons (McClure and Dennis) had been riding around looking for items to steal here in DeKalb County. They even went to a store in Smithville and purchased a pry bar to use as a tool to gain entry into locked buildings, vehicles, and trailers. Officers learned that the three men went to a residence on Dry Creek Road in Smithville and broke the lock off an enclosed trailer and stole a leaf blower valued less than $500. The men then went to a location on West Main Street, Smithville and removed from the owner's vehicle, a tool box containing various tools.

Deputies made the owners aware of the thefts after making this discovery.
Ashford was arrested first. He was charged last week with two counts of theft of property under $500 and one count of burglary. His bond is set at $7,000 and his court date is April 30th.

In another case, deputies stopped 31 year old Billy Keith Watts of Lebanon Highway, Carthage for driving offenses on Wednesday, April 22nd. Upon speaking with Watts, officers noticed that he had slurred speech and was confused. Watts submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. He was charged with a first offense of driving under the influence and issued a written citation for violation of implied consent for refusing to submit to a blood/alcohol test. Watts' bond was set at $1,500 and he will appear in court on May 7th.

Also on Wednesday, deputies arrested 24 year old Joshua Ryan Cripps of Hodges Road, Smithville for public intoxication, simple possession, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Cripps came into the DeKalb County Jail in an intoxicated state. Cripps had slurred speech and at times would pass out. After placing Cripps under arrest, deputies found a plastic bag containing marijuana in his front pants pocket. Cripps also had in his possession rolling papers and a cut straw containing a white residue. Bond for Cripps was set at $3,000 and he will appear in court on May 21st.
Deputies arrested 25 year old Bradley Wayne Ferrell of Tubbs Street, Liberty on Saturday after he was stopped for running off the roadway on Highway 70. Officers detected a strong odor of alcohol on Ferrell's person and he had slurred speech. Ferrell submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. Ferrell was charged with a second offense of driving under the influence and his bond was set at $3,000.. He will appear in court on May 28th.

On Sunday, officers arrested 50 year old Karen Louise Moffitt of Baker Mountain Road, Spencer after she was stopped on Highway 56 for erratic driving. Moffitt submitted to field sobriety tasks which she failed. She was very unsteady on her feet and her speech was very impaired. Moffitt did admit to deputies that she was mixing beer with her prescriptions. Moffitt was charged with a first offense of driving under the influence and her bond was set at $1,500. She will appear in court on May 7th.

Department activity as of 4/20/09

A Murfreesboro man, arrested during a traffic stop last week, was later charged with burglary and thefts after county officers found stolen goods in his truck. 30 year old James Ricky Ashford of Burnwood Trailer Court, Murfreesboro is charged with two counts of theft of property under $500 and one count of burglary. His bond is set at $7,000 and his court date is April 30th.

Ashford was arrested on Sunday, April 12th after a traffic stop on Highway 96 in Liberty. "County deputies were on patrol in the Snows Hill and Dowelltown area when they made the traffic stop and noticed a leaf blower and a tool box in the back of the vehicle that Ashford was driving. After an in-depth investigation, officers discovered that Ashford and two other persons had been riding around looking for items to steal here in DeKalb County. They even went to a store in Smithville and purchased a pry bar to use as a tool to gain entry into locked buildings, vehicles, and trailers. Officers learned that the three men went to a residence on Dry Creek Road in Smithville and broke the lock off an enclosed trailer and stole a leaf blower valued less than $500. The men then went to a location on West Main Street, Smithville and removed from the owner's vehicle, a tool box containing various tools.

Deputies made the owners aware of the thefts after making this discovery.
The other two suspects in the case, who live in another county, have not yet been picked up.

Meanwhile, 31 year old James Allen Hesson of Big Hurricane Road, Smithville was charged Wednesday, April 15th with violation of the sexual offender registry. Hesson was arrested after he failed to report to the DeKalb County Jail, re-register his address, and pay his fines. Hesson also moved and did not report it. Hesson's bond is $10,000 and he will appear in court on April 30th.

37 year old Tina Beth Young was stopped on Highway 56 South Thursday, April 16th for a traffic violation. Officers noticed Young's speech to be very slurred. She was given field sobriety tasks which she failed. Young was arrested for driving under the influence and was issued written citations for violation of registration and driving without any insurance on the vehicle. Her bond was set at $1,000 and will she will appear in court on April 30th.

Department activity as of 4/13/09

A registered sex offender has been charged with statutory rape of 17 year old girl.
35 year old Scotty Wayne Neisz of McMinnville Highway, Smithville is charged with statutory rape, violation of the sexual offender law and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. His bond was set at $160,000. He will appear in court on April 23rd.

On Friday, April 10th. sheriff's department detectives arrested Neisz, a registered sex offender, for allegedly having sex and providing alcohol to a 17 year old female. The girl is the same victim Neisz allegedly had sex with previously when she was 15 years old. Detectives allege that on April 2nd, Neisz went to the 17 year old girl's place of employment, picked her up, rode around, gave her alcohol, and then had sex with her.

In other crime news, deputies were summoned last week to Upper Helton Road where they assisted Alexandria Police on a call. Upon a search incident to an arrest, officers discovered that 35 year old Sheila Faye Sircy of West Jefferson Avenue, Carthage was in possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia. Deputies also found in Sircy's pocketbook a plastic bag containing marijuana and a pack of rolling papers. Sircy was charged with simple possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Her bond was set at $3,500 and she will appear in court on April 30th.

Last Tuesday, April 7th, deputies spotted a vehicle driving down McMinnville Highway crossing the center line and driving off of the roadway. Officers arrested 31 year old Jason Doyle Newby of South Arrowhead Road, McMinnville for a first offense of driving under the influence. Newby had an odor of alcohol on his person and was very unsteady on his feet. Newby also failed field sobrietytasks. His bond was set at $1,500 and he will appear in court on April 23rd.

Also on Tuesday, April 7th,officers stopped a vehicle on the Austin Bottom Road near the Cookeville Boat Dock because they had prior knowledge of a failure to appear warrant on the driver of the vehicle. The officer approached the driver, asked for his name, and he respondedwith a fake name. The man also had slurred speech and his pupils were pin pointed. He was given field sobriety tasks which he failed. Deputies also found in the man's pocket, a cut hollowed pen with residue. 35 year old Joel Lee Trobaugh of Sunny Point Road, Baxter was charged with criminal impersonation, a first offense of driving under the influence, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving on a suspended driver's license. Trobaugh's bond was set at $8,000 and he will appear in court on April 30th.

Deputies arrested 52 year old Larry M. Willis of Lancaster Highway,Hickman on Wednesday, April 8th for leaving the scene of an accident after an investigation intoa mishap that occurred on April 5th on Temperance Hall Road. Willis ranoff the roadway and hit a fence causing damage to it. Willis then fled thescene. Willis' bond was set at $1,000 and he will appear in court on April 16th.

Deputies received a call of an auto accident on Ferrell Road, Smithville on March 31st. During the investigation, 56 year old Danny Austin Reeder of Bell Street, Smithville told the deputy that he was the driver of the vehicle and that he was forced off of the roadway by anothervehicle. After checking Reeder's story, officers discovered that 36 year old Jan Marie Arnold of Short Mountain Highway, Smithville was the actual driver. Deputies arrested Reeder for filing a false police report and his bond was set at $1,000. He will appear in court on April 16th..Arnold was charged with leaving the scene of an accident and her bond was set at$1,000. She will also appear in court on April 16th.

Deputies stopped a vehicle for a traffic offense on Short Mountain Highway, Smithville on Thursday, April 9th and arrested 31 year old Lisa Michelle Porterfield of West Muncey Street, McMinnville for a first offense of driving on a suspended driver's license and possession of drug paraphernalia. When deputies asked Porterfield if she had any illegal contraband on her person, she produced from her bra, two plastic bags that contained hypodermic needles and cut straws. Porterfield's bond was set at $5,000 and she will appear in court on April 23rd. She was also issued a citation for running a stop sign.

39 year old Gregory Eugene Neal of Lee Braswell Road, Smithville was arrested Sunday, April 12th for a first offense of driving under the influence. Deputies received a call of a possible auto accident on Bethel Road, Smithville and upon arrival, noticed Neal using his vehicle to pull another vehicle out of the ditch. Upon speaking with Neal, officers found Neal to be unsteady on his feet. Neal was asked to perform field sobriety tasks, which he failed. Neal stated to deputies that he had been using hydro's and smoking marijuana. His bond was set a $1,500 and he will appear in court on May 5th..

Also on Sunday, April 12th deputies responded to an auto accident on Highway 96, MurfreesboroHighway. Upon arrival, they found 18 year old Nicholas James Byrge of Skyline Drive, Alexandria in an intoxicated state. Byrge had an odor of alcohol on his person, was unsteady on his feet, and had very slurred speech. He was given field sobriety tasks, which he failed. Byrge was charged with a first offense of driving under the influence and his bond was set at $1,500. He willappear in court on April 23rd.

Two people, named in Grand Jury sealed indictments last Monday, have been arrested by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department. Deputies arrested 37 year old Tonya Gay Silcox of West Main Street, Liberty last Tuesday on 38 counts of fraudulent use of a credit card. Detectives say Silcox is accused of stealing credit cards from a family member and using the cards at least 38times receiving cash or merchandise. Bond for Silcox was set at $10,000.

Meanwhile, deputies arrested 70 year old Kenneth Ray Hendrixson of Bell StreetSmithville Saturday on 5 counts of fraudulently obtaining medical assistancebenefits or TennCare Fraud. Hendrixson's bond was set at $10,000.
Silcox and Hendrixson are among thirty nine defendants, indicted by the grand jury last week, who are scheduled to appear for arraignment in criminal court Monday, April 13th at 9:00 a.m.

Department activity as of 3/30/09

The Sheriff's Department has arrested a Gordonsville man on local burglary and theft charges. County detectives, on Friday, March 27th, arrested 34 year old Christopher E. Bush of Meadow Drive, Gordonsville for burglary, two counts of theft of property under $500, two counts of theft of property over $500, and three counts of theft of property over $1,000. The department spent much of the day on Thursday March 26th gathering up stolen items from recent thefts in the Dale Ridge Road and Temperance Hall areas. The items were recovered in Smith and Trousdale Counties.
Through an investigation, it was determined that Bush went to many homes and businesses in the northwestern part of DeKalb County and stole items from those places. In February, Bush went to a residence on Lancaster Highway in DeKalb County, broke into the home, and stole items such as DVDs, books, fishing equipment, boxes of lures and fly baits, a DVD player, hair dryer, and a curling iron valued at $2,260.

During the month of March, Bush stole items such as hose pipes, 55 gallon GI cans, gas grills, vases, end tables, blowers, planters, wooden benches, rocking chairs, tables and chairs, 2 kayaks, boating equipment, and wooden barrels valued at more then $5,200. These items were taken from at least seven different locations in the Wolf Creek and Temperance Hall Areas.

Bush's bond was set at $325,000 and he will appear in court on April 2nd. The investigation continues and more arrests are pending.

Meanwhile in other cases, deputies responded to an unwanted person call on Dale Ridge Road last Wednesday, March 25th. Upon arrival, officers were told that the (unwanted) person or persons had left but a description of the vehicle was provided. Officers went to Chapman Hollow Road and spotted the vehicle, which was weaving. They pulled the vehicle over. After stopping, the driver immediately exited the vehicle and an officer saw a Canadian Mist whiskey bottle fall out of the automobile and onto the ground. The driver, 22 year old Shauna Faye Stringer of Alexandria Highway, Brush Creek submitted to sobriety tasks which she failed and she refused a blood alcohol test. Stringer also had no valid driver's license. She was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, no driver's license and she was issued a citation for violation of the implied consent law. her bond was set at $2,500 and she will appear in court on April 9th.

Also last Wednesday, 20 year old Marie Julie Pirolo of East Spring Street, Cookeville was arrested for driving on a suspended license. Pirolo was stopped on Highway 70 East for a traffic violation and after deputies checked her driver's license, it was discovered the license was suspended for failure to satisfy a citation in Putnam County. Pirolo's bond was set at $1,000 andshe will appear in court on April 8th.

On Thursday, March 26th, deputies were patrolling in Dowelltown when they spotted a vehicle with no license plate and a broken tail light. Officers stopped the vehicle and found that 36 year old Gary Edward Matthews of Four Seasons Road, Smithville was driving on a revoked driver's license. Matthews was placed under arrest and during a pat down search, deputies found two cutstraws and a yellow pill believed to be Hydrocodone in Matthews' pants. Another yellow Hydrocodone pill was lying in the vehicle where Matthews was sitting. Matthews was transported to the DeKalb County Jail where correctional officers found 19 more blue pills believed to be Hydrocodone hidden in Matthews' shoe. Matthews was charged with driving on a revoked driver's license, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a schedule III drug Hydrocodone, and introduction of a schedule III drug Hydrocodone into a penal institution. His total bond was set at $9,000 and he will appear in court on April 9th. Matthews was also issued citations for violation of the registration and light laws.

On Friday, March 27th, deputies were summoned to Puckett's Point Road ,Smithville where a man had barricaded himself in his bathroom with a knife and was stabbing himself. Upon arrival officers found 24 year old Gregory Mark Guidry in a bathroom armed with a knife. He was waving the knife at deputies and begging them to shoot him. While officers were pleading with Guidry to put the knife down, Guidry's mother 51 year old Cindy W. Guidry of Puckett's Point Road, Smithville began screaming and fighting with the deputies. She appeared to be intoxicated. Officers asked the woman to leave the residence so they could talk with Gregory but she refused and grabbed one of the deputies around the arm and attempted to pull him away from the bathroom. Ms. Guidry then grabbed the officer's uniform, pulling the name tag off his shirt. Another deputy grabbed Ms. Guidry and escorted her outside. After a brief stand off, Sheriff Ray and other officers talked Gregory Guidry into throwing the knife down. Meanwhile, outside the residence, Cindy Guidry again started fighting with deputies and trying to start trouble. She was arrested and placed into a patrol car at the scene. Gregory Guidry was treated at the scene by the DeKalb EMS for self inflected wounds to his arm. He was then transported, accompanied by sheriff's department officials, to DeKalb Community Hospital where he was treated and released. Cindy Guidry was charged with assault on an officer and public intoxication. Her bond was set at$4,500 and she will appear in court on April 2nd.. Gregory Guidry was arrested for reckless endangerment for pointing the knife at several deputies. His bond was set at $2,500 and he will appear in court on April 23rd.

On Sunday, March 29th, deputies arrested 24 year old Jose Estela Quinones of East First Street, Cookeville for driving under the influence and no valid driver's license. While on patrol in the northern part of DeKalb County, deputies saw two males walking on highway 56 north. An officer stopped and talked with the two and noticed that they were very wet and muddy. Through an investigation, the officer learned that the two had been in an automobile accident on highway 56 and had left the scene. Quinones, who admitted that he was the driver of the vehicle, had a smell of alcohol on his person and he was very unsteady on his feet. He submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. A check of his license revealed he had none. Quinones' bond was set at $2,500 on the charges and he will appear in court on April 23rd. Quinones was also issued a citation for violation of the implied consent law after he refused a blood test.

Also on Sunday, officers arrested 25 year old Dennis Allan Wright of Pigeon Roost Road, Brush Creek for driving under the influence and simple possession of a schedule IV drug marijuana. Deputies stopped Wright for a traffic violation on highway 70 east and noticed a strong odor of alcohol on his person. Wright submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. After placing Wright into custody, officers found in the vehicle a half smoked marijuana cigarette, an opened can of beer in the driver's side floor board, and a cooler containing beer. Wright admitted todrinking at least five beers. Wright's bond was set at $3,000. He was also issued acitation for violation of the implied consent law after he refused a blood test. Another citation was issued for violation of the open container law for the open beer found in his vehicle. Wright willbe in court on April 23rd to face his charges.

On Saturday, March 28th deputies received a call of a hit and run driver from WarrenCounty and then spotted the vehicle on highway 56 south. The vehicle was stopped for weaving. The driver was found to be 47 year old Alexander Stevens Bosland of Valley View Road, Crossville. Officers noticed a strong odor of alcohol on Bosland. He submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. Bosland was placed under arrest and upon inventorying Bosland'scar, deputies found a loaded .45 caliber semi automatic hand gun beside of the driver's side seat. Bosland was charged with a first offense of driving under the influence and possession of a handgun while under the influence. Bosland's bond was set at $5,000 and he will appear in court on April 9th.

