DeKalb County Sheriff Patrick Ray

Department activity as of January 30, 2012

2012-01-30T12:46:00.000-06:00

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department has arrested a Smithville man in a local theft investigation. 25 year old Kenny Waymon Dyal, Jr. of Floyd Drive, Smithville is charged with theft of property over $1,000 and evading arrest. Dyal is also cited for simple possession of a schedule III and IV controlled substance. His bond is $15,000 and he will be in court on February 16. Dyal became a suspect after a deputy went to take a theft report at a residence on Oak Drive in Smithville on Wednesday, January 25. The officer then went to Dyal's grandmother's home on Andrew Street in Smithville, where Dyal was staying. After Dyal's grandmother gave the deputy consent to search the home, he found in the living room a 50 inch Samsung television and three remote controls, which were taken from the residence on Oak Drive

Later, a deputy spotted Dyal on foot at Tommy Harrell Street and called out for him to stop. The deputy wanted to question Dyal about the theft. But when he saw the officer, Dyal began running. Another officer, who was in the area, caught Dyal at the back of a residence. Dyal was searched and a white bottle was found in his left front pocket. The bottle contained half of a pill believed to be suboxone and two pills believed to be xanax.

23 year old Cory Alan Bradford of Cookeville Highway, Smithville is charged with driving under the influence and cited for failure to maintain lane of travel, failure to change the address on his drivers license, violation of the financial responsibility law, no insurance, and violation of the registration law. On Wednesday, January 25 Bradford was operating a motor vehicle on the Old Blue Springs Road when he was stopped by a deputy for failing to maintain a lane of travel. He had an odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person and he was unsteady on his feet. Bradford performed poorly on all field sobriety tasks and he submitted to a blood test. Bradford admitted to drinking beer and taking a hydrocodone pill. He could not provide proof of vehicle registration or financial responsibility. He had also failed to change the address on his drivers license.

24 year old Amanda Brooke Washer of Ike Adcock Road is cited for failing to maintain lane of travel and texting while driving. She will be in court on February 1. On Wednesday, January 25 a deputy spotted Washer driving a vehicle and weaving on the roadway. At one point, she allegedly went halfway across the oncoming lane. She was stopped at the intersection of Highway 70 east and Smith Road. Washer admitted to texting while driving. Washer had a passenger with her, 35 year old Michael Odell Bly of Bell Street, Smithville. A K-9 officer from the Smithville Police Department came to the scene and his dog made a pass around Washer's vehicle. The dog alerted on the automobile. Bly, who was pulled from the vehicle, jerked away from the officers as they started to search him. Officers forced Bly to the ground and found on him around the crotch area three used hypodermic needles and a used straw. Bly was charged with resisting arrest and cited for simple possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond is $1,000 and he will be in court on February 2.

32 year old Bobby Jason Taylor of North Mill Street, Dowelltown is charged with hindering a secured creditor. He was arrested on Thursday, January 26. His bond is $5,000 and he will be in court on February 2. Taylor sold a Polaris four wheeler, valued at more than $1,000 but then reported it stolen on Sunday, January 15. After investigating, a sheriff's department detective learned that Taylor had sold the four wheeler but that Liberty State Bank was the lien holder and the pay off on the loan was $3,857.

44 year old Paul David Johnson of Old Snow Hill Road, Dowelltown is charged with simple possession of a schedule VI controlled substance. He was also cited for running a stop sign, violation of the financial responsibility law, no insurance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court on February 9. On Sunday January 29, Johnson was operating a motor vehicle on Highway 70 when he was stopped by a deputy for running two stop signs at Midway Road and Smith Road. He gave the officer consent to search and found in the center console was a metal box containing marijuana in a bag. Johnson could not provide proof of insurance and upon a search of the vehicle, the deputy found rolling papers along with 3.5 ounces of marijuana.

44 year old William Boyce Butler of Lee Braswell Road, Smithville is charged with domestic assault. His bond is $2,500 and he will be in court on February 9. On Sunday, January 29, Butler allegedly assaulted his girlfriend by choking her, pulling out some of her hair, and throwing her to the ground.

Department activity as of January 23, 2012

2012-01-23T21:47:00.000-06:00

An 18 year old Smithville man has been charged with theft of several road signs belonging to the county and the cities of Smithville, Alexandria, and Dowelltown. Robert Karl May of Allen Ferry Road is charged with four counts of theft of property under $500. His bond totals $4,000 and he will be in court February 9.

Following an investigation of stolen road signs from the county, City of Alexandria, City of Smithville, and City of Dowelltown, detectives of The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department found signs in an outbuilding belonging to May on Allen Ferry Road. The discovery was made on Monday, January 9. May was in possession of the following signs: Indian Mound Road, Big Woods Road, Sink Creek Road, Lowery Road, Cordell Love Road, McGinnis Road, Herman Road, Creek Road, Peeled Chestnut Road, and Davis Road belonging to DeKalb County; a Skyline Drive sign taken from the City of Alexandria; Morgan Drive, Holmes Creek Road, Miller Road, and Golf Club Drive signs from the City of Smithville; and a Bank Street sign from the City of Dowelltown. The signs are valued at $75.00 each.

Meanwhile, 24 year old James Edward Gilles of Bell Street Apartments, Smithville is charged with aggravated assault. His bond is $3,500 and he will be in court on February 9.

An officer responded to a fight on Nashville Highway near Dale Ridge Road on Tuesday, January 17. Upon arrival, the deputy was met by Gilles and Nathaniel Tippins. According to Tippins, he stayed at Gilles' house the night before and that Gilles got mad accusing Tippins of taking his girlfriend's medications. Tippins also reported that Gilles had told him to remove his clothes so he could search him. When Tippins refused, Gilles became more upset and tried to strangle him, which was apparent by the marks on Tippins' neck. Tippins reported that he got away from Gilles and into a vehicle. The two met up again at the location on Nashville Highway where the fight occurred.

41 year old Charles Christopher Bates of Washington Street, Sparta is charged with a third offense of driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident with property damage. His bond is $7,000 and he will be in court on February 9.

A deputy went to the Cookeville Highway area on Saturday January 21 in response to a complaint of a reckless driver who had struck a guardrail near a bridge. The officer spotted a vehicle matching the description and caught up with it at Mapco Express. The deputy saw the driver get out of the automobile at the store and noticed that he was very unsteady on his feet. The officer approached and began speaking with the man, Bates, who had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person. Bates admitted that he had been drinking and that he had hit the guardrail while driving, which apparently caused the bumper to come off the vehicle. Bates placed the bumper in the automobile with him and then left the scene. Bates submitted to but performed poorly on several field sobriety tasks. He also submitted to a blood alcohol test. His prior DUI convictions were in Putnam and White counties.

34 year old Brady Gordon Cunningham is charged with introduction of a controlled substance into a penal institution where prisoners are quartered. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court on February 2.

Cunningham was arrested by the Smithville Police Department on Saturday, January 21 and brought to the sheriff's department. While correctional officers were searching Cunningham, they found on him a prescription bottle that contained three yellow pills believed to be Hydrocodone with Ibuprofen. These pills were in a bottle that did not belong to Cunningham.

43 year old Theodore William Faulkner of Indiana is charged with domestic assault. His bond is $2,500 and he will be in court on February 2.

Deputies responded to a physical domestic at Floating Mill Campground on Saturday, January 21. The officers spoke with a female who said that her husband, Faulkner, became violent and assaulted her by throwing dishes and a fruit cup at her. He also allegedly chest bumped her. The officers spoke with Faulkner, who had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person. Faulkner admitted to having been drinking and that he and his wife had been arguing. It was determined that Faulkner was the primary aggressor.

Department activity as of January 17, 2012

2012-01-17T18:40:00.002-06:00

A 32 year old woman has been charged with vandalism of a residence at the housing project in Liberty. Bond for Robin Lee Keaton is $1,000 and she will be in court on February 9.

On Sunday, January 15 a deputy responded to Cedar Street in Liberty where someone was reported to be breaking out windows of a building belonging to the Smithville Housing Authority. Two windows were found to be broken including one in the kitchen and one in the bedroom. The complainant stated that Keaton was the person responsible. When confronted Keaton allegedly admitted to the vandalism.

A DeKalb County High School student, 18 year old Juan Carillo Perez of Talley Road, Smithville, has been cited for simple possession and carrying a prohibited weapon. He will be in court on February 2.

On Thursday, January 12 a student told the school resource officer that Perez left school and then returned. Principal Kathy Hendrix and the SRO got Perez out of class. Perez submitted to but performed poorly on all sobriety tasks. He allegedly had bloodshot eyes. Perez consented to a search of his vehicle and a marijuana cigarette was found inside the automobile along with a bb gun which was made to look like a real gun. Perez allegedly admitted to having smoked some marijuana during lunch time. He said the marijuana cigarette belonged to him.

45 year old Bobby McMen Hullett of Smithville is charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor and filing a false report. His bond totals $4,000 and he will be in court February 2.

On Friday, January 13 deputies and detectives of the sheriff's department went to Hullet's home on Morse College Road to pick up a 17 year old runaway who was believed to be at this residence. Hullet denied knowing the whereabouts of the runaway, telling the officer that he had not seen him. Upon searching the home, the officer found the runaway hiding in Hullet's bedroom closet. Hullett is charged with contributing to the unruly behavior of the child by allowing him to stay at his residence knowing that the child had run away from home.

45 year old Mark Gregory Brock of Webb Lane, Smithville is charged with a first offense of driving under the influence. Brock was also issued a citation for failure to maintain his lane of travel. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court February 9.

On Sunday, January 15 a deputy got behind a vehicle on Highway 56 south after observing him crossing the center line of the highway several times. The officer stopped the automobile on Highway 56 south at Joe Tittsworth Road. Brock was identified as the driver. The deputy noticed that Brock's speech was very slurred and he had a very strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person. Brock submitted to but performed poorly on several field sobriety tasks. Brock was very unsteady on his feet. He also submitted to a blood alcohol test.

41 year old Kathy Jo Massengail of Keltonburg Road is charged with domestic assault. Her bond is $2,500 and she will be in court February 9.

On Sunday, January 15, a deputy responded to a residence on Keltonburg Road to a physical domestic. Upon arrival the officer saw a man who had a towel wrapped around his left forearm. The man's arm was bleeding. He had a busted lip, a scratch on his nose, and a red pump knot on his forehead. The man and Massengail told the officer that they began arguing and that she punched him several times in the face. The man got mad and ran his hand through a window. It was determined that Massengail was the primary aggressor.

Sheriff's Department Activity Report for 2011

2012-01-10T14:25:00.000-06:00

Sheriff's Department Activity Report for the calendar year January 1, 2011-December 31, 2011.

The report shows a total of 7886 incident calls for the year. These are dispatched calls, not self-initiated calls (incidents that officers respond to on routine patrols). Self-initiated calls are not included in these counts:

The report breaks down as follows:

Calls Reported
Wrecks- 758
4 wheeler calls- 61
911 calls- 205
Abandoned Vehicles- 18
Animal calls- 320
Assaults- 37
Armed Suspects- 14
Fires and Fire Alarms- 153
Break-ins- 594
Burglar Alarms- 476
Child Custody Exchanges- 24
Children in roadway- 12
Civil Matters- 48
Debris in roadway- 61
Disturbing the peace- 147
Deaths- 33
Domestic violence- 512
Drownings- 6
Drug trafficking- 66
Funeral Escorts- 266
Extra Patrols- 54
Fights- 111
Gas drive-offs- 8
Harassments- 40
Indecent exposure- 3
Investigations- 427
Vehicle lockouts- 982
Medical Assists- 213
Possible D.U.I.- 171
Public Intoxication calls- 15
Rape- 7
Reckless Drivers- 316
Recover Property- 51
Robbery- 18
Seizures- 17
Shots fired- 71
Shop lifter- 4
Stranded motorists- 118
Someone threatened- 100
Stabbing- 5
Attempt/ and Suicide calls- 33
Suspicious persons/vehicles- 552
Traffic Hazards- 93
Trespassing- 15
Unruly juveniles- 43
Unwanted guests- 192
Vandalism- 85
Wanted Persons- 80
Welfare checks- 251