Department activity as of 3/23/09

A suspicious person complaint last week led to the arrest of a 32 year old man believed to be responsible for several burglaries of boats at Cove Hollow Marina. Arrested was Christopher Edward Young of Lancaster Circle, Lancaster. On Thursday, March 19th, officers received a call about a suspicious person at the Cove Hollow Marina on Dale Ridge Road. The complainant was able to give a description of the vehicle, but the suspect left the scene before officers arrived. A call was dispatched to deputies a short time later concerning an automobile accident on Long Branch Road. Upon arrival, officers discovered that it was the same suspicious vehicle which had been reported earlier at the marina and that Young was determined to be the driver.

Deputies detected a strong odor of alcohol on Young's person, he was unsteady on his feet, and he was very belligerent. Young, who refused to submit to field sobriety tasks, was placed under arrest for a second offense of driving under the influence.

Officers performed a pat down search of Young and found in his pocket, some marijuana inside a cellophane wrapper. A computer check revealed that Young's license was revoked for a DUI in Smith County on March 5th, 2008.
Young's vehicle was also inventoried and officers found a pair of hemostats and a marijuana pipe. Other items including a barbeque grill, 2 boat seats, a ski tube, and a Coleman cooler were also in the vehicle. Upon this discovery, deputies immediately contacted detectives of the sheriff's department and through their investigation, learned that Young had burglarized at least 10 boats at the Cove Hollow Marina.

Young admitted to his involvement into the crimes and has been charged with two counts of burglary, one count of theft under $500, one count of theft over $500, a second offense of driving under the influence, driving on a revoked driver's license, simple possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Young's total bond was set at $79,000 and his court date is set for April 9th. Young will be charged with more offenses later.

28 year old Leyder Guerra Desirena of West Broad Street, Smithville was charged Sunday, March 22nd with a first offense of driving under the influence and no driver's license after deputies spotted him driving down the wrong side of the roadway on Highway 56 South. Officers also detected a strong odor of alcohol on his person and he was very unsteady on his feet. A computer check revealed that Desirena had no driver's license. Desirena's bond was set at $2,500 and he will appear in court on April 2nd..

Last Monday, March 16th officers answered a call on Bethel Road concerning someone who was intoxicated and walking in the complainant's front yard without his pants on. 56 year old Jackie E. Trapp of Riley Avenue, Smithville was arrested for public intoxication. According to Sheriff Ray, Trapp did have an odor of alcohol on his person, he was unsteady on his feet, and he did not know how he got to the residence or where his pants were. His bond was set at $1,000 and he will appear in court on April 2nd.

Also last Monday, deputies stopped a vehicle on West Main Street in Dowelltown for a traffic offense. After obtaining consent to search, officers arrested 21 year old Heather Marie Griffith of Simms Street, Dowelltown after they found in her purse 20 pills believed to be hydocodone, 7 pills believed to be roxycodone, marijuana, a cigarette roller, rolling papers, scissors, and other items. Griffith was charged with simple possession of a schedule six drug (marijuana), possession of a schedule three drug (hydrocodone), possession of a schedule two drug (roxycodone), and possession of drug paraphernalia. Griffith's bond was set at $5,500 and she will appear in court on March 26th.

On Wednesday, March 18th, deputies arrested 21 year Jonathon Carl Davis of Peyton Lane, Smithville for criminal littering after he allegedly dumped several bags of trash on Big Wood Road in the Blue Springs area. Davis told officers that he was hauling a neighbor's trash for profit and had gone to a DeKalb County dumpster site but was turned away because he was a Cannon County resident. Davis then went to Big Wood Road and dumped the trash on the side of the road. Davis' bond was set at $2,500 and he will appear in court on April 9th.

Also on Wednesday, deputies responded to a reckless driver complaint on Highway 70 and arrested 47 year old Chip Allen Smith of Woodbury Pike, Murfreesboro for a first offense of driving under the influence. After stopping Smith, officers administered field sobriety tasks on Smith and found that he was under the influence of intoxicants. Smith admitted that he was wearing Fentanyl pain patches and was also taking pain medication. Smith's bond was set at $1,500 and will appear in court on April 9th.

Department activity as of 3/16/09

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department has made an arrest in a theft investigation, in which the same residence was burglarized twice within days of each incident.

Detectives arrested 26 year old Bradley Shane Redmon of Young Green Road, Smithville Saturday, March 14th after an investigation into two burglaries and thefts at the same residence.

Detectives received the first report on March 2nd. Taken from the residence were a Bose surround sound system, laptop computer, 3 flat screen televisions, a DVD player, CD player, Xbox and a play station 3 consoles, television stands, battery charger, a jump start box, Hinkle knife set, 2005 Honda rancher four wheeler, and other items valued at over $16,000. Detectives were able to recover the Honda four wheeler on Wednesday March, 11th. Then on Thursday March,12th, detectives received a separate report from the same residence that another break in had occurred there and the four wheeler had been stolen again.

Detectives interviewed Redmon and he admitted his involvement in the crimes. He also told them the location where the four wheeler had been taken. Most of the stolen items were recovered including the four wheeler. Redmon was charged with 2 counts of aggravated burglary, one count of theft over $10,000, and one count of theft over $1,000. His bond was set at $225,000 and he will appear in court on March 26th. More arrests are pending.

Meanwhile, Sheriff's Department Detectives responded to a break in on Wednesday, March 11th at the Intimate Pleasures business on Highway 70 East. Shortly after the break in, Detectives arrested 33 year old Billy Paul Mooneyham of Parkway Drive, Smithville. A search warrant was executed at Mooneyham's residence and some of the stolen items were found in his vehicle. Mooneyham was charged with burglary and theft of property. His bond was set at $35,000. While being housed at the DeKalb County Jail, Mooneyham broke a fire sprinkler head in the cell which caused a loss of 100's of gallons of water and damage to jail equipment. Mooneyham was charged vandalism and his bond was set at $2,500. He will appear in court on all charges March 26th. More arrests are pending in the burglary and theft investigation.

39 year old Christopher Neil Patterson of Big Hickory Court, Smithville was stopped Monday, March 9th on Highway 70 West after deputies received a call about a drunk driver. Officers noticed Patterson had slurred speech and was very slow and uncoordinated. Patterson submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. Deputies also found a bag on Patterson's person which contained 39 pills believed to be Xanax. Patterson was arrested and transported to the DeKalb County Jail and charged with a first offense of driving while intoxicated and possession of a schedule IV drug (Xanax). His bond was set at $4,000 and he will appear in court on March 26th. Patterson was also issued a citation for violation of the implied consent law after he refused a blood test.

Deputies stopped 41 year old Steven Eugene Olson of Foster Road, McMinnville on Friday, March 13th for weaving on High 70 East. Officers noticed that Olson had slurred speech and an odor of alcohol on his person. After failing field sobriety tasks, Olson was placed under arrest for a first offense of driving under the influence. His bond was set at $1,500 and he will appear in court on April 9th.

Deputies received a call Sunday, March 15th at a business on Highway 70 west where someone kept passing out while trying to eat his breakfast. Deputies stopped the vehicle and found 35 year old Jeffery L. Sanders of Lincoln Street, Smithville to be intoxicated. Deputies performed field sobriety tasks on Sanders which he failed. Officers asked Sanders to submit to a blood test and his response was to "Take me to Jail". Sanders was charged with a first offense of driving under the influence and he was issued a citation for violation of the implied consent law. His bond was set at $1,500 and he will appear in court on March 26th.

Also on Sunday, 30 year old Bert Charles Scott Jr. of South Judkins Lane, Smithville was arrested after officers found him in control of his vehicle that had run off of the roadway into a ditch on Rolling Acres Road. Deputies noticed a strong odor of alcohol on his person and Scott was very unsteady on his feet. Scott submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. Scott also could not produce a valid driver's license. He was arrested and charged with a first offense of driving under the influence and no driver's license. His bond was set at $2,500.00 and he will appear in court April 2nd.

47 year old Bret Kenneth Boring of Johnson Chapel Road, Sparta was stopped Sunday for traffic offenses. Boring was found to be impaired and officers administered field sobriety tasks which he failed. A computer check of Boring's license also revealed them to be suspended for failure to satisfy a citation. Boring was charged with a second offense of driving under the influence and driving on a suspended license. His bond was set at $4,000 and he will appear in court on April 23rd.

We Urges You to Report Suspicious Activity in Your Neighborhoods

With burglaries and thefts on the rise recently, we are asking you to be more aware of your surroundings to guard against becoming a victim.

If there are strange vehicles or people walking in your neighborhood who you don't know, call us and we will come and check them out., Most thieves will case out houses to break into. Thieves will try to figure out a "day to day pattern" of victims to try and set a time to break into the victim's residence.

We also urges you to keep your vehicle doors locked when they are parked and unattended. Thieves have entered unlocked vehicles and broken out windows trying to steal items they have seen lying in the vehicle such as gifts, purses and bags. GPS devices are also a target. Make sure to take down your GPS device off the window including the suction cup. A GPS suction cup stuck to a window tells the thief that the GPS is probably in the glove box or under the seat. There have been vehicle thefts like this in the western part of the county around the Snows Hill area. If at anytime of the night you hear a noise such as a bang or glass breakage, we encourage you to call us immediately so a deputy can check it out.

We have also had theft reports in the Dale Ridge Road and the Temperance Hall areas where thieves have been stealing items such as lawn furniture, rocking chairs, hose pipes, gas grills, wooden benches, and power lawn tools such as leaf blowers.

Motion lights are great tools to keep thieves away from your vehicle, home, and outbuildings. A motion light will activate if something or someone moves in front of the sensor alerting you something is out there. The motion light is inexpensive and easy to install.

If you notice any suspicious activity in your neighborhood, you may call the Central Dispatch Center at 215-3000 so an officer can assist or if you know of anyone selling items such as the ones listed above, you may call me at 597-4935 or the Crime Tip Line at 464-6400. All calls are kept confidential.

Sheriff's Department activity as of 3/9/2009

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department has filed petitions against two juveniles charging them in connection with a recent rash of burglary, theft, and vandalism cases.

Meanwhile a 31 year old woman, Brandy Egerton of Page Drive, Smithville is charged with aggravated statutory rape for allegedly having a sexual relationship with one of the teens. Her bond is $150,000 and she will be in court on the charge March 12th.

The juveniles, ages 16 and 17, both male, are currently in the Cookeville Juvenile Detention Center, pending a March 11th court date.

The two boys, during interviews with county detectives, admitted to committing an estimated $20,000 worth of burglaries, vandalisms, and thefts." They admitted to going to a lot on Bright Hill Road, breaking into that lot, and stealing batteries and radios out of some of the cars being stored there.

They admitted to going around town and busting the front glasses out several businesses using bb guns and other weapons. They are also responsible for shooting out a window at the home of a Smithville police officer on New Home Road and shooting out a window in the back of a vehicle at a residence on Dry Creek Road. The boys also admitted to going to the Four Seasons Marina, where they broke into about 15 to 20 boats by cutting the tarps or covers to the boats. While inside some of the boats, they took amplifiers and radios. One of the boys, the 16 year old, went to Zelenka Nursery, where he got into one of the nursery's mini-trucks used to haul plants around the nursery. He hot wired the truck and drove it down one of the lanes before crashing it into a semi-trailer causing damage to it.

Two people, Troy Lee Cunningham, and Amanda Brooke England were arrested last week on theft charges as a result of this on-going investigation. These and other burglary, vandalism, and theft cases will be presented against these two people and possibly others during the April term of the Grand Jury. We believe they (along with the juveniles) are responsible for a lot of the thefts and vandalism in the county. There's so many of them (thefts and vandalisms) we haven't yet finished working on them.

Meanwhile in other cases, 29 year old Matthew Justin Daniel of Hurricane Ridge Road, Smithville was arrested last Tuesday, March 3rd on charges of possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond is $1,000 and he will be in court March 12th.. Daniel was stopped for a traffic offense on Evins Mill Road. Daniel gave officers consent to search and they found two hypodermic needles containing residue and a straw in a back pack on the floor board of the vehicle. Daniel admitted that the needles and the straw belonged to him.

40 year old Tony L. Edge of Puckett Road, McMinnville and 24 year old Sara Nicole South of Short Mountain Street, Smithville were arrested last Wednesday, March 4th . Deputies stopped a vehicle on Highway 146 for weaving. Officers learned that Edge's driver's license was revoked and that this was his third offense of driving on a revoked offense. Deputies obtained consent to search and found two needles. One of the needles was in the floor board of the vehicle and the other needle was on Edge's person. Also in the vehicle was a gallon jug, about a quarter full, of a clear liquid believed to be moonshine.

Edge was charged with possession of untaxed liquor, a third offense of driving on a revoked license, and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond is $5,000.

Meanwhile, South, a passenger of Edge's vehicle, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. Her bond is $1,000 and her court date is March 19th. South handed the officers four needles after they asked her if she had anything illegal on her.

35 year old Hollie Dawn Nash of Sparta Highway, Smithville was charged with driving on a revoked license last Wednesday, March 4th. Deputies worked an accident on Highway 70 and discovered that Nash was driving on a revoked license. Her license had been revoked for a DUI on January 18th, 2008 in White County. Her bond on that charge was $2,000.

On the night that she bailed out of jail, Nash got into trouble with the law again. Deputies were called to a residence on Sparta Highway to answer a domestic complaint. Upon arrival, they spoke to the complainant, Nash's boyfriend, who alleged that he and Nash got into a verbal confrontation with each other and that she bit him on the arm causing an injury. Nash was charged in that case with domestic assault and her bond is $2,500
She will be in court on both charges March 19th.

New Automated Service Allows Crime Victims To Track Custody Status of Offenders

The Tennessee Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification Service was established by the Tennessee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence along with the Tennessee Sheriffs' Association.

This service will tell if an offender is in jail and give you important custody information. It will also let you leave a phone number where if you want to find out if an offender is still in custody, you can call and leave your phone number and contact information in the system and when the offender gets released out of jail, it will automatically call you and tell you that they have been released from custody.

It's primarily for domestic and sexual abuse cases where the victims. The victim will need to call 1-888- 868-4631. There will be some steps you need to go through. It's all an automated service. It's real easy to do. What it goes by at the jail is the offender's booking number. The system will give a number that will stay with the offender as long as he is in jail. That way when you call back the next time, if you want an update then you will type that number into that phone system and it will tell you if the offender is still in custody and where he is in custody. This system covers about 80 something counties here within the state so if the offender has moved from DeKalb County to another county in Tennessee then this service could be offered there too.

There's a couple of different ways that victims will be able to get the phone numbers. You can call the Sheriff's Department. We'll give you a number there. You can get them from the deputies. When they go out on calls, you can request one from them then or the deputies will automatically hand you one, or you can call the toll free number."
As with other statewide systems, users can register to be notified of certain custody status changes such as release, transfer, or escape.

Users can call 1-888-TNVINE1 (888-868-4631) or log onto www.vinelink.com to find out if an offender is in a county jail. They can also register to be notified by phone, e-mail, pager, or TTD/TTY device when an offender is released, transferred, or escapes. Live operators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist victims who need help obtaining offender information or registering for notification. Technical support professionals monitor and maintain SAVIN to ensure high reliability and availability of this potentially life-saving service. SAVIN is free to the public.

Our goal is to ensure that victims and their families are given timely and reliable information that allows them to protect themselves and fully participate in the criminal justice process.

Users registering by telephone must provide a number where they can be reached and a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) will be assigned by the Victim Service Unit. If registering online, a valid e-mail address must be provided. The service is available in both English and Spanish.

The implementation of Tennessee SAVIN is being funded by a Federal grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance.

Arrests Made in Rash of Theft and Vandalism Cases, More Forthcoming

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department has been investigating a rash of recent theft and vandalism cases and some arrests have been made, with more to come.

19 year old Dewey Jackson Forshee III of Hillbilly Lane, Smithville was arrested Saturday in a vandalism case which occurred on October 20th 2008. Through an investigation, detectives learned that Forshee and a male Juvenile went to a farm on Cookeville Highway and entered a barn. While inside, the two vandalized a pickup truck by cutting the tires and keying obscene gestures into the paint. The two also cut the tires on a tractor and a trailer and stole an all terrain vehicle out of the barn and rode it around on the farm. Before they left, the two set fire to a round bale of hay. Forshee was charged with burglary, vandalism, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. His bond is $11,000 and he will appear in court on March 12th. Detectives will also seek petitions on the juvenile.