Total 7886 incident calls

Department activity as of January 09, 2012

2012-01-10T14:23:00.000-06:00

Two men, 42 year old Victor Glen Gingerich and 51 year old Clifton Eugene Brown, were arrested by the sheriff's department over the weekend in separate domestic assault incidents

Gingerich of Brooke Lane, Sparta is charged with assault, domestic assault, and resisting arrest. His bond is $7,500 and he will be in court on January 19. Deputies responded to a residence on Brooke Lane in DeKalb County on a domestic call Sunday, January 8. Officers knocked on the door but no one answered even though they could see Gingerich inside the home. An open cell phone was found on the porch and the officers could hear movement coming from inside the house. Witnesses heard a female say "don't hit me or push me". They also heard Gingerich say that he was going to kill the female. Witnesses further reported hearing a loud bang from inside as if someone had been thrown against the wall. After the officers forcibly entered the home and broke up the fight, Gingerich allegedly elbowed a deputy in the face. Refusing to be handcuffed, Gingerich had to be taken down to the floor by the deputies. After Gingerich was handcuffed, he allegedly spit in the face of an officer.

Brown is charged with domestic assault. He was also cited for simple possession. His bond is $2,500 and he will be in court February 16. Brown was arrested Saturday, January 7 on Halls Hollow Road after allegedly assaulting a woman by pushing her against furniture, cutting her arm, slapping her, and throwing her to the floor. Brown also allegedly disconnected the phones so she could not call for help. As Brown was being arrested and padded down by the officer, a metal bottle containing two pills was found in his front pocket. The pills were believed to be soma.

33 year old James Fredrick Summers of Hodges Road, Smithville is charged with a fourth offense of driving on a revoked license. His bond is $6,000 and he will be in court on January 12. On Friday, January 6 a deputy pulled over Summers' vehicle on Highway 146 for no seatbelts. A computer check revealed that his license had been revoked for a DUI and other offenses in DeKalb and Warren County.

63 year old Curtis Charles Jones is charged with a second offense of driving on a revoked license. His bond is $3,000 and he will be in court on January 12. A deputy stopped Jones' vehicle on Highway 146 Friday, January 6 because he had prior knowledge that Jones' license was revoked. A computer check confirmed that Jones' license had been revoked for a DUI in DeKalb County on October 13, 2011.

26 year old Robert Justin Luna of Joe Turner Road, Smithville is charged with theft of property under $500. His bond is $2,500 and he will be in court on February 2. Luna allegedly took two steel beams from property on Joe Turner Road Friday, January 6 and sold them at a local recycling business.

49 year old Earl Joseph Yost of Brooke Lane, Sparta is charged with a third offense of driving under the influence. He was also cited for failure to maintain lane of travel. His bond totals $4,500 and he will be in court on February 16. Yost was involved in a property damage accident on Highway 70 Saturday, January 7. He was operating a vehicle and allegedly left his lane of travel and went off the roadway resulting in a one vehicle crash with no injuries. He had an odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person and he was unsteady on his feet. Yost submitted to and performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. He submitted to a blood test. He was believed to have been under the influence of alcohol and or drugs.

23 year old Bailey E. Craft of Stone Hill Road, Mount Juliet is cited for driving on a suspended license and violation of the registration law. She will be in court on March 14. An officer stopped Craft's vehicle on Highway 70 Saturday, January 7 for expired tags. A computer check revealed her drivers license to be suspended for failure to satisfy a citation in Davidson County.

33 year old Cesar Santos is cited for driving on a suspended license and driving on a roadway lane for traffic (failure to maintain lane of travel). He will be in court on March 14. A deputy pulled over Santos' vehicle on New Home Road Saturday, January 7 after he observed it cross the center line several times. A computer check revealed that Santos' license was suspended for failure to satisfy a citation.

51 year old Jayma Royce Holcomb of South College Street, Smithville is charged with driving under the influence. Her bond is $1,500 and she will be in court February 16. Holcomb was operating a vehicle on Highway 56 Sunday, January 8 when she became involved in a property damage accident. She had an odor of an alcoholic beverage on her person and she was unsteady on her feet. Holcomb submitted to and performed poorly on all field sobriety tasks. She also took a blood test. She was believed to be under the influence of alcohol and or drugs.

29 year old Randy E. Johnson of Cookeville Highway is cited for driving on a suspended license and violation of the open container law. He will be in court on February 15. On Sunday, January 8, a deputy pulled over Johnson and a computer check revealed that his license were suspended in Georgia. Johnson had an open can of beer in the vehicle.

Department activity as of January 03, 2012

2012-01-03T11:31:00.000-06:00

A Smithville man has been arrested for a theft in Alexandria with more charges against him forthcoming. The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department has charged 27 year old Michael Brandon Colwell of Cantrell Road, Smithville with theft of property under $500, resisting arrest, and unlawful possession of a weapon. His bond is $4,500 and he will be in court January 5. Colwell was arrested on Monday, January 2 for allegedly taking twenty dollars in cash from the wallet of someone on Curtis Avenue in Alexandria. He said Colwell admitted to the theft.

Officers went to a residence early Monday morning on Gin Alley Road in search of Colwell but did not find him. Colwell was there when the officers returned later. Colwell was placed under arrest and handcuffed. Upon a pat down search, officers found on his side, a buoy knife with a five and three quarter inch blade. During the arrest, Colwell became violent. Colwell told the arresting officers that he was not going to jail and tried to jerk away from them several times. The officers had to take him to the ground. They also forcibly put him in the patrol car.

While making the arrest, officers saw some things in the residence that were not there on their first visit including a chainsaw, guitars, and radios that appeared to have been ripped out of vehicles. The officers confiscated those items and brought them to the jail for a further investigation. Later in the day residents in the area began calling the Alexandria Police Department reporting thefts. The items taken in those thefts were among the things found at the residence where Colwell was arrested..

32 year old Eric Steven Pollard of Lowery Lane, McMinnville is cited for violation of the registration law, violation of the light law, and violation of the financial responsibility law. His court date is January 25. On Tuesday, January 3 a deputy spotted a white truck with a head light out on Highway 56. The officer stopped the vehicle but the driver, Pollard, could not show proof of insurance and registration.

20 year old Travis Joe Davenport of Eagle Creek Road, Smithville is charged with driving on a suspended license. His bond is $2,500 and he will be in court on January 19. Davenport was stopped by an officer on Highway 56 Saturday, December 31. The deputy making the traffic stop had prior knowledge that Davenport's license was suspended because he had issued him a citation for the same offense on November 14. Davenport's license was suspended for failure to satisfy a citation on October 28, 2011

23 year old Charles R. Riedley of Wildwood Drive, Smithville is charged with a second offense of driving under the influence. He was also issued a citation for reckless driving and violation of the implied consent law. Riedley will be in court on January 5. His bond is $3,000. on December 28, an officer pulled over Riedley's vehicle on Wildwood Drive for erratic driving. Riedley had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person and he was unsteady on his feet. He performed poorly on all field sobriety tasks. Riedly refused to submit to a blood test. His first DUI offense was on November 27, 2007 in Rutherford County.

33 year old Victor Lee Lewis of Short Mountain Highway, Smithville is charged with driving under the influence and criminal trespassing. Lewis was also issued citations for violation of the implied consent law and violation of the light law. His bond is $2,500 and he will be in court on January 5. on December 29 Lewis was stopped by an officer on Highway 146 because of a non working brake light. He was also allegedly involved in a trespassing complaint. Lewis had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person and he was unsteady on his feet. He performed poorly on all field sobriety tasks. Lewis refused to submit to a blood test. On the trespassing charge, Lewis is accused of beating on the door and windows of a residence on Highway 146, where he was not supposed to be. Officers warned him to keep away from this home but he returned and began beating on the door and windows again.

32 year old Alvaro Munoz of Miller Road, Smithville is cited for driving on a suspended license, violation of the financial responsibility law and roadways lane for traffic (failure to maintain lane of travel). He will be in court on January 19. Munoz was stopped by a deputy on Highway 70 Friday, December 30 for failing to maintain his lane of travel. He allegedly crossed the line several times. A computer check revealed that Munoz' drivers license was suspended for violation of the financial responsibility law (no insurance) on November 14, 2011. He could not provide proof of insurance during this traffic stop (December 30).

Department activity as of December 27, 2011

2011-12-29T10:13:00.000-06:00

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department arrested two people in separate incidents of domestic assault last week.

28 year old Mitchell Tyler High of Sparta is charged with domestic assault. He will be in court on January 12 and his bond is $3,500.

On Friday, December 23, a deputy responded to a physical domestic at Kings Court Circle in DeKalb County. Upon arrival, the officer spoke to a female who had a black eye. She stated that High had hit her in the face, struck her in the back of the head, pushed her down on the couch, and told her that she was not leaving. High had left the residence before the officer arrived but he was found outside next to another residence. The deputy placed him under arrest. The female had bruises on both arms.

27 year old Alicia Christiana Hooper of Nashville is charged with domestic assault. Her bond is $3,500 and she will be in court on January 5.

On Christmas day, a deputy was called to a domestic on East Main Street in Alexandria. After arriving and speaking to everyone involved, it was determined that Hooper was the primary aggressor. She had been arguing with her father and step mother. She became very upset. After 911 was called, Hooper pushed the caller, a female, up against the wall and jerked the phone away from her.

32 year old Jamie Dawayne McKnight of McMinnville is charged with a first offense of driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident with property damage. He was also issued a citation for violation of the implied consent law. His bond totals $4,000 and he will be in court on January 12.

On Friday, December 23 McKnight was involved in a motor vehicle accident on Highway 70 east at the Midnight Express. McKnight's vehicle went off in a ditch and he left the scene. McKnight then called a friend to pick him up and he was found hiding in the back of his friend's pickup truck. McKnight had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person and he was very unsteady on his feet. He submitted to and performed poorly on several field sobriety tasks. He refused to submit to a blood alcohol test.

McKnight's friend, 27 year old Johnathan Will Rigsby of McMinnville is charged with filing a false report. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court January 12.

As the officer was looking for McKnight, he saw a pick up truck pull into the parking lot of the VFW on Highway 70 east. He also observed someone emerge from the woods and approach the truck. The vehicle then sped off. The deputy pulled over the truck on Highway 70 east and spoke to the driver, Rigsby. The officer asked Rigsby several times if he had picked up McKnight. Rigsby replied "no". When the deputy and other officers who arrived on the scene started to search his vehicle, Rigsby admitted that he had picked up McKnight and stated that McKnight was hiding in the back of the truck. McKnight was concealed, hidden by a lid from a topper covering the truck bed.

22 year old Victor Hugo Gonzalez is charged with public intoxication and resisting arrest. His bond totals $3,500 and he will be in court January 5. Gonzalez, an illegal immigrant, is being held for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

On Christmas eve a deputy was dispatched to Seven Springs Road in reference to a man (Gonzalez) trying to get into the vehicle of a homeowner. The man then went to the rear of the home and began beating on the back door, wanting someone to let him in. When the officer arrived, he found the man (Gonzalez) in the woods down behind the home. He had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person. His eyes were red and watery and he was very unsteady on his feet. The officer ordered Gonzalez to raise his hands several times, but he would not comply. He resisted arrest as the officer tried to place him in custody, becoming very belligerent and combative. Gonzalez was then taken to the ground by the officer and placed under arrest.

75 year old Garza Alberto of Jennings Lane is cited for no drivers license and failure to maintain lane of travel. He will be in court on January 11. On December 24 Alberto was operating a motor vehicle and left the roadway, driving into a field. A computer check showed him to be an unlicenced driver having only an ID.