On Sunday, detectives arrested 21 year old Troy Lee Cunningham Jr. and 19 year old Amanda Brook England, both of A.B. Frazier Road Smithville, and charged them with theft of property under $500 after they were found in possession of a marine radio that was stolen. Bond for Cunningham and England is set at $25,000 each and they will appear in court on March 12th. The case unfolded after detectives received reports of theft and vandalism cases at Four Seasons Marina. The officers gathered evidence at the crime scene and picked up Cunningham, England, and two juveniles for questioning. Detectives are still gathering information that will link some or all of the suspects and others to many of the vandalism and theft cases in the City of Smithville and at multiple marinas, businesses, nurseries, and smash and grabs in different areas of the county. More arrests are pending.

If you have traded or bought radio equipment such as car or marine amplifiers, car or marine radios, fishing equipment, ski equipment, Global Positioning Devices (GPS), and or guns, to please call the Sheriff's Department and let detectives look at the items to make sure they are not stolen. Most stolen items have serial numbers that have been or will be entered as stolen into the NCIC system so if the serial numbers are run through the database, they will come back stolen.

Department activity as of 2/23/09

A Liberty woman, accused of fraudulent use of credit cards from a family member, has been charged with theft by the Sheriff's Department. 37 year old Tonya Gay Silcox of West Main Street, Liberty was arrested Tuesday for one count of theft of property over $1,000, one count of theft of property under $500, and fraudulent use of a credit card. Detectives of the Sheriff's Department arrested Silcox after she had taken five credit cards from a family member and used at least one of the cards to buy goods or to receive cash withdrawals from several banks totaling $1,319.93. More charges are forthcoming. Silcox's bond was set an $85,000 and she will appear in court on March 12th.

Meanwhile, 25 year old Steven Darrell Bly of West Bryant Street Smithville was charged last Tuesday with driving on a suspended license after he was stopped on Big Hurricane Road by a county deputy who had prior knowledge of Bly's suspended license. After being stopped, Bly told the deputy that someone had stolen his driver's license. A computer check revealed that Bly's license was suspended on November 5th, 2008 for failure to pay child support. Bly was then arrested. Bly's bond was set at $1,000.and his court date is February 25th.

46 year old Connie Gale Ashford of Sycamore Road, Woodbury was arrested Tuesday on West Main Street in Liberty after deputies spotted her weaving. After she was stopped, officers obtained consent to search Ashford's vehicle and found a cigarette pack containing four yellow pills believed to be oxycodone and one white pill believed to be xanax. Ashford was arrested and charged with two counts of simple possession of a schedule drug. Ashford's bond was set at $3,000 and her court date is February 26th.

Department activity as of February 16, 2009

Two people were charged last Tuesday after authorities of the Sheriff's Department found drugs in the home while serving a state warrant. 31 year old Bridgett Nicole Cantrell of Piney Woods Road, Dowelltown and 36 year old Franklin Allan Knowles of Young-Green Road, Smithville are charged with simple possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond for both is set at $2,500 each and they will appear in court February 19th. Deputies and detectives from the department served a state warrant at Knowles' residence and noticed a strong smell of marijuana coming from inside the home. Detectives obtained consent to search and found drugs and drug paraphernalia in two of the bedrooms. Marijuana, marijuana seeds, rolling papers, and a marijuana cigarette roller were found in a bedroom occupied by Cantrell. In Knowles' room, officers found marijuana, several bags of marijuana seeds, a marijuana pipe, rolling papers, hemostats, and a marijuana cigarette roller.

33 year old Chadwick L Buchanon of West Main Street in Alexandria was arrested Monday (February 16th) for theft of property over $1,000.. Buchanon was charged after detectives discovered that on June 1st 2007, he had gone to a residence on Lower Helton Road and took a 2001 Yamaha ATV, valued at over $1,000 without the owner's consent. The ATV has since been recovered. Buchanon's bond was set at $5,000 and he will appear in court on February 26th.
In another case, deputies received a call Thursday to go to Short Mountain Highway where a strange man was seen walking down the road. Officers found 47 year old James Donald Hale of Big Hill Road, Liberty kneeling beside of the roadway on Short Mountain Road and they detected a strong odor of alcohol on Hale's person. After being placed under arrest, a search of Hale revealed marijuana in his wallet and two half smoked marijuana joints in Hale's shirt pocket. He was charged with public intoxication and simple possession of marijuana. Hale's bond was set at $2,500 and he will appear in court on February 19th.

On Saturday, deputies stopped 39 year old Paul E. Stanley of Campbell Road, Smithville for a traffic violation on Highway 70 West. Upon speaking with Stanley, officers noticed a strong odor of alcohol on his person. Stanley submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. Stanley was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. His bond was set at $1,500 and he will appear in court on February 26th.

On Sunday, deputies stopped 34 year old Sonya Kaye Edge of Davis Road, Dowelltown for weaving from the center line to the shoulder of the roadway several times. Upon talking to Edge, officers detected a strong odor of alcohol coming from within the vehicle. Edge had red watery eyes and a smell of alcohol on her person. She submitted to field sobriety tasks which she failed. Edge admitted to drinking alcohol. She was charged with driving under the influence and her bond was set at $1,500. She will appear in court on March 19th.

If you have any information on any thefts or any information on any drug activities, to call him at 597-4935 or call the crime tip line at 464-6400. All calls are kept confidential.

Three Charged with Child Neglect

Children found living in unsanitary conditions at two separate homes has resulted in child neglect charges against three people.

34 year old Michael Eugene Evans is charged with two counts of child neglect. Bond for him is set at $15,000 and he will be in court February 19th.

Deputies responded to a residence on Colvert Lake Road Thursday to do a welfare check on children living at the residence. There, officers found Evans passed out on a couch leaving two children unattended. Upon entering the home, deputies found the children, a 10 year old and a 9 month old, living amidst dog feces. Cockroaches could be seen throughout the residence including the baby's play pen. Strong fumes from a kerosene heater were also detected in the home. Deputies contacted authorities at Children Services who investigated and found the baby's bottom to be red and raw because the child's diaper had not been changed regularly.

The next day, Friday, 43 year old Steven Scott Wheeler and 37 year old Kimberly Diane Wheeler were charged with two counts of child neglect after deputies responded to a call on The Loop Road in Smithville

According to the complaint, an intoxicated man was trying to administer medication to children.
Upon arrival, officers found Steven Scott Wheeler passed out on the couch. They also found four small children in the home. In a bedroom where a four year old and a five year old were staying, officers found a full beer that was open and a pill bottle of Xanax. In addition, a bag of marijuana was recovered from a child's bedroom closet.

The home was unsanitary with cigarette butts on the floor and trash thrown all over the residence. While there, deputies interviewed Kimberly Diane Wheeler who also lives at the residence. She allegedly admitted that the home was unsanitary.

In addition to the child neglect charges, Steven Scott Wheeler was also charged with simple possession. Bond for Kimberly Diane Wheeler was set at $10,000 and $11,500 for Steven Scott Wheeler. Both will appear in court on February 19th.

Other activity by the Deaprtment

Deputies arrested 35 year old Jimmy B. Martin of Hurricane Ridge Road, Smithville last Wednesday for a 3rd offense of driving under the influence. Deputies spotted Martin's vehicle on Highway 70 East and observed him swerving from the yellow line to the white line. After stopping the vehicle, officers noticed that Martin had slurred speech and he was unsteady on his feet. Martin also failed field sobriety tasks. Martin has two other DUI convictions in DeKalb County. His bond was set at $4,500 and he will appear in court on February 12th.

37 year old Mary June Wright of Keltonburg Road, Smithville turned herself in at the DeKalb County Jail Thursday to serve 10 days as ordered by the courts. Upon searching Wright, a female correctional officer found that she had a package that was wrapped in cellophane containing tobacco, a lighter, 5 pills believed to be Hydocodone, 15 Klonopin pills, and numerous particles and powder believed to be Klonopin. Wright was charged with introduction of drugs into a penal institution. Wright's bond was set at $7,500 and her court date is February 26th.On Friday.

42 year old Fowler Stoney Ramsey of Rolling Acres Road, Smithville was charged with theft of property under $500. Detectives say Ramsey stole a leaf blower at a residence on Rolling Acres Road in Smithville on January 23rd. The leaf blower has since been recovered. Ramsey's bond was set at $5,000 bond and he will appear in court on March 19th.

On Saturday, deputies responded to a domestic call at a business on Highway 53 in Alexandria. Through an investigation, officers learned that 23 year old Ronald L. Haller of Hickory Hill Lane, Hermitage had assaulted a female after they had run out of gas on Nashville Highway. Deputies say Haller pulled the female out of the vehicle by her legs and beat her head against the top of the vehicle. Officers saw signs of the assault on the victim's legs and elbows. They also detected a strong odor of alcohol on Haller's person and he had red watery eyes. Haller was charged with domestic assault and public intoxication. His bond was set at $4,500 and he will appear in court on February 26th.Two other people who were with Haller and the female, 19 year old Richard A. Ellithorpe and 20 year old Jaquice E. Carr both of Sports Road, Mt Juliet were charged with under age consumption after deputies detected an odor of alcohol on their persons. Bond for both was set at $1,000 each and they will appear in court on February 26th.

Man Arrested in December Robbery at Sonic

The Sheriff's Department has solved a December 2nd robbery at the Sonic Drive-In with the arrest of a 42 year old Smithville man. Eddie Leroy Taylor of A.B. Frazier Road is charged with aggravated robbery. Taylor who was dressed in camouflage and wearing a mask, attacked a 17 year old car hop who was serving a customer. Taylor allegedly grabbed the employee's money belt and threw the car hop to the ground. Taylor then dragged the employee across the concrete parking lot until the money belt broke lose causing bodily injury to the car hop. Taylor then fled with the money belt which contained approximately $75 in cash. In addition to the aggravated robbery, Taylor is also charged in two other recent theft cases. Taylor took a drill belonging to a work crew doing electrical work on the First Baptist Church building on Church Street in Smithville. The drill has not been recovered. Meanwhile, Taylor and another man, 37 year old Craig Anthony Hill of Holmes Creek Road, Smithville, have been charged with burglary and theft of property over $1,000. Detectives charged Taylor and Hill after an investigation into a break in on Floyd Drive in Smithville where over $2,800 worth of power tools were stolen. The two men allegedly cut a pad lock off of a utility trailer to gain access. Hill allegedly pawned some of the tools in McMinnville. Many of them have been recovered.
Bond for Hill was set at $125,000. Taylor's total bond is $240,000. Both will appear in court on February 12th.

Recent arrest as of 02/02/09

A 38 year old Smithville man was arrested by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department Thursday after officers found him with drugs after trying to stop him for speeding. Ernest Paul (Hot Rod) Barnwell of Hawkins Drive was charged with possession of a schedule II drug (Dilaudid) for sale and delivery, possession of a schedule III drug (Suboxone) for sale and delivery, possession of drug paraphernalia, 3rd offense of driving on a revoked license, and possession of brass knucks which is a prohibited weapon.
On Thursday while on an extra patrol on King Ridge Road, Dowelltown, a deputy spotted a 1993 Dodge Intrepid driving at a high rate of speed. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle but the driver kept going. The car turned onto New Home Road and stopped at a residence. The driver, Barnwell, exited the vehicle and ran behind a house and attempted to enter the residence through the backdoor. Officers found a container on Barnwell containing 17 Dilaudid pills and 1 Suboxone pill. They also found in Barnwell's car, a duffle bag containing 2 syringes and a set of brass knucks. In addition, officers discovered that Barnwell was driving on a revoked license. Barnwell's bond was set at $111,000 and he will appear in court on February 19th. Deputies also seized Barnwell's vehicle and $48 in cash.

Meanwhile on Friday deputies responded to a fight call on Potts Camp Road, Smithville in the Jefferson Community. Upon arrival, officers found 46 year old Joseph Allen Maples, 36 year old Louise Ann Gorney, and 18 year old Timothy Christopher Schanck of Potts Camp Road, Smithville, and a 17 year old male, who was visiting, in an intoxicated state. After investigating, officers discovered that Gorney had bought a 12 pack of beer and brought it to the Potts Camp home where she and her boyfriend, Maples, allowed Schanck and the 17 year old to consume the alcohol knowing the two were under the legal drinking age of 21. Maples and Gorney were charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Their bond was set at $1,500 each. Schanck was charged with under age consumption and his bond was set at $1,000. All three will appear in court on February 12th. A petition will be taken on the juvenile for underage consumption.

On Thursday, deputies stopped 24 year old Joshua R. Cripps of Hodges Road, Smithville on Highway 56 South for driving with his lights off after dark. Upon running Cripps' drivers license, deputies learned that it was suspended. Officers also found a knife with a blade length of over 6 inches located between the seats of the vehicle which Cripps was apparently using for protection. Cripps was arrested for driving on a suspended license and possession of a prohibited weapon. Officers also issued Cripps a citation for driving with his lights off after dark. Cripps' bond was set at $5,000.00 and he will appear in court on February 26th.

On Friday, 22 year old Christopher Peter Mulford of Ginger Drive Smithville was charged with public intoxication after he reported to the DeKalb County Jail to serve weekends for a drug offense. Correctional officers noticed Mulford to have slurred speech and he was unsteady on his feet. Mulford did admit to taking Hydrocodone and Xanax before coming to the jail. Mulford's bond was set at $1,000 and he will appear in court on February 11th.

On Saturday, deputies responded to a fight call on Page Drive in Smithville. While at the scene, 27 year old Gary Thomas Woodard of Page Drive pulled up in his vehicle. Deputies asked Woodward for his license and discovered that he was driving on a suspended driver's license. Woodard was charged with driving on a suspended driver's license (4th offense). His bondwas set at $4,000 and he will appear in court on February 11th.

On Sunday while on a traffic stop on 70 East, deputies spotted a vehicle coming toward them at a high rate of speed. The vehicle came close to hitting the officers. One of the deputies took off after the vehicle and observed it driving in the turning lane. The officer stopped it and found the driver to be 39 year old Juan Manuel Rivera of Short Mountain Street, Smithville. Deputies noticed a strong odor of alcohol on Rivera's person and he was very unsteady on his feet. Rivera did admit to consuming alcohol. He was charged with driving under the influence and his bond was set at $1,500. He will appear in court on February 12th..

On Monday, February 2nd, officers responded to a reckless driver call on Rosewood Lane in Smithville. and stopped 38 year old Jerry Wayne Harper of Rosewood Lane. After talking to and then allowing Harper to leave, officers observed him go into a residence and assault hisgirlfriend by hitting her in the chest with his fist and pulling her hair. The officers got to Harper and the victim and placed him in custody. When the officers told Harper to put his hands behind his back, he refused. Deputies were able to cuff Harper and they discovered that he had a knife on his belt with a blade exceeding 5 inches in length which he apparently kept for personal protection. Harper was charged with domestic assault, possession of a prohibited weapon, and resisting arrest. Harper's bond was set at $11,000 and he will appear in court on February 12th.

Erratic driving leads to an arrest for no driver's license and driving under the influence

On Saturday after receiving a complaint about a vehicle driving erratic, Deputies arrested 47 year old Dolores Castorena of Walker Street, McMinnville. Deputies spotted Castorena's vehicle on Highway 146 swerving all over the road. After stopping the vehicle, officers asked Castorena to perform field sobriety tasks which he failed. Deputies also discovered that Castorena did not have insurance for his vehicle and did not possess a valid driver's license. Castorena was arrested for no driver's license and driving under the influence. He was also issued citations for violation of the implied consent law and no insurance. His bond was set at $2,000 and he will appear in court on January 29th.

Woman Charged with Child Abuse

Deputies arrested 34 year old Lori Ann Keith of King's Court Trailer Court on Wednesday. Keith allegedly assaulted her 15 year old child causing scratches and marks to the child's arm and neck area. Keith's bond was set at $1,000 and she will appear in court on January 22nd.

Man Wanted in Burglary and Theft Case

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department is asking for your help in locating 24 year old Jeremy D. Loader of Bethel Road Smithville, who is wanted in a recent burglary and theft case.