18 year old Dane James Holten of Smithville is cited for simple possession of a schedule IV and VI controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. He will be in court on January 5. Holten was sitting in a vehicle parked at a flea market on Allen's Ferry Road on Christmas Day. An officer stopped to conduct a welfare check on the driver. Holten, the driver, opened the door and the deputy saw a marijuana cigarette in plain view on the floor. A further search of the vehicle revealed a small white bottle containing twelve small blue oval pills believed to be Xanax, a glass pipe and rolling papers. Holten admitted that the drugs belonged to him.

Department activity as of December 23, 2011

2011-12-23T17:22:00.000-06:00

An employee of DTC Communications has been arrested for allegedly stealing spools of copper wire from the company. 55 year old Thomas Burton Ervin of Redmon Road, Smithville will appear in court January 5 charged with theft of property over $500 and possession of a weapon with the intent to go armed. His bond is $7,500.

Officers learned, through an investigation, that Ervin had allegedly taken spools of copper wire from DTC work sites, placed them on a DTC truck, and hauled them to property on Allen's Ferry Road, where he allegedly hid them behind bales of hay. After identifying Ervin as a suspect, we spotted him on New Home Road Wednesday, December 21. He was driving his personal truck and hauling a horse trailer. They pulled him over and found in the horse trailer multiple spools of #2 copper wire, totaling 880 pounds, belonging to DTC. We also found a loaded Remington 700 243 rifle on the passenger side seat in the cab of the truck .Ervin was mirandized and escorted to the jail. Ervin allegedly admitted that the wire belonged to DTC and that he did not have authorization to have the wire in his personal vehicle.

Meanwhile, 22 year old Jeremy Silas Shelton and 25 year old Jennifer Dawn Johnson both of Jacobs Pillar Road, Smithville are charged with aggravated burglary and theft of property over $1,000. Bond for each is $20,000. Johnson was arrested December 12 and Shelton on December 15

On November 11, Shelton and Johnson allegedly broke into a residence on Upper Helton Road, entering through a front door, and stole a 50 inch LG flat screen TV and a Dell laptop computer, each valued at more than $1,000.

30 year old Kenneth Adam Wright of Lower Helton Road, Alexandria is charged with a second offense of driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident with property damage. He was also issued a citation for violation of the financial responsibility law (no insurance), violation of the implied consent law, and simple possession of a schedule III controlled substance (hydrocodone). His bond totals $5,000 and he will be in court on January 12.

A deputy responded to a motor vehicle accident on Sunday, December 18 on the Alexandria to Dismal Road. Upon arrival, the officer discovered that the driver of the vehicle had left the scene. During the accident investigation, a black truck drove by. The officer noticed that the passenger of that truck tried to hide his face. A state trooper, who was also at the scene, pulled over the truck. Wright was the passenger. Sheriff Ray said that Wright had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person and he was very unsteady on his feet. Wright submitted to several field sobriety tasks but performed poorly. Wright refused to submit to a blood test. When the officer asked Wright to get out of the vehicle, he dropped a white oval pill believed to be hydrocodone.

22 year old David Braxton White of Old West Point Road, Smithville is charged with two counts of theft of property under $500. White allegedly committed the thefts at the residence where he was living. White was arrested on December 21. His bond is $3,000 and he will be in court on January 12.

In the first case on September 1, White allegedly took a refrigerator from the home on Old West Point Road and sold it at a local recycling business. Meanwhile in the second case on December 6, White allegedly took a double air tank compressor from the same residence and sold it at a pawn shop in Warren County.

Department activity as of December 12, 2011

2011-12-12T13:04:00.000-06:00

23 year old Homer Anthony Petty II of Banks Pisgah Road, Smithville is charged with driving on a suspended license and felony evading arrest. He was also issued a citation for violation of the open container law, violation of the light law, and violation of the financial responsibility law. His bond totals $6,500 and he will be in court on December 15.

A deputy stopped Petty's vehicle for no tail lights on New Home Road Tuesday, December 6. When the officer approached the vehicle, Petty accelerated. He turned right onto Highway 146 and drove to Cecil Hale Road before he stopped. A computer check revealed his license were suspended on August 18, 2008 in Smith County for failure to satisfy a citation. He could not provide proof of insurance and he had an open 40 ounce container of beer in the vehicle.

40 year old Stanley William Morris, Jr. of Hodges Road, Smithville and 34 year old Thomas Bradley Hildreth of Oak Street, Smithville are charged with filing a false report. Bond for each is $1,500 and they will appear in court on December 15.

Both Morris and Hildreth failed to answer the door at an Oak Street residence on Thursday, December 8 in an effort to hide Leslie Love, who had a warrant against her for violation of probation in Warren County. Officers knocked and screamed for someone to come to the door. A deputy saw Love and someone else run through the house. Officers again knocked and then made forced entry into the house. After entry was made in the living room, both Morris and Hildreth told the deputies that they did not know the whereabouts of Love. But the men gave false information so that Love could evade law enforcement and not get arrested. Love was found in the home hiding in the attic space. She was arrested and transported to Warren County.

23 year old Melissa Gail Andrews of Jackson Street, Smithville is cited for driving on a revoked license and violation of the light law. Her court date is January 11. On Saturday, December 10, Andrews was stopped for having a headlight out. A computer check revealed her license to be revoked.

Department activity as of December 5, 2011

2011-12-06T09:55:00.000-06:00

A 24 year old man caught with meth lab components at City Walk Apartments near Smithville Elementary School. Justin Andrew Cantrell of Adcock Cemetery Road was arrested on November 30 and charged with violation of the drug free zone and initiation of a process intended to manufacture methamphetamine.

Detectives and deputies of the sheriff's department saw Cantrell in the parking lot of City Walk Apartments holding a bag. When Cantrell saw the officers he began to walk away from them. When the officers asked to speak to him, Cantrell put the bag down beside of some parked vehicles. One of the detectives went over and looked in the bag, which was partially open. He saw tubing and a plastic bottle containing a clear liquid and noticed it to be the one pot method of manufacturing methamphetamine. The officers also found in the bag a gallon of Coleman fuel, coffee filters, a plastic bottle containing acid, two plastic baggies (cold packs)containing ammonium nitrate, and an ice pack which had been cut open. In his pocket, Cantrell had a coffee filter and a hypodermic needle. Cantrell was taken into custody and charged in the case.

Meanwhile, 26 year old Joshua Lynn McCowan of East Bryant Street is cited for simple possession of a schedule II controlled substance. He will appear in court on December 15. On Friday, December 2 a deputy served a warrant on McCowan for violation of probation. During a search of McCowan, the officer found a blue oval pill in his front left pocket which was later determined to be a schedule II controlled substance (Loratab)

Department activity as of November 28, 2011

2011-11-28T15:55:00.000-06:00

The Sheriff's Department made two arrests last week in the October burglary of a home on Skyline Drive.

33 year old Ricky Allen Ashford of South College Street, Smithville is charged with aggravated burglary, theft of property over $1,000, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and violation of probation. His bond totals $23,500 and he will be in court on December 1.

On October 15 Ashford allegedly broke into a residence at Skyline Drive by using a credit card to open the door. He allegedly took from the residence gold chains, a diamond ring, a wedding band, and other jewelry all valued at over $1,000. The case was assigned to a detective and the arrest was made on Thanksgiving Day, November 24.

A sixteen year old boy was with Ashford during the burglary and theft. Ashford was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor as a result and the boy was charged under a juvenile petition as a delinquent for burglary and theft

The violation of probation against Ashford was because he failed to pay in full his court costs by the end of his probation date in a previous case. Ashford had been placed on probation after being convicted of two counts of attempted forgery. He received 11 months 29 days in that case. He still owes $904.58 as of November 2, 2009.

39 year old Mary Ann Hale of Sparta Highway, Smithville is cited for driving on a suspended license, violation of the light law, and violation of the financial responsibility law. Her court date is December 14

Hale's vehicle was stopped due to a broken tail light on Friday, November 25. The officer discovered that her drivers license were suspended and she did not have proof of valid car insurance.

24 year old Rodrigo Carrasco of Columbia is charged with a second offense of driving under the influence. He was also issued a citation for no drivers license. His bond is $2,500 and he will be in court on December 8.

On Wednesday, November 23 a deputy was called to check out a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on Highway 70. Reports said that the vehicle was all over the roadway and doing doughnuts. The officer spotted the automobile on the side of the road with its flashers on. A man was behind the wheel. Upon speaking with the driver, the deputy noticed that he had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person and his speech was slurred. He was asked to step out of the vehicle. He was very unsteady on his feet. When asked to perform field sobriety tasks, the man indicated that he could not speak English. Because of this, field sobriety tasks were not performed and no blood alcohol test was taken. A computer check revealed he had no drivers license.

Department activity as of November 21, 2011

2011-11-22T15:41:00.000-06:00

A 39 year old man has been charged with two counts of violation of an order of protection and one count of filing a false report while his 40 year old girlfriend is facing two counts of filing a false report.

Don Diamond Groshon is under a $7,500 bond and bond for Tisha Elaine Burns is $5,000. They will be in court on the charges December 1.

On Monday, November 14 a deputy from his department went to Groshon's home on Sparta Highway to serve a warrant on him for violation of an order of protection, taken out against Groshon by Burns, his girlfriend. Under the order of protection, Groshon is to keep away from both Burns and her eight year old daughter. But when the officer arrived to serve the warrant, he found Burns in the residence with Groshon along with her young child.

The violation warrant, sought by Burns, stems from incidents which occurred on Wednesday, October 12, Tuesday October 18, and Wednesday October 19. According to Sheriff Ray, Groshon went onto property where Burns was living on October 12 and took several items from the property without her consent. Groshon was also seen kissing Burns' young daughter, a violation of the order of protection. Six days later on October 18, Groshon allegedly sent a friend to the property to pick up items, also in violation of the order of protection. While there, the friend allegedly threatened Burns that if she did not cooperate with him, he would call Groshon. The next day, October 19, Groshon allegedly sent his son and a friend to pick up a dog cage at the property, a further violation.

Groson failed to answer the door when the deputy arrived at his home to serve the warrant on November 14. The officer knew Groshon was there because he could see him walking through the house. As the deputy was making forcible entry into the home, Groshon made his way to a bedroom and jumped into bed, pretending to be asleep. Burns was also in the bedroom. Her daughter was in the living room, covered by a quilt.

After being found with Burns and her daughter, the sheriff's department charged Groshon with another count of violation of an order of protection. Groshon was also charged with filing a false report for not answering the door knowing that he was in violation of the order of protection.

Burns was charged with one count of filing a false report for not answering the door when the officer arrived to serve the warrant on Groshon. Burns was trying to hide Groshon in the bedroom, knowing that he was going to be arrested.

As she was being arrested, Burns told the officer that Groshon was holding her and the daughter hostage, not allowing them to leave or use the telephone. She later told a detective that she had been lying about the alleged kidnaping. She was charged with a second offense of filing a false report.

Department activity as of November 14, 2011

2011-11-14T13:29:00.000-06:00

A 38 year old Smithville man was arrested Friday after trying to flee from a home he had allegedly just burglarized on Big Hurricane Road. Scott Lynn Sykes of Alexander Street, Smithville is charged with aggravated burglary, vandalism under $500, resisting arrest, and evading arrest. His bond totals $12,500 and he will be in court on November 17.

On Friday, November 11 Sykes allegedly broke into a home on Big Hurricane Road by kicking in the back door, causing less than $500 in damage to the door. A deputy was called to the residence and upon arrival, he saw a man running out of the back door of the home and into the woods. The officer caught up with the suspect, Sykes, and placed him under arrest. Sykes resisted, refusing to be handcuffed. The officer took him to the ground and forcibly handcuffed him. Sykes had allegedly stepped in some fresh white paint while he was at the residence. He still had some white paint on his boots when he was arrested.

Meanwhile, 18 year old Joseph Matthews Giles, II of Foster Road, Smithville is charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Bond for Giles is $1,000 bond and he will be in court on December 1. On Sunday, November 13 Giles went on a date with a 14 year old female and spent the night with her at his grandmother's home without the permission of the girl's mother.