On Monday night January 5th, a deputy responded to a call on Bethel Road, Smithville to investigate a break-in at a residence where several weapons were taken. While the officer was at the home, Loader telephoned and advised the victim that in fact he (Loader) was the one who took the weapons and that he wanted to come back and talk with the victim. After hearing Loader admit to the theft, the deputy left the residence and went down the road hoping to intercept Loader. After making contact with Loader, the deputy approached the driver's side of the vehicle, but Loader put the automobile in reverse in an attempt to flee. Loader's vehicle came in such close contact with the deputy that it almost struck him. The deputy, thinking Loader was trying to hit him, fired two rounds, striking the rear tire of Loader's vehicle. Loader alluded the officer and was last seen on Bethel Road. A BOLO "Be On The Lookout" was issued to DeKalb and surrounding counties. A short time later, Loader's vehicle was found abandoned on Wood's Cemetery Road in Warren County.

Loader is a white male, 6 feet 1 inch tall, 190 pounds, with brown hair and hazel colored eyes. If you know the whereabouts of Loader, please call the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department at 597-4935 or the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department tip line at 464-6400.

Meanwhile, in a separate case, deputies arrested 30 year old Terry Bly of North Cumberland Apartments, Lebanon Saturday for driving on a revoked driver's license. Officers observed Bly drive around the DeKalb County public square and park in front of the jail. The arresting officer had prior knowledge that Bly's license was revoked. Bly's license was revoked for a driving under the influence conviction in Wilson County on November 4th, 2008. Bly's bond was set at $1,500 and he will appear in court on January 28th.

40 year old David Dixon of Hurricane Ridge Road, Smithville was charged Saturday with public intoxication after deputies responded to a domestic violence call on Hurricane Ridge Road. Officers found Dixon walking on Hurricane Ridge Road in an intoxicated state. Dixon had a strong smell of alcohol on his person and he was staggering and very belligerent. Dixon's bond was set at $1,500 and he will appear in court on January 22nd.

Yearly Report on Incident Responses

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department responded to more than six thousand dispatched calls from January 1st to December 31st, 2008.

The following are Incident Responses or dispatched calls; not self-initiated calls (incidents that officers respond to on routine patrols). Self-initiated calls are not included in these counts:
Calls Reported:
Wrecks- 637
4Wheeler calls- 99
911 calls- 205
Abandoned Vehicles- 45
Animal calls- 227
Assaults- 36
Boat Fires- 3
Break-ins- 208
Burglar Alarms- 428
Child Custody Exchanges- 18
Children in roadway- 13
Debris in roadway- 44
Disturbing the peace- 109
Domestic violence- 357
Drug trafficking- 43
Escorts- 120
Extra Patrols- 31
Fights- 84
Fire Alarms- 37
Funeral Escorts- 187
Gas drive-offs- 19
Harassments- 40
Indecent exposure- 7
Investigations- 303
Vehicle lockouts- 752
Medical Assists- 194
Missing Persons- 65
Phone harassment- 9
Possible D.U.I.- 125
Prowlers- 77
Public Intoxication- 25
Rape- 2
Reckless Drivers- 229
Recover Property- 29
Robbery- 3
Seizures- 10
Shots fired- 67
Shop lifter- 4
Stolen property- 209
Stolen vehicle- 68
Stranded motorists- 65
Structure Fires- 66
Someone threatened- 105
Suicides- 14
Suspicious persons/vehicles- 389
Traffic Hazards- 84
Trespassing- 13
Unruly juveniles- 36
Unwanted guests- 159
Vandalism- 141
Vehicle fires- 22
Wanted Persons- 27
Welfare checks- 132
Miscellaneous- 65
Total 6,536 incident calls

Man Arrested in Burglary Investigation by Sheriff's Department

A 35 year old Smithville man was arrested Sunday in a burglary investigation by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department. Deputies and detectives arrested Scott Lynn Sykes of Alexander Street, Smithville Sunday for burglary, theft of property over $1,000, and possession of burglary tools. Sykes went to a residence on Dry Branch Road in Alexandria and entered the home by prying open the back door. While inside, Sykes took the faucets, sinks, and a ceiling fan with 3 lights, drain pipes, light covers, a showerhead, and the central heat and air unit of the home all valued at over $1,000. Sykes has admitted to his part in the crime. When lawmen picked up Sykes at his home, they found some of the items in Sykes' automobile along with tools believed to have been used to commit the theft. These items included a hacksaw, screwdriver, an ax, and a hatchet.
Bond for Sykes was set at $80,000 and he will appear in court on January 22nd.
The home received extensive damage, especially water damage from the cut water lines.

Meanwhile, a county deputy last Wednesday spotted a vehicle weaving on Highway 70 East. Upon making a traffic stop, the officer found 23 year old Jesse Louis Clouse of South Walnut Street, Cookeville to be the driver. Clouse submitted to and failed sobriety tasks and a check of his driver's license revealed that it was revoked.. Clouse was convicted of a DUI in Putnam County on December 17th, 2007. He was arrested and charged with a second offense of driving under the influence and driving on a revoked driver's license. Clouse was also issued a citation for violation of the implied consent law. His bond was set at $3,000 and he will appear in court on January 8th.

32 year old Oliver Eiland and 25 year old Jessica Charlene Brett of Cookeville Highway, Smithville were charged Friday with filing a false report with the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department. The two had earlier filed a theft report and then returned to the Sheriff's Department on Friday to add to the report that a book of checks had also been stolen. Upon an investigation, detectives learned that Eiland and Brett had written the checks to businesses in surrounding counties for large amounts and then went to the bank and reported them forged. Detectives obtained photos of the two from at least one of the businesses showing them writing a check which they reported forged.Bond for Eiland and Brett was set at $1,000 each and they will appear in court on January 22nd. More charges are pending.

On Sunday, deputies were summoned to Alexandria on a theft investigation. When they arrived, the complainant told them that a man had stolen an item from him. The victim was able to get a tag number from the vehicle the man was driving. While the deputy and victim were talking, the vehicle in question drove by. The officer took off after the vehicle and attempted to stop it. The driver refused to stop for at least 1 ½ miles. After getting the vehicle stopped, officers found the driver to be 24 year old Danny Ray Alsept of Stigall Street, Camden Tennessee. Deputies also learned that Alsept has apparently never had a driver's license in Tennessee.
Alsept was charged with evading arrest and no driver's license. His bond was set at $6,000 and he will appear in court on January 22nd.

Alexandria Man Charged with Attempted Aggravated Robbery

A 48 year old Alexandria man allegedly tried to pull off an armed robbery at Prichard's Foods in Alexandria Saturday night.

Billy Ray Thomas of Lower Helton Road is charged with attempted aggravated robbery and unlawful carrying of a weapon with the intent to go armed. His bond totals $55,000 and he will be in court on the charges January 22nd.

On Saturday night at 6:52 p.m. 911 received a call from Prichards Foods in Alexandria that a man had come into the store, got some items, and brought them to the cashier. As he approached the counter, the man was wearing a rag over his face telling the cashier he had a bad cold and didn't want her to catch it. When she totaled up the items on the cash register, the man pulled a knife, pointed it toward the cash register before the drawer opened and ordered the cashier to " give me what you got". The cashier turned and ran through the store screaming for someone to call 911.

The man then left the store and got in his vehicle but before he drove away, the store manager had followed him outside and wrote down the license tag number. He then called 911. Another witness later called 911 and reported that he was behind the vehicle and that it was going east on Highway 70. Officers of the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department and the Tennessee Highway Patrol pulled over the vehicle, a 1994 Dodge Sedan, on Highway 70 near Dowelltown and placed Thomas into custody.

Inside the vehicle, the officers found an eight inch knife between the seats and a rag that may have been used in the attempted robbery.

Officers later learned that Thomas had gone into another Alexandria store Saturday "looking for help" prior to the incident at Prichards Foods. Thomas walked into the Dollar General Store in Alexandria and asked the cashier for help. He was holding a rag over his face and had a knife in his back pocket. The cashier told him to go outside, get rid of the knife, and come back in and she would help him. He then walked out of the store and left. Thomas did not display the knife and apparently did not make any demands of the cashier while he was at the Dollar Store. Nothing was taken and no one was injured. Thomas was not charged in that incident.

In addition to the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department and the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the Alexandria Police Department assisted in the case.

Meanwhile, in a separate case, 33 year old Gregory Micheal Patton and 49 year old Jack Adams both of Petty Road Smithville were arrested Saturday after a traffic stop on Bluhmtown Road.

Deputies stopped Patton for a traffic violation after observing him driving a 1993 Chevy Cavalier. Upon entering the vehicle, officers detected a strong smell of alcohol and they noticed a half of a six pack of Busch beer in the rear floorboard. Patton submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. Patton had a smell of alcohol on his person and he was very unsteady on his feet. A search was conducted and a marijuana cigarette was found in a cigarette pack in Patton's pocket. Deputies also found a hypodermic needle between the seats of Patton's car. A check of Patton's driver's license also showed them to be suspended for failure to pay child support. Patton admitted to drinking beer, but refused a blood test. He was arrested for driving under the influence, driving on a suspended driver's license, and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $3,500 and he will appear in court on January 22nd. Patton was also issued citations for violation of the implied consent law and turn signal required.

Adams, a passenger of Patton's vehicle, was found to have a marijuana cigarette in his pocket and a small bag of marijuana was found in his seat. Adams was charged with simple possession of marijuana and his bond was set at $1,500. Adams will appear in court on January 22nd.

51 year old Forrest (Frosty) Byrd was arrested Sunday for leaving the scene of an accident after deputies investigated a one vehicle accident with property damage over $500 on Banks Pisgah Road. Byrd was driving a 1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse when he lost control and wrecked causing property damage to a fence. Byrd then left the scene. After an investigation, it was discovered that Byrd had gone to a business on Short Mountain Highway and called for a wrecker, but never returned to the accident site. Byrd was later charged with the crime. His bond was set at $2,500 and he will appear in court on January 29th.

Judkins Charged in Burglary and Theft Case

A 24 year old man looking for help to get his vehicle out of a ditch following a minor traffic accident Thursday, showed up at a residence and apparently helped himself to several items that didn't belong to him.

Edward Lee Judkins Jr. of Jefferson Road, Smithville was charged with burglary, theft of property over $500, and theft of property over $10,000.

After being involved in a minor traffic accident, Judkins went to a residence on Jefferson Road to ask for help in getting his vehicle out of a ditch. When the home owner did not answer the door, Judkins allegedly entered a shed and took a chainsaw, leaf blower, bolt cutters, and other tools valued at over $500. Judkins then allegedly loaded the stolen items into a 2005 Ford F-250 4x4, belonging to the resident, (valued at over $10,000) and then left. He drove to Smithville and sold the tools. Afterwards, Judkins went to Whispering Pines Road where the owner of the truck and another man confronted him. Judkins ran into the woods and was arrested a short time later by detectives. Judkins admitted to all the crimes and detectives retrieved all of the stolen items. Judkins' bond was set at $40,000 and he will appear in court on January 8th

Meanwhile on Tuesday, detectives went to the home of 47 year old Kenny Ray Herman and 28 year old Felicia Ann Murphy located on West Main Street in Smithville after receiving tips that the two were selling narcotics out of the apartment. After observing several individuals going into the residence and staying short periods of time, detectives received from the owners, consent to search the premises and found a lock box that contained a pill bottle belonging to an individual who did not live at the West Main Street address. Inside the bottle were 56 hydocodone pills, which is a schedule III narcotic. Also found was a pill bottle with Murphy's name on it. The bottle called for hydrocodone pills, but detectives discovered that the pills in the bottle were different than what the prescription called for. Both Herman and Murphy were arrested for possession of a schedule III drug (hydocodone) for sale and delivery. Bond for both was set at $40,000 and they will appear in court on January 8th. Detectives also seized $433 from Herman. The cash is believed to be proceeds from illegal drug sales.

49 year old Kenneth M. Sweeton of Highland Drive, Sparta was arrested Tuesday for driving under the influence after deputies were summoned to a fight call at a business on Sparta Highway. Officers found Sweeton in his vehicle with the motor running and he was in an intoxicated state. After performing poorly on his sobriety tasks, Sweeton told the deputies that he had too much to drink. Sweeton's bond was set at $1,000 and he will appear in court on January 8th.

25 year old Ricardo Gutierrez of Campbell Road, Smithville was stopped Tuesday on Short Mountain Highway for weaving. Detectives found that Gutierrez had been drinking and they asked him to perform field sobriety tasks which he failed. A drivers license check revealed that Gutierrez's license had expired. A knife was also found in the passenger's seat in plain view. The knife had a blade exceeding 12 inches. Gutierrez was arrested for driving under the influence, no valid driver's license, and possession of a prohibited weapon. His bond was set at $3,000 and he will appear in court on January 8th.

31 year old Alton Brian Bundy of East Main Street, Dowelltown was arrested Saturday after deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle call on Holiday Haven Road. When officers arrived they found Bundy and his vehicle in the roadway. They also noticed Bundy's speech to be slurred and he was very unsteady on his feet. Bundy was asked to perform field sobriety tasks which he failed. Bundy was placed under arrest for driving under the influence and his bond was set at $1,000. He will appear in court on January 8th.

28 year old John Corey Vickers of East Main Street, Smithville was stopped Monday on Highway 70 for a traffic offense. Vickers was driving on a suspended driver's license. Upon making an inventory of Vickers' vehicle, deputies found a rifle behind the seat. Vickers was charged with driving on a suspended driver's license and unlawful possession of a firearm. Sheriff Ray says Vickers is a convicted felon and is not allowed to own or possess any firearms. Vickers' bond was set at $6,500 and he will appear in court on January 8th.

Kentucky man arrested on Sunday for theft of property

22 year old Wayne Lee Parks of Stonefield Way Bardstown, Kentucky was arrested on Sunday for theft of property under $500 after he allegedly took a DVD player from a rental cabin on Highway 56 North.

Parks was stopped on 70 West by Smithville Police and was found to have the DVD player in his possession. Parks was also driving a stolen vehicle out of Kentucky. Parks' bond was set at $2,500 and he will be in court November 26th. He is also wanted by the State of Kentucky for stealing the vehicle.

Three Arrested on Drug Charges Monday

28 year old Robert Paul Brawley and 26 year old Lindsay Lee Stribling both of Felts Road, Sparta and 34 year old Kevin Donald Bogle of Floyd Drive Smithville were all arrested Monday after a deputy noticed a vehicle in a business parking lot on Highway 70. The headlights were on and the hood had been raised. After stopping and talking with the subjects, the officer noticed a vile in the driver's side door. He asked for consent to search the vehicle and Brawley consented. When the deputy starting searching the vehicle, Brawley turned where the officer could not see his front side and began stuffing something down in his pants. After discovering what Brawley was doing, the deputy then tried to stop him, but Brawley began to resist. After Brawley was cuffed, officers found that Brawley was trying to conceal a bag containing two hypodermic needles, cut straws, alcohol pads, and small baggies. They also found a vile in Brawley's pocket containing three small baggies of white powder believed to be methamphetamine and half of a small yellow pill believed to be dilaudid. An illegal knife was also confiscated from the floorboard of Brawley's vehicle. When deputies asked Brawley for his name, Brawley told them he was Robert Johnson. Officers later made a positive identification of the man as Brawley..When Deputies placed him into the back of the patrol car he began to hit the doors and windows and caused some damage to the interior of the vehicle. The two passengers in the vehicle were also arrested after deputies found drugs on them. Upon a pat down search, Stribling was found to have marijuana cigarettes, a marijuana roach, and rolling papers in her pockets. Bogle was charged after deputies found two Hydrocodone pills under the seat where he was sitting.

Brawley was charged with possession of a schedule II drug (Methamphetamine) for resale, possession of a prohibited weapon, resisting arrest, criminal impersonation, vandalism, simple possession of a schedule II drug (Dilaudid), and possession of drug paraphernalia. His total bond was set at $34,000.

Stribling was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and simple possession. Her bond was set at $2,000. Bogle was charged with simple possession and his bond is $2,500.
All three will appear in court on December 11th.

Smithville Man Charged with Aggravated Sexual Battery on a 12 Year Old Girl and other arrest

A 47 year old Smithville man was arrested Friday by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department for sexual battery after he allegedly sexually assaulted a female.