45 year old Walter D. Crawford of Bluhmtown Road, Smithville is charged with theft of property over $500. His bond is $5,000 and he will be in court on November 17. On Wednesday, November 2 Crawford took from property on Blumntown Road, a door, a large window, and two small windows all valued at over $500. Crawford is a co-defendant with 43 year old Raymond Earl Tague of Bluhmtown Road, Smithville who was arrested last week and charged with theft of property over $500 in the same came. His bond is $5,000 and he will be in court November 17.

Sheriff's Department makes a drug bust.

2011-11-09T10:22:00.000-06:00

Two people were arrested for possession of cocaine and xanax for resale during a drug bust by the sheriff's department Monday night.

31 year old William Wayne Graham and 30 year old Kimberly Jo Donnelly of Bright Hill Road Smithville are charged with possession of a schedule II controlled substance for resale (cocaine) and possession of a schedule IV controlled substance for resale (xanax).

Bond for each is $10,000 and they will be in court on December 1.

The drug detective along with other detectives from the sheriff's department, who have been investigating the illegal sale of drugs from the home of Graham, were able to establish probable cause to obtain a search warrant. General Sessions Judge Bratten H. Cook II issued a search warrant for us to go in and search Graham's home. We executed that search warrant on Monday night, November 7 and found in the home individually packaged white powder believed to be cocaine, three used syringes, and two sets of digital scales. We also seized a couple of cell phones and pleated sandwich bags. We seized $587 in cash from Graham. We also found various types of pills.

On Monday November 7, the sheriff's department executed a search warrant at Graham's home at 737 Bright Hill Road and found in a living room drawer six baggies of cocaine. They were all packaged and ready for resale. The six baggies weighed over six grams combined. Also found in the living room was a bottle containing fifteen xanax pills and two halves.

Three small children who were in the home at the time were placed with other family members by the Department of Children Services.

The investigation continues and more arrests may be forthcoming.

Department activity as of November 7, 2011

2011-11-07T12:51:00.000-06:00

A Giles County High School football fan was arrested for trying to steal a DeKalb County High School Tiger Football sign following the state play-off game last Friday night in Smithville.

18 year old William Carson Burns of Agnew Road, Pulaski is charged with theft of property under $500 and evading arrest. His bond is $3,000 and he will be in court on November 17.

On Friday, November 4, Burns allegedly took a sign from the DCHS football field that belonged to the school, valued at less than $500. When officers asked him to put down the sign, he ran off with it. He ran about 200 yards before officers caught up with him.

Meanwhile, 43 year old Raymond Earl Tague of Bluhmtown Road, Smithville is charged with theft of property over $500. His bond is $5,000 and he will be in court November 17.

On Wednesday November 2, Tague allegedly took from property on Bluhmtown Road, a door, a large window, and two small windows, all valued at over $500.

36 year old Lisa Yvonne Rogers of Aaron Webb Road, Smithville is cited for violation of the financial responsibility, simple possession of a schedule VI controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Her court date is November 17

On Saturday, November 5 an officer was dispatched to Creek Road to check out a suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival, the officer found Rogers sitting in the car. After receiving consent to search the vehicle, the deputy found 1.8 grams of marijuana and a pipe. Rogers could not show proof of insurance.

Department activity as of October 31, 2011

2011-10-31T17:09:00.000-05:00

A 45 year old Smithville man is charged in a rash of recent burglaries and thefts. Shannon Lynn Newby of Anthony Avenue is charged with three counts of aggravated burglary, two counts of burglary, three counts of theft of property over $1,000, one count of theft of property over $500, and one count of theft of property under $500. His bond totals $235,000 and he will be in court on November 3.

On Monday, September 5, Newby allegedly entered an outbuilding on McMinnville Highway and took two chainsaws, two hedge trimmers, and other items all valued at over $1,000.

On Sunday October 9, Newby allegedly entered a residence through the front door on Cordell Love Road . He allegedly took a Browning 300 Magnum, a Mossberg shotgun, a Marlin 30-30, and several other items all valued at over $1,000

Six days later on Saturday, October 15, Newby allegedly entered a residence through a back window on Coconut Ridge Road and took a nine millimeter Ruger pistol, a Savage rifle, two laptop computers, and several other items all valued at over $1,000.

Newby then allegedly entered an outbuilding on New Home Road Monday, October 17 and took two tool boxes with miscellaneous tools valued less than $500.

In the last incident, Newby entered a residence on Robinson Road Thursday, October 20 by prying open the back door. He allegedly took a storm door, cedar chest, and coins all valued at over $500.

Meanwhile, in another case 62 year old Steven Michael White of Pea Ridge Road, Liberty is charged with a second offense of driving under the influence. His bond is $3,000 and he will be in court on November 17.

On Monday, October 24 White was operating a motor vehicle on Highway 70 and was stopped for crossing the center line several times. He had an odor of an alcoholic beverage and marijuana on his person. White was unsteady on his feet. He performed poorly on all field sobriety tasks and he submitted to a blood test. White admitted to drinking beer and smoking marijuana while driving down the road.. His other DUI offense was on February 5, 2009 in DeKalb County.

Department activity as of October 25, 2011

2011-10-25T09:58:00.000-05:00

Two men have been arrested by the Sheriff's Department within the past week in separate theft investigations. 24 year old Joshua Lynne Beaty of East Main Street, Smithville is charged with two counts of theft of property over $1,000. Beaty allegedly stole a van from a residence on New Home Road on August 24 and sold it to a local recycling center. The van was valued at $3,000.

In the other case, Beaty allegedly took items from a residence on Bluhmtown Road and sold them to a local recycling business. Taken from the property was a tractor engine, tractor radiator, washer, stove, clothing rack, double bottom turning plow, and 1,500 piece Craftsman tool set. The total value was $4,650. Beaty was arrested on the charges Thursday, October 20. He is under a total bond of $15,000 and he will be in court on October 27.

44 year old William Elton Eisenmann of Page Drive, Smithville is charged with aggravated burglary and aggravated theft of property under $500. Eisenmann's bond totals $7,500 and he will be in court on October 27. On Thursday, October 13 Eisenmann allegedly entered a residence on Eagle Creek Road by cutting a screen and going through a front window. He allegedly stole a pair of Reebok tennis shoes, a Levi shirt, and a bath towel all valued at less than $500. When he left the residence, Eisenmann also left behind his cell phone, a phone card, and a knife. He was arrested on Friday, October 21.