Walter F. Smouthers of Magnolia Lane, Smithville was charged after detectives questioned him on a sexual assault case. County detectives found that on the morning of November 14th, Smouthers had spent the night with a male and female friend on Rosewood Lane in DeKalb County. When the female went into the bathroom to get ready to go to work, Smouthers went into the bathroom with her and sexually assaulted her. The female asked Smouthers' repeatedly to stop. After the sexual assault, Smouthers left the home. Smouthers did admit to the crime in an interview with county detectives. Smouthers' bond was set at $15,000 and he will appear in court on December 4th. Smouthers is currently being held in the DeKalb County Jail awaiting bond.

In a separate case, deputies stopped 31 year old Steve A. Stanley of Old Mill Hill Road, Dowelltown on Highway 70 West Friday. Officers had knowledge that Stanley's drivers license was suspended. After the stop, a search incident to arrest was conducted on Stanley's vehicle. Inside, deputies found a purple container with nineteen and one half small yellow pills believed to be Dilaudids. Also found in Stanley's vehicle were 2 cut straws, one with drug residue in it and a hyperdermic needle. Stanley was arrested for driving on a suspended driver's license, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a schedule II drug (Dilaudid) for resale. Stanley's vehicle was also seized. Stanley's bond was set at $29,000 and he will appear in court on December 11th.

Meanwhile, the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department and the Smithville Police Department, on Monday, November 3rd, made a surprise visit at DeKalb County High School with their drug dogs. Sheriff Ray says "I believe that any deterrent, such as locker and vehicle searches at the schools, is a tool to help keep our children in a drug free and safe learning environment."

We must work together to make sure we're doing everything possible to make sure our students can have a safe and drug free learning environment. By continuing our partnerships, we will achieve this goal.

Smithville Man Charged with Making Harassing Telephone Calls to African-American Families

The Sheriff's Department has charged a Smithville man with making harassing telephone calls to two African-American families in Alexandria.

58 year old Clessie George Jones also known as Bobby Jones of Fall Creek Drive, Smithville was charged Wednesday with four counts of telephone harassment.

Through an investigation, detectives found that Jones had called two African American families in Alexandria and had made threatening racial slurs to the callers. Jones was brought in for questioning by Sheriff's Detectives and he admitted to the offenses. Jones' bond was set at $4,000 and he will appear in court on November 20th.

Meanwhile, in other cases, deputies responded to Eckels Heights in Liberty to a domestic violence call on Monday, November 3rd.

Through an investigation by officers on the scene, 22 year old Shauna Faye Stringer of Alexandria Highway, Brush Creek was found to be intoxicated. Officers also learned that she had made up the allegation of domestic violence. Stringer was charged with public intoxication and her bond was set at $1,000. She will appear in court on November 20th.

22 year old Andrew Tyler Hall of East Main Street, Smithville was charged Tuesday, November 4th with driving under the influence after he was stopped for a traffic offense on Highway 56 South. Hall submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. He also refused a blood alcohol test. Hall's bond was set at $1,500 on the DUI and he was issued a citation for violation of the implied consent law. Hall will appear in court on December 4th.

Halloween night was relatively quiet in DeKalb County

Deputies answered only 13 calls Friday night. Those calls included two burglar alarms, two vehicle lockouts, one domestic call, six investigation calls, one reckless driver call, and one loud music call.

The Sheriff's Department also conducted saturated patrols Halloween night across the county and joined the Smithville Police Department in setting up Sobriety Check Points. A road block was set up on Highway 70 East where a total of 57 vehicles came through. There was one arrest and 4 citations issued.

23 year old Raymundo Desirena Gilberth of West Spring Street Smithville was arrested for no driver's license. Gilberth was also issued a citation for an open container of beer in his vehicle. Gilberth's bond was set at $1,000 and he will appear in court on December 4th. Citations were also issued after K-9 Officer Patrick Britain and the dog "Banshee" searched for drugs around vehicles at the check point.

Those receiving citations were 51 year old David Seabolt of Johnson's Chapel Road Sparta for simple possession of a schedule VI drug (marijuana). Banshee alerted on Seabolt's vehicle and detectives found a small amount of marijuana and a pair of hemostats.

44 year old James Douglas Weston Jr. of Darky Springs Road, Sparta was issued a citation after Banshee alerted on his vehicle. Deputies found an unlabeled pill bottle containing a small amount of white pills believed to be Xanax. Weston was issued a citation for simple possession of a schedule IV drug (Xanax).

Smithville Man Charged with Aggravated Sexual Battery on a 12 Year Old Girl and other arrest

A Smithville man was charged with aggravated sexual battery on a child last week after he allegedly had improper contact with a 12 year old girl during the summer.

Detectives charged 44 year old Jack Davis Taylor Jr. of Dry Creek Road, Smithville on Wednesday, October 22nd with aggravated sexual battery on a child. Sheriff Ray says through an investigation, detectives discovered that on or about June 5th of this year, Taylor was with a 12 year old female on Dry Creek Road. He allegedly unhooked her bra, rubbed her back and the back area of the child's legs, and the buttocks area. The child reportedly told Taylor to stop, but he refused. Taylor's bond was set at $25,000 and will appear in court on October 30th.

Meanwhile, in other cases, 37 year old Mary J. Wright of Keltonburg Road, Smithville was arrested Monday, October 20th after she was found to have taken items from a home on Barnes Mill Road with the intent to commit a theft. Detectives, through an investigation, found that Wright entered the Barnes Mill residence and took the owner's jewelry, several DVDs, coins, and credit and debit cards. All items were valued at over $1,000. Wright then went to a business on Highway 56 south in Smithville and tried to use the stolen credit and debit cards to purchase items, but the business refused to sell her the merchandise on the cards. While at the business, Wright also placed a clock and two greeting cards under her coat and walked out of the business without paying for them. Detectives charged Wright with attempted fraudulent use of a credit card and two counts of theft of property. Her bond was set at $7,000. She went to court on October 23rd and pleaded guilty to the charges. Wright is already on probation for shop lifting here in DeKalb County.

Sheriff's Deputies arrested 34 year old Brandon Zay Stringfellow of Southside Drive, McMinnville on Friday, October 24th for DUI after deputies responded to a call on Highway 70 east. Sheriff Ray says officers found Stringfellow in his vehicle, in a ditch, on Highway 70. Stringfellow submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. Stringfellow's bond was set at $1,000 and will appear in court on December 11th.

34 year old Jamie Lynn Panter of Elmwood Drive, Rock Island was charged Monday, October 20th with criminal impersonation after deputies went to Lake Motel on an investigation. Panter told officers his name was Toby Hillis. After learning that Panter had given them the wrong name and that Warren County had warrants on him for two counts of violation of probation, he was placed under arrest for criminal impersonation and his bond was set at $2,500, Panter will appear in court on December 11th.

On Saturday, deputies received a call concerning a reckless driver on Highway 70 east. Officers found the vehicle and stopped it for weaving. The driver, 47 year old Felix Sosa of South Mountain Street, Smithville was charged with driving under the influence. Sosa submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. Sosa admitted to drinking at least three beers earlier that night. His bond was set at $1,000 and he will appear in court on December 4th.

Deputies arrested 21 year old Ryan Edward Herron of McMinnville Highway, Smithville Sunday for aggravated burglary and theft of property under $500. Through an investigation on a theft report, Herron was found to have entered a room at the Lake Motel without the owner's consent. While inside, Herron took two cell phones from the room and later sold them to another individual. The cell phones have since been recovered. Herron's bond was set at $6,000 and he will appear in court on November 13th.

21 year old Timothy James Howard of Upper Helton Road, Alexandria was arrested Sunday after Sheriff's deputies responded to a domestic call on Upper Helton Road. Howard was found on the front porch of the home in an intoxicated state. Upon being placed under arrest, Howard became combative and belligerent causing the deputies to have to use force to put handcuffs on him. Howard was charged with public intoxication and resisting arrest and his bond was set at $2,000. He will appear in court on November 13th.

Sheriff's Deputies arrested 21 year old Steven Patrick Krick of Gordon Adcock Road, Smithville Monday after deputies found Krick passed out under the steering wheel of a vehicle on Highway 56 south. Krick's vehicle was still running when the officers found him. Upon a search of Krick's vehicle, a pill bottle containing a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana and a marijuana pipe were found in the console. Krick was charged with driving under the influence, simple possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $3,000 and he will appear in court on December 4th.

Arrest made in Burglary Investigation and other cases

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department made an arrest Thursday in a recent burglary investigation.

Detectives from the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department arrested 33 year old Robert Howard Mattox of Keltonburg Road Smithville for aggravated burglary and theft of property over $1,000.

Mattox entered a home on Green Hill Road in DeKalb County and took several guns, knives, and ammunition valued at over $3,707. Detectives were able to recover all of the stolen property. Due to Mattox's lengthy criminal history for property crimes, his bond was set at $125,000 and he will appear in court on October 23rd. Mattox is on parole out of Meigs County.

Meanwhile, 46 year old Tina Keith Stephens of Allen Street, Smithville was arrested Saturday by the Smithville Police Department and was being booked into the DeKalb County Jail when correctional officers found a white pill believed to be a soma. Stephens was charged with introduction of drugs into a penal institution and her bond was set at $5,000. She will appear in court on November 20th.

Last Wednesday, deputies spotted 35 year old Kathyerine Michelle Carr of Kings Court Trailer Park driving an automobile on Adcock Cemetery Road. Officers had prior knowledge of Carr having a suspended license. She was stopped and arrested for driving on a suspended license. Carr's license was revoked after she failed to satisfy a citation on July 7th in Smith County. Carr was also arrested for the same offense earlier by the Smithville Police Department. Carr's bond was set at $1,500 and her court date is October 30th.

Wendy Michelle Steinbach of Keltonburg Road charged with theft and forgery

Detectives arrested 31 year old Wendy Michelle Steinbach of Keltonburg Road, Smithville Tuesday for theft and forgery. Steinbach allegedly stole a book of checks from a residence on Keltonburg Road. Steinbach then took approximately 25 checks to local businesses in DeKalb County and forged the victim's name to the checks and cashed them. Steinbach has been charged with five forgery counts and theft of property under $500. Steinbach's blanket bond was set at $5,000 by Judge Bratten Cook on October 9th and she is scheduled to reappear in his court on October 16th. Steinbach is expected to be charged with more forgeries at a later date.

Traffic stops lead to drug charges

Traffic stops by the Sheriff's Department last week led to the discovery of drugs and charges against two people.

42 year old Lisa Michelle Pyles of Jones Mill Road, Smithville was stopped Monday, October 6th on Antioch Road by Deputies who were conducting an investigation. While deputies were trying to pull her over on Antioch Road, Pyles continued to drive approximately one mile before she pulled over. After pulling over and talking with the officers, Pyles gave consent to search her vehicle. Found under the seat of Pyles' vehicle was Suboxen, a schedule III drug. Pyles was arrested and charged with simple possession of a schedule III drug (Suboxen) and evading arrest. Pyles' bond was set at $2,000 and she will appear in court on October 23rd.

In another case, deputies received a call Friday from dispatch about a reckless driver on Highway 70 West. Officers pulled over the vehicle on West Main Street, which matched the description of the reckless driver. Deputies asked for consent to search the vehicle which was driven by 23 year old Joshua Wade Graham of McMinnville Highway, Doyle Tennessee but he refused to let deputies conduct the search. K-9 Banshee was then led around the vehicle and the dog alerted on Graham's vehicle. Graham then told deputies that he had drugs on him, which officers found in the console of his vehicle including Suboxone, Methadone, and Percocet pills. Graham was charged with simple possession of a schedule III drug (Suboxone), simple possession of a schedule II drug (Methadone), and simple possession of a schedule II drug (Percocet). Graham's bond was set at $4,500 and he will appear in court on October 23rd.

More arrest

25 year old Bradley Lloyd Kelley of Neil Drive, Smithville and 36 year old Sherry Jared of Edgewood Drive, Cookeville were charged September 29th with theft of property over $500.

The two were arrested after they took a 1984 Buick from a farm on Nashville Highway without the owner's consent. Bond for both Kelley and Neil were set at $5,000 and they will appear in court on October 23rd.

Also on September 29th, deputies responded to a call on Hurricane Ridge in Smithville and stopped a vehicle for a traffic offense. 32 year old Brian Keith Mitchell of Philadelphia Road Lebanon was arrested for driving on a suspended license after deputies ran a check and found that Mitchell's license was suspended for failure to satisfy a citation on July 30th, 2007 in Wilson County. Mitchell's bond was set at $1,000 and he will appear in court on October 15th.

Deputies also stopped 26 year old William Travis Malone for a traffic offense on September 29th. Upon a check of Malone's license, officers discovered that it had been suspended for failure to satisfy a citation on May 5th, 2008 in Smith County. Malone's bond was set at $1,000 and he will appear in court on October 15th.

In another case, deputies arrested 27 year old Nestro Daniel Suastegui of Old West Point Road Smithville on Saturday for driving without a license. Officers had stopped Suastegui for a traffic violation. When asked by the Deputy for his license, Suastegui could not produce it. A computer check further revealed that Suastegui never had a valid Tennessee driver's license. Suastegui's bond was set at $1000 and will appear in court on October 23rd.

Alaska Sex Offender Found Living in DeKalb County

Deputies arrested 51 year old George Leo Micheaux Thursday for violation of the sex offender law for failure to register.

Officers found Micheaux living at a motel on Highway 70 East in Smithville. He had been living in DeKalb County since September 23rd.

Micheaux is a sex offender in the State of Alaska, where he was convicted for second degree sexual abuse of a minor.

Micheaux had last registered in Canyon County Idaho on June 9th. The State of Idaho has been notified of Micheaux's arrest and charges will be sought against him there. Micheaux's bond was set at $10,000 and he will appear in court on October 9th.

Arrests Made in Burglary and Drug Investigations

The Sheriff's Department has picked up another man on a sealed indictment returned by a special session of the Grand Jury last week in a burglary investigation.

27 year old Michael Chad Owens of Shady Drive Smithville was arrested for one count of aggravated burglary and one count of theft over $500. In June of this year, Owens forcibly entered a residence on Four Star Loop through a window and stole a Marlin 30-30 rifle and case along with various swords, daggers, and knives. The rifle has since been recovered. Owens bond was set at $50,000 and he will appear in court on October 24th.
Meanwhile, 36 year old Kenneth Travis Bond of Womack Road, McMinnville was arrested Friday for promotion of methamphetamine, possession of a schedule II drug (Methamphetamine), and possession of drug paraphernalia.

On September 9th, Detectives were contacted by a local pharmacy that a man by the name of Kenneth Travis Bond was there to purchase pseudoephedrine. Officers obtained information, through the cooperation of local pharmacies, that Bond had been to at least four drug stores in DeKalb County to purchase pseudoephedrine. After purchasing pseudoephedrine from one of the pharmacies, Detectives observed Bond leaving the business in a 1997 Chevy 4x4 Z-71 pickup truck. The vehicle was stopped on Church Street in Smithville where detectives spoke to Bond and inquired about his purchasing quantities of pseudoephedrine here in DeKalb County. After receiving consent to search Bond's vehicle, officers found four sealed boxes of cold medicine containing pseudoephedrine. After continuing to search the vehicle, Detectives found a cloth zipper pouch containing several syringes, razor blades, plastic baggies, glass pipes, a tourniquet, a medicine bottle containing water, and a plastic baggie containing a white powdery substance believed to be methamphetamine. Also found in the console drawer of the vehicle was a bottle of water and two other syringes. After the completion of the investigation, Bond's 1997 Chevy was seized. Bond for Bond was set at $10,000 and he will appear in court on October 24th.

Correctional Officers find drugs on two persons charged by Smithville Police

On Sunday, after being brought into the DeKalb County Jail by Smithville Police officers on drug charges, 43 year old Ricky Estes and 28 year old Cindy Lemons Estes, both of Whorton Springs Road, Smithville were found to have drugs on them. Correctional Officers, during the booking process, found a white pill in Ricky Estes' pocket believed to be Xanax. Cindy Estes was found to have a pill bottle in her body cavity containing three white pills believed to be Xanax and five orange pills believed to be Suboxone. Both subjects were charged with introduction of drugs into a penal institution where prisoners are housed. Bond for Ricky Estes was set at $5,000 and bond for Cindy Estes was set at $10,000. Both will appear in court on October 16th.

Joseph Lee Merriman charged with DUI, simple possession and possession of drug paraphernalia

Deputies arrested 25 year old Joseph Lee Merriman of Dale Ridge Road Dowelltown Friday for driving under the influence, simple possession of a schedule III drug (Hydrocodone), and possession of drug paraphernalia.

While on patrol, a deputy spotted a vehicle setting on the side of the roadway on Dale Ridge Road in Dowelltown. Upon checking the driver of the vehicle, the officer noticed the operator of the vehicle was passed out, had his foot on the brake, and had a green powdery substance around his nose. After awakening Merriman, Deputies asked him to exit his vehicle and noticed that he was unsteady on his feet and had slurred speech. Merriman submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. As officers were conducting a pat down search of Merriman, they found a metal container in his pocket. Inside the container were two pills believed to be Hydocodone and an ink pen that was cut off and possibly used for snorting the pills. Merriman was arrested. He was also issued a citation for violation of the implied consent law because he refused a blood test. Total bond for Merriman was set at $3,000 and he will appear in court on October 9th.

Two people wanted by authorities in Indiana arrested by Sheriff's Department

Two people wanted by authorities in Indiana have been located living in Smithville.

Detectives from the La Porte City Police in Indiana contacted the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department Thursday about two fugitives living on Forrest Avenue in Smithville.

Deputies went to the address and arrested 34 year old Ryan K. Martin and 34 year old Marilyn Ann Fuller both of Forrest Avenue, Smithville. Martin had warrants on him for a failure to appear in court on a check deception, receiving stolen property, driving while suspended, battery, and a driving under the influence. These are Class "D" felonies. Fuller had a failure to appear in court on theft and receiving stolen property charges. Both are being held in the DeKalb County Jail without bond and will appear in court on October 2nd.

Departments activity report - September 25, 2008

Special Grand Jury Session Called

An investigation by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department into a recent rash of burglaries and thefts has led to a special session of the grand jury and sealed indictments against several persons named in the probe.
The DeKalb County Grand Jury was called into special session Wednesday.

"These individuals are thought to be "larger scale" thieves considering their past criminal histories and are a threat to our community. This is an ongoing investigation by my detectives and me dealing with theft rings here in DeKalb County. More arrests are forthcoming."

Everyone needs to take an inventory of thier firearms, electronic components, and valuables by listing all serial numbers and descriptions of your items incase of a theft. This is vital information that tremendously increases the solvability of any theft and also aids in the recovery of the stolen items.

• Among those named in sealed indictments by the Grand Jury Wednesday are:
  79 year old James M. Adcock of Jefferson Road, Smithville who was arrested on a sealed indictment for theft of property over $1,000. Adcock had in his possession several guns that had been reported stolen here in DeKalb County. During a lengthy investigation, detectives found that people, who were known felons and who had long criminal histories for similar crimes, were stealing guns from several homes in DeKalb County and were taking the stolen firearms to Adcock's home to be sold. Adcock would purchase the weapons with cash. After obtaining this information, detectives went to the home of Adcock and confronted him with information they had obtained. They were able to recover two stolen firearms. While at the residence, Adcock was advised that officers had proof of other firearms which had been sold to him but Adcock denied it.. Detectives then left Adcock's residence but were able to reconfirm their information that more stolen firearms had been sold to him. Officers then went back to Adcock's home later in the evening and conducted a search of his residence. During the search, detectives found two more stolen guns that Adcock had purchased, including a .357 pistol that had been reported stolen here in DeKalb County in 2003. Also found at the residence was the stolen firearm that the detectives had questioned him about earlier in the day which he had denied having in his possession. Adcock's bond was set at $10,000 on the charge and he will appear in court on October 24th.
• 42 year old Shannon Lynn Newby of Anthony Avenue, Smithville was arrested on three counts of aggravated burglary and two counts of theft of property over $1,000 and one count of theft of property under $500. In May of this year, Newby made forced entry into a residence on Cookeville Highway and took two firearms, a floor safe, guitar, a DeWalt impact wrench, and multiple DVD's all valued at over $1,000. Many of these items including one of the firearms have been recovered. In June of this year, Newby went to a residence on Twilla Lane Smithville and made forced entry into a residence and took two rifles from the home valued at over $1,000 One weapon has since been recovered. Also in June, Newby forcibly entered a home on West Main Street in Smithville and took a chainsaw valued at $350 from the home. The chainsaw has since been recovered. Newby's bond was set at $150,000 and he will appear in court on October 24th.
• 38 year old Comer Thomas Vance of Bell Street Smithville was arrested for two counts of theft over $500, one count of theft under $500, and one count of aggravated burglary. In June of this year, Vance went to a residence on Lee Homer Road Smithville and stole a catalytic converter off of a 1995 Chevy Lumina valued at $600 without the owners consent. Also in June of this year, Vance forcibly entered a home on West Main Street in Smithville and took a chainsaw valued at $350 from the home. The chainsaw has since been recovered. On another date in June, Vance went to a residence on Haley Road in Smithville and stole a catalytic converter off of a 1991 Ford Van valued at $800.00. Vance's total bond was set at $100,000 and he will appear in court on October 24th.
• 32 year old Tyrone Dewayne Owens of Shady Drive Smithville was arrested for one count of aggravated burglary and one count of theft over $1,000. In May of this year, Owens forcibly entered a residence on Cookeville Highway and stole a .25 caliber semi automatic hand gun, a .22 caliber rifle, a floor safe, acoustic guitar and case, several DVD's, and an impact wrench valued at over $1,000. Owens total bond was set at $50,000 and he will appear in court on October 24th.
• 32 year old Sharon K. Skinner of Cedar Drive Smithville was arrested for one count of aggravated burglary and one count of theft over $500. In August of this year, Skinner made forced entry through a window of a residence on A.B. Frasier Road Smithville and stole several articles of jewelry, one play station two console, loose change, and several DVD's valued at over $500. Skinner's bond was set at $25,000 and she will appear in court on October 24th.
• 23 year old Donald Ricky Atnip Jr. of Banks Pisgah Road Smithville was arrested for theft of property over $1,000 and filing a false report. In September of this year, Atnip went to a residence on Short Mountain Highway and stole a 16 foot trailer and a Maytag Washer and Dryer. Atnip then drove from the residence on Short Mountain to McMinnville Highway where the trailer came off of Atnip's vehicle. Another vehicle, which was traveling on McMinnville Highway, did not see the trailer in the roadway and struck the trailer causing damage to their vehicle. When Deputies arrived at the scene, Atnip was loading the stolen trailer back on to his truck and told the deputies that the trailer belonged to him. The deputies filed an accident report with Atnip and the other motorist. A further investigation into the accident revealed that the trailer had been stolen. Atnip's bond was set at $25,000 bond and he will appear in court on October 24th.
• 38 year old Walter Ray Redmon of Sparta Highway Smithville was arrested for four counts of theft over $500 and one count of aggravated burglary. In June of this year, Redmon forcibly entered a residence on Four Star Loop through a window and stole a Marlin 30-30 rifle and case along with various swords, daggers, and knives. The rifle has since been recovered. Also in June of this year, Redmon went to a residence on Evins Mill Road in Smithville and stole a catalytic converter off of a 1996 Chevy Lumina Van valued at $600.
  On another date in June of this year, Redmon went to a residence on Haley Road in Smithville and stole a catalytic converter off of a 1991 Ford Van valued at $800. On another date in June, Redmon went to a residence on Lee Homer Road in Smithville and stole a catalytic converter off of a 1995 Chevy Lumina valued at $600, Redmon's bond was set at $125,000 and he will appear in court on October 24th.
  In other news, 30 year old Jerry H. Goff of South Titsworth Road Smithville was arrested Sunday for simple possession of drugs after he was stopped on South Titsworth Road for a traffic violation. Deputies received consent from Goff to search his vehicle and found 6 orange pills in the console of his car believed to be Suboxone. Goff did admit to the deputy that the pills were his and he had no prescription for them. Goff's bond was set at $1,500 and he will appear in court on October 9th.
• 39 year old William Andy Cantrell of Redmon Road Smithville and 42 year old Tammy Denise Miller Short Mountain Road Smithville were arrested Tuesday after a deputy spotted their car sitting beside of the roadway on McMinnville Highway. Officers obtained consent to search the vehicle and found 31 hypodermic needles in Miller's vehicle. Cantrell was found to have another hypodermic needle in his pants pocket. Bond for both Cantrell and Miller was set a $2,500 each and they will appear in court on December 11th.
• 40 year old Donna Sue Estes was arrested Wednesday for possession of drug paraphernalia after officers from the Sheriff's Department went to a home on Short Mountain Highway. The officers received consent to search from the owner of the residence and found 5 hypodermic needles, two cut straws, and a tourniquet in a bedroom where Estes was sitting. Estes' bond was set at $2,500 and he will appear in court on October 2nd.
• 23 year old Daniel Sklenka of South Collage Street Smithville and 22 year old Barry Elrod of Golden Lane McMinnville were arrested Thursday for theft under $500 for stealing county road signs. A deputy, while on patrol, noticed a vehicle sitting on Dry Creek Road in Dowelltown. As the officer approached the vehicle, the driver turned his headlights off and then when the deputy got to the vehicle, the driver turned the headlights back on and drove off. The officer pulled the vehicle over for a traffic violation and noticed the county road signs in the back of the vehicle. The names of the road signs were- Highway 70 and Evins Mill Road cross signs, Toad Road, Adcock Cemetery Road, and a deer crossing sign. The two men were taken into custody. Bond for both men was set at $1,000 and they will appear in court on October 30th.

Auto accident leads to arrest for driving on a suspended driver's license

On Saturday, deputies were summoned to Highway 56 South for an auto accident. Upon arrival they found 20 year old Amanda Brook Washer of 625 Ike Adcock Road Smithville to be the driver of the vehicle. Washer was driving a 1997 Honda Accord Southbound when she ran off the right side of the road and lost control hitting a utility pole. Washer was uninjured. Washer's driver's license was checked and came up suspended for failure to satisfy a citation on November 12th, 2006 in Wilson County. Washer was arrested for driving on a suspended driver's license and her bond was set at $1,000.00. She will appear in court on October 8th.

Officers serving a warrant leads to drug charges

On Saturday, September 20th, deputies went to the home of 29 year old Benjamin Theodore Taylor of Troy Cripps Road, Liberty to serve a warrant on another person there. Taylor advised the officers that the person they were looking for was not there. Officers received consent to search Taylor's residence and found 3 peach colored pills believed to be Xanax lying on a dresser in the bedroom area of the residence. Taylor admitted to the deputies that the pills were not prescribed to him. Taylor was arrested for simple possession and his bond was set at $1,500. He will appear in court on October 9th.

Traffic stop leads to arrest

On Sunday, September 14th, officers received a call about a vehicle that was weaving on Highway 56 South. A county deputy spotted the vehicle and ran the tag. The officer then stopped the vehicle for a traffic offense. The driver, 18 year old Lucio Romo of Short Mountain Highway Smithville was found to be driving on a suspended license. Romo's license was suspended for a charge of driving while impaired on June 22nd. Romo was arrested for driving on a suspended license and a state warrant for violation of probation was also served on him. Romo's total bond was set at $1,500 and he will appear in court on October 2nd.

Weekend Prisoner Caught Trying to Bring Drugs in the Jail

43 year old Roxanne Hendrixson of West Green Hill Road ,Smithville was checking into the DeKalb County Jail to serve weekends as the result of a court sentence, when a female correctional officer found in Hendrixson's bra 1 ½ pills believed to be seroquel. Hendrixson was charged with introduction of drugs into a penal institution. Her bond was set at $5,000.00 and she will appear in court on September 24th.

Departments activity for last week

20 year old Samantha Rene DeVault of Talpha Drive was charged Wednesday with introduction of drugs (Dilaudid) into a penal institution. DeVault was seen by a correctional officer carrying a pill bottle in the jail. When asked what she had in her hand, she shoved the pill bottle in her body cavity. The correctional officer then took DeVault to the bathroom and when DeVault retrieved the bottle, she poured the pills out and took some of them orally. Some of the other pills fell out on the floor. DeVault was then taken to the emergency room of the hospital where she was treated and released. Correctional officers found 25 small yellow pills believed to be dilaudid on the bathroom floor where DeVault had poured out the pills from the bottle. DeVault's bond was set at $50,000 and will appear in court on September 25th.

23 year old Christy Jean Martin of Colvert Lake Road, Smithville was arrested Wednesday after deputies went to her home on Saturday, September 6th to serve a state warrant on her for possession of a schedule II drug (Percocet) and simple possession of a schedule VI drug marijuana. Upon a search incident to arrest, officers found 2 yellow pills believed to be percocet and a cellophane wrapper containing a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana in her pockets. Bond for Martin was set at $3,000 and her court date is October 2nd.

35 year old Bruce Mathias of Webb Lane Smithville was charged Saturday with driving under the influence. Deputies found Mathias on Keltonburg Road sitting with his four wheeler in a ditch. Upon speaking with Mathias, deputies noticed a strong odor of alcohol and found him to be unsteady on his feet. Deputies performed field sobriety tasks on Mathias which he failed. Mathias told deputies he ran out of gas, but the officers checked the four wheeler and found that it had gas and would run. Mathias also admitted to drinking 5 beers earlier. Mathias was arrested and his bond was set at $3,000. Mathias was issued a citation for violation of the implied consent law because he refused to take a blood test to determine the alcohol content in his blood.

22 year old Ivan Guzman Perez of McMinnville Highway Smithville was charged Sunday with public intoxication after deputies found him walking on Banks Pisgah Road intoxicated. Deputies tried to perform field sobriety tasks on Guzman but he passed out first. Guzman was so intoxicated he could not communicate with the deputies. Guzman's bond was set at $1000 and he will appear in court on September 25th.

Sheriff's Department Makes Two Drug Arrests Tuesday

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department arrested two people Tuesday on drug charges after discovering narcotics at their home while serving a state warrant.
28 year old Amanda Riley and 38 year old Mark Anthony Graham were taken into custody.
Deputies went to a residence on Bright Hill Road Tuesday to serve a state warrant on Riley. During the arrest, the officers witnessed Riley pull a bag from her pants pocket. The bag contained pills believed to be morphine. Upon a pat down search, deputies found three small baggies of a white powder believed to be methamphetamine and twelve more pills believed to be hydrocodone.
The officers transported Riley to the DeKalb County Jail and contacted the Sheriff's Department's Drug Investigator. A search warrant for the residence was obtained and deputies and investigators returned to the home and executed the search warrant.
Graham who also lives at the residence, was at the home during the search. Officers found two small bags of white powder believed to be methamphetamine, marijuana, a metal container containing 20 ml of liquid known as Ketalar (Ketamine) or better known as the "date rape drug", hypodermic needles, electronic scales, and several spoons with a residue in them.
Officers also found several components of a methamphetamine lab, including Red Devil Lye, alcohol, peroxide, tubing, muratic acid funnels, distilled water, iodine, propane canisters, paper masks, razors, camping fuel, several glass jars, matches, among others..
The Eagle Construction Haz-Mat crew was summoned to the scene to take possession of the toxic chemicals.
Riley was charged with possession of a schedule II drug (Methamphetamine) for resale, possession of a schedule II drug (morphine) for resale, possession of a schedule III drug (Hydocodone) for resale, manufacture of a controlled substance (Methamphetamine), and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Her bond totals $82,500.Graham was charged with manufacture of a controlled substance (Methamphetamine), unlawful possession of a schedule II drug (Methamphetamine), unlawful possession of a schedule II drug (Ketamine), simple possession of a schedule VI drug (Marijuana), and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond is $66,000.Both will appear in General Sessions Court on September 25th.

More arrest made

23 year old Clent Lee Shehane of Page Drive, Smithville was arrested Saturday for driving on a suspended driver's license.
Deputies spotted Shehane on Midway Road in Smithville and had prior knowledge that his license was suspended. Shehane was stopped and arrested. Shehane's bond was set at $2,000 bond and he will appear in court on September 24th.

62 year old Jon Baker of Sparta Pike, Watertown was arrested Sunday for a first offense of driving under the influence.
Deputies received a call to come to the Holmes Creek Boat Ramp where Baker was trying to load a boat from the lake. Baker was unsteady on his feet and had a strong odor of alcohol on his person. Baker was given field sobriety tasks which he failed. Baker did admit to "having a lot to drink." Baker was also charged with boating under the influence by T.W.R.A. Baker's total bond was set at $3,000 and he will appear in court on October 23rd.

Dowelltown Woman Charged with Domestic Assault of her Daughter

A 44 year old Dowelltown woman, accused of assaulting her young daughter, was arrested last week by the Sheriff's Department.
Treva June Hartman of Man Hill Road, Dowelltown has been charged with domestic assault and resisting arrest.
Deputies charged Hartman after she slapped her 11 year old daughter on the face causing scratches on her left eye, nose, and cheek. Hartman also allegedly pulled the little gir'ls hair. After deputies cuffed Hartman, she resisted arrest and officers had to forcefully put her in the back of the patrol car. Hartman also kicked on the cage of the patrol car during the ride all the way to the jail. Bond for Hartman was set at $15,000 and she will appear in court October 2nd.

Man Hunt Underway for Convicted Felon in Temperance Hall Area

The Tennessee Highway Patrol and law enforcement authorities in DeKalb, Warren, and Smith County are searching for two people at this hour, one of whom they believe is the Missouri felon they've been looking for since Thursday. The ground and helicopter aerial search is being conducted in the Temperance Hall community after the men abandoned their vehicle following a THP pursuit around 8:30 a.m. this morning (Saturday). Tracking dogs are also being used to assist officers in the manhunt.

Officials say if one of the men they are looking for is Kirk Douglas Fincher of Kansas City, Missouri, he is considered dangerous. He and the other person, believed to be Nicklas Hickson, were in a gold 1997 Toyota Avalon, the same one they allegedly stole in White County Thursday.

Fincher is a 39 year old white male. He has brown eyes and weighs approximately 215 pounds.
According to Sheriff Patrick Ray, the THP got in pursuit of the Avalon this morning from Interstate 40 through Smith County and into DeKalb County. The Avalon went out of control on the Temperance Hall Road near the Walker Creek Bridge and spun out. The men abandoned the vehicle and took off on foot. Officers found a loaded 9 millimeter pistol in the car. The men were last seen heading toward Smith County on the Old Lancaster Road. One of the men has black hair and was wearing a black shirt and black shorts. The other man was wearing a light colored vest.

Authorities are asking residents in the Lower Helton, Walker Creek, and Temperance Hall areas to stay inside their homes, keep your doors locked, and make sure all doors to your vehicles are locked.

Fincher was one of three occupants in a 2002 Black Ford pick-up truck who lost control andcrashed Thursday during a pursuit on Old Kentucky Road in White County. At approximately 8:00 a.m., Thursday morning, Trooper Michael Loftis observed the Ford pick-up on Interstate 40 at mile marker 287 in Putnam County. Trooper Loftis attempted to stop the truck for followinganother vehicle too closely, and that is when the pursuit began. Trooper Loftis followed the vehicle on Highway 111 South to Old Kentucky Road before the suspects crashed near the airport area.

Fincher was released from a Missouri prison in January 2008, after serving a 17-year sentence for homicide of a police officer. Authorities found ammunition for various weapons in the wrecked Ford pick-up, but no guns were recovered. Later in the day, Fincher allegedly broke into a White County home and stole a 1997 Toyota Avalon. The Toyota Avalon has a moon-roof and non-factory tinted windows with a chrome ring around the license plate.
A 17-year-old occupant of the vehicle is in custody. He was spotted near a church by local residents and arrested at approximately 4:20 p.m., Thursday, by a White County Sheriff's deputy and Trooper Loftis. The third suspect, Nicklas Hickson, at last report was still at-large.

Deputies from the White, Putnam and Cumberland County Sheriff's departments, along with the Cookeville and Monterey Police Departments assisted in the initial manhunt. Authorities thought at the time that Fincher may be heading to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Anyone with information regarding Fincher's whereabouts is urged to call the Tennessee Highway Patrol or the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department.

Two Arrested by Sheriff's Department in Drug Bust

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department Saturday morning executed a searchwarrant at the home of 41 year old Melisa Jean Petty and 39 year old Jeanna TarronBain at 1588 Banks Pisgah Road Smithville.

Officers found hypodermic needles in Petty's bedroom. Petty was found to have on her person 41 ½ dilaudid pills in a small plastic bag. Officers also found a small metal vile containing 9 ½ dilaudid pills under a foam mattress where Bain was sleeping. In addition, officers seized $3,014 believed to be proceeds from drug sales.
Petty was charged with possession of schedule II drug (dilaudid) forresale and drug paraphernalia. Bond was set at $42,500.

Bain was charged with possession of schedule II drug (dilaudid) for resale and bond was set at $40,000. Both will appear in court on September 4th. More arrests are forthcoming.

If you have any information about any illegal activity you are urged to call the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department Crime Tip Line at 464-6400. All calls are kept confidential.

More Marijuana Spotted in Aerial Search

More marijuana was found Tuesday during a helicopter fly over of portions of the county.

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department, in cooperation with the Warren County Sheriff's Department Marijuana Eradication Team, conducted the aerial search.

Officers in the chopper spotted some marijuana plants in the Dry Creek and Pea Ridge areas. Some of the marijuana was in patches and the rest was scattered among thickets on hillsides.

About 200 marijuana plants were found, from about one to four feet tall and it was all cut and destroyed.

Anyone having knowledge of drug manufacture or drug use please call 597-4935 or call the Drug and Crime Tip Line at 464-6400. You may also email me at sheriffray@dtccom.net.

All calls are kept confidential.

"Booze It and Loose It" Campaign

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department, Smithville Police Department, and the Alexandria Police Department will be teaming up to make our roads in DeKalb County a safer place to drive next week in the "Booze It and Loose It" campaign.

All three law enforcement agencies will combine their efforts to do Sobriety Check Points on Highway 56, Highway 70, Highway 146, Highway 53, and possibly others on August 25th through September 1st.

"We will be looking for impaired drivers through extra patrols, check points, and saturation patrols."

"Booze It & Lose It" is designed to reduce impaired driving injuries, fatalities, and associated economic losses. The Booze It & Lose It campaign provides for increased law enforcement efforts and public service messages to accomplish its goal. The intervention targets all drivers who are impaired due to the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Impaired driving and impaired-related crashes constitute one of the nation's leading health problems. These events result in more deaths each year than do total homicides, and alcohol is a factor in 35% of all crashes in the United States.

Tracy Ann Thomason of Bryant Street Charged with two counts of theft and one count of forgery

22 year old Tracy Ann Thomason of Bryant Street, Smithville was arrested Tuesday, August 12th on two counts of theft and one count of forgery. Sheriff Ray says Thomason was arrested after she stole a check from a ladies purse at a church in Smithville. After taking the check, Thomason wrote it out for $200, and then forged the victim's name on the check. During the investigation, Officers also learned that Thomason had gone to Hayes Street just before she was taken to the jail and stole a package off a porch there. She also allegedly stole a debit card and cell phone from another address on Hayes Street. Thomason's bond was set at $1,000 and she will appear in court on August 21st.

Todd Allen Bussiere of Lake Motel charged with violation of the sexual offender law

41 year old Todd Allen Bussiere of Lake Motel, Smithville was charged Monday, August 11th with violation of the sexual offender law.

Bussiere, who is a convicted sex offender from Waterbury Vermont, was living at the Lake Motel and never registered with the DeKalb Sheriff's Department. Bussiere was convicted in Vermont on charges of Lude and Lascivious Conduct with a Child. Bond for Bussiere was set at $50,000 and he will appear in court on August 21st..

Man Arrested Trying to Outrun the Law in Stolen Car

A 23 year old man, trying to outrun the law in a stolen car Saturday, was arrested by an officer of the Sheriff's Department.

Michael Frederick Teachout of Students Home Road, Smithville is charged with a third offense of driving under the influence, evading arrest, aggravated burglary, and theft of property over $1,000.00. His bond was set at $84,500 and he will appear in court on September 4th.

Deputies were on a call on New Home Road on Saturday when they heard a vehicle on Dry Creek Road driving erratically. The vehicle came upon the intersection of Dry Creek Road and New Home Road and stopped at the stop sign. The driver then began to smoke the tires on the vehicle. A deputy pulled up to the car and activated his blue lights, but the vehicle took off at a high rate of speed trying to evade the deputy. The car went approximately one mile down the road and stopped. The driver then exited the automobile and took off running. The driver was found by the pursuing deputy within seconds. Upon capturing the driver, Teachout, the officer noticed that he had a pair of socks on his hands. Teachout also had a strong odor of alcohol on his person, slurred speech, and was unsteady on his feet. The deputy obtained the vehicle tag number and contacted the owner. Through an investigation, Officers learned that Teachout went to a home on Old Blue Springs Road, Smithville and entered a house without the owner's permission and took the key to a 1995 Mercedes Benz. Teachout then stole the car.

Atnip charged with possession of drug paraphernalia

54 year old Danny Lee Atnip was arrested Wednesday at Mt Herman Church on Dry Creek Road.

Atnip was found to have a syringe and a straw containing a yellow powdery substance believed to be dilaudid. He was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and his bond was set at $1,000. Atnip's court date is August 21st.

York Charged with Filing False Report of Fatal Stabbing

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department Sunday charged a 41 year old man with filing a false report after reporting a fatal stabbing, which did not occur.

Phillip Wesley York of Lake Motel Smithville called 911 and reported to central dispatch that he had witnessed a murder.

After deputies arrived at York's residence, York told a story of a 17 year old who had stabbed someone to death.

He said the 17 year old then ran off and hasn't been seen since. Deputies investigated and learned that the parents of the person, to whom York was referring, does not have a 17 year old daughter. Deputies discovered that York's story was bogus. York was heavily intoxicated at the time.

York was arrested for filing the false report and his bond was set at $5,000. He will appear in court on August 21st.

Sheriff's Department Looking for Marijuana

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department, in cooperation with the Warren County Sheriff's Department Marijuana Eradication Team, conducted a helicopter fly over of portions of DeKalb County Friday morning.
Over 50 marijuana plants were seized. "Patches of marijuana were found in Alexandria and single plants were found in Liberty. The plants have been destroyed."

Anyone having knowledge of drug manufacture or drug use to call our department at 597-4935 or call the Drug and Crime Tip Line at 464-6400. You may also email me at sheriffray@dtccom.net. All calls are kept confidential.

Signs of someone growing marijuana outdoors could be:

• Cleared areas in thickets for sunshine, usually around small branches and creeks.
• People entering the woods with plastic plant slats, water jugs, buckets, fertilizer, gardening tools, moth balls to detour animals and camouflaged chicken wire to hide the plants from aircrafts such as the helicopter.
• Frequent visits into fields and woods without any reasoning.

Indoor grows are now a popular way of growing marijuana. Some signs you may want to look for of someone growing marijuana in indoor grows are:

• Rental buildings (residential and commercial) are often used so criminals avoid damage to their own property. This results from the high humidity levels and alterations to the property to accommodate the grow operation.
• Tenants may be reluctant to allow landlords to inspect their rented property and/or make arrangements to meet landlords away from the property to pay rent and/or discuss problems.
• Prior history of premises. Residence and/or commercial premises have been used as marijuana grow operations in the past. Many of these rental properties are known among the criminal element as having been used for growing marijuana then repeatedly used again.
• House or utilities obtained under assumed names with payment made in cash.
• Unexplained and unreasonably high utility bills.
• Tenants never taking furniture or groceries into the house.
• Residents may only be in the home occasionally for short periods of time.
• People access the residence only through the garage.
• Water lines and/or electrical cords running to the basement or outbuilding.
• Residence or outbuilding has unusual amount of roof vents or exhaust fan noises.
• Condensation forms on windows due to high humidity levels inside. Humidity inside a grow room is approximately 65% with temperatures ranging between 80 to 90 F. These conditions manifest themselves through condensation on windows. This may also result in lack of snow on the roof in winter.
• Unusual amounts of steam coming from vents in the house in cold weather.
• Skunk-like odor of growing marijuana can occasionally be detected outside. Also, the odor of moth balls, chlorine, manure, soap and/or air freshener is frequently utilized ways of trying to mask the smell of the operation.
• Electrical equipment inside creates humming sounds. Some electrical components in an indoor operation create humming sounds similar to a transformer on a hydro pole.

Two Arrested on Grand Jury Indictments for Rape of a Child

Two people were arrested Wednesday on sealed indictments returned from the DeKalb County Grand Jury.

70 year old Homer Lee Nunley of Belk Road Smithville was arrested on a sealed indictment for rape of a child and aggravated sexual battery. Nunley is accused of raping a child and the aggravated sexual battery of a child under 11 years of age. Bond for Nunley was set at $150,000 and he will appear in Criminal Court on August 18th for arraignment. Sheriff Ray says Nunley was convicted in Florida on April 9th, 1991 on a charge of sexual battery of a child by an authority figure. Nunley is currently registered here in DeKalb County on the TBI’s sexual offender registry.

34 year old Freddy S. Stringer of Smith Road Smithville was arrested on a sealed indictment for rape of a child, aggravated sexual battery, and incest. Stringer is accused of rape, sexual battery, and incest of a child under 11 years of age. Stringer's bond was set at $300,000 and he will appear in Criminal Court for arraignment on August 18th.

Other arrests, six counts of forgery, burglary, theft of property and DUI

27 year old Brian Randell Pack of West Main Street Smithville was charged Tuesday, July 29th with six counts of forgery.

Through an investigation, county detectives discovered that Pack allegedly passed six checks at a Smithville business between the dates of June 29th through July 25th 2008 totaling $550.00. Bond for Pack was set at $30,000 and he will appear in court on August 14th.

38 year old Royce Avon Foster of Jacobs Pillar Road Smithville, and 43 year old Ricky Estes and 39 year old Tony Edge, both of Whorton Springs Road Smithville, were charged Thursday, July 31st with burglary and theft of property over $1,000. The three were arrested after they allegedly entered a barn on Jacob's Pillar Road in Smithville and took a 1959 Ford car without the owner's consent on July 25th. County detectives recovered the stolen vehicle in Cannon County at Ivy Bluff Scrap Yard before it was crushed. Bond for each was set at $50,000 each and they will appear in court on August 14th.

44 year old Darrell Ray Ramsey of Jack Hudson Road Sparta was stopped Friday, August 1st by county deputies on Highway 70 for a traffic violation. Upon speaking with Ramsey, officers noticed a strong odor of alcohol on his person and he had bloodshot eyes. Deputies administered field sobriety tasks but Ramsey failed them. He was charged with a 2nd offense of driving under the influence. Ramsey has a previous DUI offense in DeKalb County, in October, 1997. Bond for Ramsey was set at $2,000 and he will appear in court on September 4th.

Home Owner Spots Man Breaking Into His House

A 29 year old man, apparently trying to break into a home Saturday, was later arrested after the owner of the residence saw him coming in the house and called authorities.

Antonio Cruz of West Broad Street Apartments is charged with aggravated burglary and no driver's license.

Cruz allegedly went to a residence on Whorton Springs Road, apparently thinking the owner of the house was not at home. Cruz cut a screen out of a door to gain entry and was partially through the door when the owner saw him. Cruz immediately left the residence and the home owner called authorities. Cruz was later spotted by county deputies in a vehicle on Whorton Springs Road and they stopped him. Cruz was identified and he had no driver's license. Bond for Cruz was set at $12,500 and will appear in court on August 21st.

Eight People Arrested by Sheriff's Department Since Last Monday

Eight people have been arrested by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department since last week on various charges ranging from traffic violations and filing false reports to drug offenses.

26 year old Josue Alberto Sosa-Torres of Blue Springs Road, Smithville was arrested after he was involved in a one car accident on Patterson Road. After Torres crashed his vehicle, he fled and was found approximately ½ mile from the scene. Torres was also found to be driving on a revoked license for a DUI which occurred on July 8th, 2006 in DeKalb County. Torres was charged with driving on a revoked license and leaving the scene of an accident and he was issued a citation for violation of the financial responsibility law. Torres' bond was set a $2,000 and he will appear in court on July 30th.

49 year old Rickey Dale Dickerson and 43 year old Angela Michelle Dickerson of Gravel Hill Road, Beth Page Tennessee were stopped on Highway 70 West for a traffic violation on July 21st. Upon consent to search their vehicle, detectives found partially smoked marijuana in a cigarette pack, a small bag of marijuana under the seat, and rolling papers. Rickey Dickerson was charged with simple possession of marijuana and his bond was set at $1,500. Angela Dickerson was charged with simple possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia (rolling papers) and her bond was set at $2,500. Both will appear in court July 31st.

Deputies worked a bogus hit and run accident on Short Mountain Highway on July 24th. 26 year old Jason Glenn Deckard of Hennessee Bridge Road, Rock Island and 21 year old Ryan Edward Herron of McMinnville Highway, Smithville went to a residence on Short Mountain Highway and reported that Herron was hit by a vehicle, which left the scene. The residents called 911 and reported the accident. EMS and Sheriff's Department Officials responded. After an investigation, it was discovered that Herron wanted sympathy from one of his family members and he and Deckard made the story up. Herron and Deckard were charged with filing a false report and bond for them was set at $1,500. They will appear in court on August 7th.

46 year old Willy Edward Price of Sparta Highway, Sparta was charged July 25th with driving on a revoked driver's license after he was stopped on Highway 70 East for a traffic violation. Price's license was revoked for a DUI in Warren County. Bond for Price was set at $3,000 and he will appear in court on August 27th.

34 year old Rachael Rose Redmon of McMinnville Highway, Smithville and 25 year old Mary Diane Roller of College Street Smithville were arrested July 26th as the result of a two car accident on Short Mountain Highway on July 18th of this year. Roller and Redmon both advised deputies at the scene of the accident that Roller was the driver of one of the vehicles and Redmon was her passenger. Upon an investigation into the crash, it was learned that Redmon was actually the driver and that Roller had arrived at the scene later in another vehicle before deputies got there. Sheriff Ray says Roller wasn't involved in the accident at all. Both Redmon and Roller were charged with filing a false report and bond for them was set at $1,500. They will appear in court on August 21st.

Edge charged Saturday with six counts of theft of property

72 year old Joseph C. Edge of Creek Road Smithville was charged Saturday with six counts of theft of property under $500. Edge was caught on video surveillance cameras at a local market on Highway 70 West pumping gas and driving off at least six times in the last six months without paying for the gas. Edge was questioned and did admit to pumping the gas and leaving without paying for it. Bond for Edge was set at $15,000 and his court date is August 7th.

Hendrixson reports to jail while intoxicated

43 year old Roxanne Hendrixson of West Green Hill Road, Smithville was charged Friday with public intoxication at the DeKalb County Jail. Hendrixson is serving 44 days on weekends due to a prior charge. Hendrixson was checking into the DeKalb County Jail to serve her weekend when a correctional officer noticed that she was under the influence. Hendrixson was arrested and her bond was set at $1,000. Hendrixson's court date is August 14th.

Man Accused of Stealing from his Neighbor Charged with Burglary and Theft

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department arrested an elderly man last week who is accused of stealing from his neighbor.

73 year old G. L. Waynick of Park Land Drive, Smithville was charged Thursday with burglary and theft or property over $1,000. Waynick allegedly went into a residence on Dogwood Place, which is in the Lake View Mountain Estates area, without the owner's consent. The residence is a weekend home and is not occupied at all times. Waynick owns a rent home beside of the Dogwood Place residence. Waynick would allegedly remove items such as a washer, a dryer, a stove, and under pinning from the residence and give them to his renters. The stolen items have been recovered. Waynick's bond is set at $10,000 and will appear in court on July 31st..

Sheriff's Dept. Reports Several Arrests

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department reported several recent arrests.

18 year old Clinton Lane Cope of Midway Road was arrested on Wednesday, July 9th, on Highway 70 East at the Gentlemen’s Club after deputies were stopped by a security guard. The security guard advised deputies that a subject was trying to sneak into the club. Deputies found the subject to be Cope. Upon talking with Cope, they found him to be under the influence of alcohol, as they detected a strong odor of alcohol on his person, blood shot eyes and Cope was unsteady on his feet. Cope admitted to deputies that he had been drinking whiskey. While deputies were doing a pat down search of Cope, they found a small bag of a green leafy substance believed to be Marijuana. Cope was charged with Under Age Consumption and Simple Possession of Marijuana. Bond was set at $2,000.00 and Cope will appear in court on the charges on July 24th.

24 year old Jose Martinez Mendez of Colar Street in Tracy City, Tennessee, was arrested on Thursday, July 10th, after he was involved in a single auto accident on Highway 70 East. Mendez could not produce deputies a driver’s license, and after a computer check, there was no evidence of Mendez ever having a license. Mendez was arrested for no driver’s license and was written a citation for violation of the financial responsibility law (no car insurance). Bond was set at $1,000.00, and Mendez will appear in court on the charges on July 16th.

28 year old Felipe Pinon of Adcock Cemetery Road Smithville, was arrested on Thursday, July 10th, after being involved in an automobile accident on Vaughn Lane in Smithville. Pinon could not produce deputies a driver’s license and after a computer check, there was no evidence of Pinon ever having a license. Pinon was arrested for no driver’s license and was written a citation for violation of the financial responsibility law (no car insurance). Bond was set at $1,000.00, and Pinon will appear in court on July 16th.

42 year old Shannon Lynn Newby of Anthony Avenue, Smithville, and 30 year old Amy Janette Lawson of Haley Road, Smithville, were arrested on Thursday, July 10th, for theft of property over $500.00 and theft of property over $1,000.00. Newby and Lawson allegedly went to a home on Jacob’s Pillar Road on or about Monday, July 7th, and stole a 5x8 foot tilt utility trailer with a three-drawer tool box containing assorted tools. The trailer and tools were valued at $1,100.00.

On Wednesday, July 9th, the two went to a residence located on Short Mountain Highway and stole a 5x11 foot utility trailer with a high tailgate valued at $900.00. Both trailers were taken and sold to another individual in DeKalb County. Detectives received a tip on the trailers and who stole them. Both trailers were recovered. Bond for both Newby and Lawson was set at $50,000.00 each, and both will appear in court on July 17th.

A Morgan Dive man was arrested on a sealed indictment for drug charges

26 year old Sabina Solano of Morgan Dive Smithville was arrested on a sealed indictment for Sale of a Schedule II Drug (Dilaudid) and Delivery of a Schedule II Drug (Dilaudid).

Solano was indicted in the last Sheriff's Department Drug Round Up in April. Solano was also arrested on two charges of failure to appear.

Solano's bond was set at $10,000 bond on the indictment. No bond was set on the failure to appear warrants. She will appear in court on July 18th.

Liberty Man Arrested by Sheriff's Department

A Liberty man was arrested on drug, theft, and others charges last week by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department after officers responded to a hit and run in Dowelltown and a disturbance in Liberty.

22 year old Stephen Hunter Pugh of Sweetwater Road, Liberty was charged Tuesday with violation of probation, failure to appear (two counts), resisting arrest, possession of drug paraphernalia, theft of property, theft of property under $500.00, and leaving the scene of an accident.

Deputies received a call on East Main Street in Dowelltown about a hit and run. When officers arrived on the scene, the owner gave them a description of the vehicle. While there, the deputies received another call about a disturbance at a business in Liberty. Upon their arrival in Liberty, officers talked with the complainant, who advised that Pugh had come to the victim's residence on Jimmy Malone Road in Liberty inquiring about scrap metal. When the victim told Pugh they had no scrap metal to give to him he started to leave, but jumped out of his truck, loaded aluminum guttering into his vehicle, and fled the scene. The victim followed him to a market in Liberty.

Deputies found Pugh in a bathroom in the store, He allegedly admitted that he had just injected Dilaudid into his arm and threw a hypodermic syringe into the trash can. Deputies saw blood on Pugh's arm and were able to retrieve the syringe. While Deputies were trying to handcuff Pugh, he began resisting to the point where the deputies could not cuff him. After a brief struggle, Pugh was cuffed and taken in for booking. Deputies also had two warrants on Pugh for violation of probation which were served on him.

Pugh is being held without bond for the violation of probation and failure to appear. Pugh will appear in General Session's Court on July 17th.

New Sex Offender Registry Laws Take Effect July 1, 2008

The Tennessee Sex Offender Registry will begin collecting new information on July 1, 2008 to be in compliance with the state's legislation that was passed during this year's legislative session.

Overview of Sex Offender Registry law changes:

• Sex offenders will provide electronic email addresses along with instant message, chat or any other internet communication name or identity to their registering agency (this information will NOT be available to the public)
• Sex offenders who fail to provide an address (such as the homeless) will be required to report monthly rather than quarterly or annually
• All aliases, including previous married names, are required to be reported
• Every sex offender on the Registry will provide a DNA sample (current law only requires sex offenders who committed offenses after July 1, 1998)
• There will be tighter restrictions on sex offenders spending time at schools
• Offenders, whose crime was against a minor, will not be allowed to work where the offender is in direct, unsupervised contact with a minor or operate a vehicle for the purpose of attracting minors.

Additional changes to the Sex Offender Registry will take effect January 1, 2009. At that time a physical description of the offender, text of the law describing the criminal offense, and a criminal history of the offender will be added. TBI will also set up a system where the public can register their email addresses and be notified if a sex offender moves into their area.

Here are some Fourth of July safety tips from Sheriff Ray

Water safety at the pool and lake:

• If possible, swim in a supervised, marked area with a lifeguard present, and swim with others.
• Never swim alone.
• Enter the water feet first. Enter the water headfirst only when the area is clearly marked for diving and has no obstructions.
• Adults should never leave a child unobserved around water.
• Practice "reach supervision" by staying within an arm's length of young children and weak swimmers while they are in and around the pool, lake or ocean.
• Take frequent breaks (about once an hour) where everyone gets out of the water, drinks water, reapplies sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) and rests.
• Watch out for the "dangerous too's - too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.
• Keep toys away from the pool when it is not in use. Toys can attract young children into the pool.
• If a child is missing, check the pool first. Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool, bottom, and surface, as well as the surrounding pool area.

Firework safety:

• There are nearly 9,000 emergency room-treated injuries associated with fireworks a year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission. You can enjoy these Fourth of July staples safely by doing the following:
• Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Keep a supply of water close-by as a precaution.
• Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
• Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
• Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.

Safe Grilling:

• Nothing says summer quite like the smell of barbecue. Make sure safety is a key ingredient in your Fourth of July by reading the following tips for safer grilling:
• Use gas and charcoal barbecue grills outside only.
• Position grills far from siding, deck railings, overhanging branches and house eaves.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using grills.
• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.

Tina Hatfield was charged Sunday with driving under the influence.

Tina Hatfield of Oakley Road Liberty was charged Sunday with driving under the influence. Sheriff Ray says a deputy spotted Hatfield's vehicle sitting in the roadway on Highway 56 South and when the deputy pulled up to the vehicle, it took off. He says the automobile was weaving all over the roadway and the deputy stopped it. Hatfield, the driver, was intoxicated, having an odor of alcohol on her person. She also failed field sobriety tasks. Hatfield's bond was set a $1,500 and her court date is July 24th.Sheriff Ray and the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department wish you a happy and safe Fourth of July.

Alexandria Man Arrested by Sheriff's Department in Theft Case

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department arrested an Alexandria man in a theft case last week and charged a woman with DUI in a separate case on Sunday.

35 year old Richard Barry Edmonds of Liberty Hill Road, Alexandria was charged last Monday with theft of property over $500. Sheriff Patrick Ray says Edmonds was visiting a friend on Lonnie Cantrell Road in Smithville when he allegedly took a 308 rifle from the residence without the owner's consent. He says Edmonds has admitted to taking the weapon. Bond was set at $5,000 and he will appear in court on July 17th.

Three Arrested by Sheriff's Department in Pea Ridge Burglary & Theft

By: Dwayne Page

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department made three arrests in a burglary Saturday in the Pea Ridge Community.

Sheriff Patrick Ray says 39 year old Wendy Whittemore of Pea Ridge Road, Liberty, 23 year old John Cummings and his wife 32 year old Toni Cummings of Dry Creek Road, Dowelltown were charged in the case.
According to Sheriff Ray, the three went to a residence on Pea Ridge and entered without the owner's consent. While inside the residence, they loaded an antique cook stove, a wood burning stove, and lots of other metal items. No one was living there at the time. The house was being used for storage. The owner, who noticed lights shining around the residence, was able to get a description of the vehicle and reported it to authorities. Deputies met the automobile on Pea Ridge Road. The driver tried to elude the deputies by turning into a field and unloading the stolen goods. Officers took two of the three suspects into custody but Whittemore took off running. He was caught a short time later.

Both John and Toni Cummings are charged with burglary and theft of property over $1,000 and bond for them was set at $40,000 each. Whittemore was charged with burglary, theft of property over $1,000.00, and evading arrest. Her bond was set at $45,000. All three will appear in court on July 17th.

Burglaries and Thefts on the Rise in DeKalb County

By: Dwayne Page

Sheriff Patrick Ray says from April 1st through June 23, 2008, the Sheriff's Department has taken over 100 reports, up from 80 reports during the same time period last year.. Sheriff Ray says most of the stolen items fit into two types of thefts.

(1) Thieves are targeting construction sites around the lake, including the newly developing sub-divisions off of the Coconut Ridge Road. Sheriff Ray says "We have also had reports from the Floating Mill, Four Seasons, River Watch, and the Austin Bottom Area of stolen hand tools, power tools, and copper wire. Sheriff Ray says "Thieves will wait until after dark or on the week-end and enter the contractors fully enclosed trailers by cutting off the pad locks on the doors or they will find a unfinished house and gain entrance by forcible entry to see if contractors have left any tools there."

(2) Thieves are also riding the roads in the county looking for scrap metal including everything from old scrap metal to junk cars. There has also been a rise in thefts of drive-able and newer model vehicles and also lawn mowers.

Sheriff Ray says "One case we are investigating is where someone stole a newer model truck that had a trailer and lawnmower attached to it, took the truck less then a 5 mile radius from the residence, unhooked the trailer, burned the truck, and took the trailer and lawn mower with them."

"One day alone I assigned 14 theft cases to my two detectives. Because of the increase in thefts, I have also assigned patrol deputies to work on some of the reports."

Detectives ask you to be on alert to possible thieves in your area. Without putting yourself in danger, if you see a suspicious vehicle in your area, get the make, model, color, and if at all possible, a tag number, then call 215-3000 and a deputy will check on the vehicle.

If you are approached by anyone wanting to sell tools or any other items for a price well below that of what the item is worth, you are urged to contact the Sheriff's Department.

Detectives also ask you to write down your serial numbers on any appliances such as TV's stereos, etc. You also need to write down the serial numbers of any of your hand tools or power tools. This will help to identify your tools if they get stolen. Detectives say at least 90% of all reports they are assigned to do not have any serial numbers or any distinguishing marks on the reported items. Serial numbers or self applied numbers on any items stolen can aid in their recovery if stolen. The numbers can be entered into a data base and tracked down if the items are pawned.

To report a theft or any crime, call the Sheriff's Department 597-4935 or the Crime Tip Line at 464-6400. All calls are kept confidential.

Sheriff Ray also reports several arrests within the last week.

32 year old Stephanie Jill Kennedy of Cookeville Highway, Smithville was charged Sunday, June 15th with public intoxication and resisting arrest after deputies responded to a complaint on Cookeville Highway. When officers arrived on the scene, they noticed Kennedy lying in the roadway. When deputies went to her, she tried to get away by running from them. When the officers caught her, she begin fighting. Kennedy's bond was set at $2,000 and she will appear in court on June 26th.

40 year old Christine Pearl Petty of Phillips Road, Lebanon was charged Monday, June 16th with a second offense of driving under the influence and driving on a revoked license. Deputies responded to a call on Highway 96 in Liberty about a drunk driver that had hit a guardrail. Officers spotted the vehicle on Highway 70 West and stopped it. They also detected a strong odor of alcohol on her person and saw that she was unsteady on her feet. She submitted to field sobriety tasks which she failed. Petty was also arrested for driving on a revoked driver's license. Petty's license was revoked for a DUI in Wilson County but she was granted a restricted driver's license from home to work and back. She lives in Lebanon and works in Gordonsville. She was placed under a $4,500 bond and her court date is June 26th.

30 year old Phillip Edward Miranda of Dale Ridge Road, Liberty was arrested Tuesday after officers responded to a call about an unwanted guest on Parkway Drive. Upon arrival, deputies found Miranda in an intoxicated state. He was given field sobriety tasks which he failed. He admitted to driving to the residence.

On Wednesday, 36 year old Tammy Denise Currie of Circle Drive, Dowelltown was arrested at a residence on East Main Street in Dowelltown. Currie was wanted on a warrant for non payment of child support. When deputies arrest