Mejia Pastor of Goodridge Road, Woodbury is charged with driving under the influence. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court November 3. On Saturday October 22 Pastor was operating a motor vehicle on Highway 70 and was stopped after a deputy saw him swerving. Pastor was found to have an odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person and he was unsteady on his feet. Pastor refused to submit to field sobriety tasks but he did take a blood test.

21 year old Luis Alfonso Rubalcava-Romo of A.B. Frazier Road, Smithville is charged with driving under the influence. Romo was further issued a citation for having no drivers license, violation of the light law, violation of the financial responsibility law (no insurance), failure to maintain his lane of travel, and violation of the open container law. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court on October 27. On Saturday, October 22 Romo was operating a motor vehicle on Highway 70 and was stopped by a deputy for violation of the light law(driving with no tail lights). He had an odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person and he was unsteady on his feet. Romo performed poorly on all field sobriety tasks and he submitted to a blood test. The officer found in the vehicle a half full container of an alcoholic beverage within hands reach in a cup holder on the console.

Leonel Rodriguez Sanchez of Adcock Cemetery Road is charged with driving under the influence and two counts of reckless endangerment. Sanchez was also issued a citation for having no drivers license, violation of the registration law, violation of the financial responsibility law, violation of the open container law, and violation of the implied consent law. His bond totals $12,500 and he will be in court October 27. On Sunday, October 23 Sanchez was operating a motor vehicle and had allegedly run motorists off the road on both Old Blue Springs Road and Highway 56. His license tag number was reported to 911. The vehicle was later found on Cecil Hale Road. The driver, Sanchez, had an odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person and he was unsteady on his feet. Sanchez was unable to perform field sobriety tasks because of his level of intoxication. He refused to submit to a blood test. The officer found an open beer on the console of the vehicle.

Department activity as of October 15, 2011

2011-10-16T10:07:00.000-05:00

Two people were arrested by the Sheriff's Department last Monday, October 10 after a deputy allegedly found suspected meth lab components in their truck on Seven Springs Road. 32 year old Bradley Pugh of Old Bildad Road, Smithville is charged with initiation of a process to manufacture methamphetamine and possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. His bond is $100,000 and he will be in court on November 10

28 year old Rikki Elizabeth Holland of Underwood Road, McMinnville is charged with initiation of a process to manufacture methamphetamine. Her bond is $75,000 and she will be in court on November 10. A deputy was called to check out a vehicle parked on the side of Seven Springs Road. When he arrived, the officer found Pugh, unconscious behind the steering wheel. Holland was a passenger. After waking up Pugh, the deputy obtained from him consent to search and found coffee filters and batteries inside the vehicle. In the back of the truck, the officer found a plastic tote and two bags containing chemical products that were altered for the manufacture of methamphetamine. A prescription bottle bearing Pugh's name was found in the bag with the chemicals. The deputy also discovered a loaded handgun on the drivers side of the truck.

In a separate case, 50 year old Angel Claire Alexander of Lebanon is charged with a first offense of driving under the influence. She was further issued a citation for failure to maintain her proper lane of traffic resulting in a one vehicle accident on Highway 70. Her bond totals $1,500 and she will be in court on November 10. On Wednesday, October 12 while operating a vehicle on Highway 70, Alexander was involved in an accident. She had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on her person and she was unsteady on her feet. A bottle containing some vodka was in the vehicle and she allegedly admitted to drinking it. Alexander refused to submit to field sobriety tasks but she did submit to a blood test.

Department activity as of October 10, 2011

2011-10-11T14:43:00.000-05:00

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department filed charges and issued citations against several persons this past week for driving under the influence and driving on a revoked license.

49 year old Timothy Lloyd Caldwell of Medlin Drive of Dowelltown is charged with driving on a revoked license. He was also issued a citation for a violation of the financial responsibility law and for failure to drive within his lane of traffic. His bond is $1, 500 and he will be in court on November 16. On Wednesday, October 5 a deputy stopped Caldwell on the Old Snow Hill Road for failure to maintain his lane of travel. A computer check revealed his license were revoked on August 24 for a DUI in Putnam County.

34 year old James Walter Stringer of Morgan Drive, Smithville is charged with driving under the influence. He was also issued a citation for violation of the implied consent law. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court on October 13. On Thursday, October 6 Stringer was stopped on Highway 70 for squealing tires. He had an odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person and he was unsteady on his feet. Stringer admitted to drinking beer and taking xanax. He performed poorly on all field sobriety tasks but refused to submit to a blood test.

43 year old Greta Lynn Higgins of Midway Road, Smithville is charged with driving under the influence. She was also issued a citation for possession of drug paraphernalia. Her bond is $1,500 and she will be in court on October 13. On Friday, October 7. a deputy stopped Higgins on Highway 70 for failure to maintain her lane of travel. Higgins had slurred speech and she was very unsteady on her feet. She performed poorly on all field sobriety tasks. She also submitted to a blood test. During the arrest, the officer found a hypodermic needle in Higgins' purse.

31 year old Tanya Renee Broad of Washington Street, Sparta is charged with a second offense of driving under the influence. Her bond is $3,000. On Saturday, October 8 Broad was stopped by an officer on Highway 70 for a violation of the light law. She had an odor of an alcoholic beverage on her person and she was unsteady on her feet. Broad performed poorly on all field sobriety tasks. She also submitted to a blood test.

Department activity as of October 3, 2011

2011-10-04T11:59:00.000-05:00

A prisoner has been charged with vandalism after allegedly causing some damage at the DeKalb County Jail. 37 year old Jeffery Lynn Sanders of Lincoln Street, Smithville, is charged with one count of vandalism over $500 and one count of vandalism over $1,000 at the jail. Sanders is under a $20,000 bond and he will be in court on October 6. On Sunday, September 25, Sanders broke a fire sprinkler head, flooding the jail cell. The value of the damage was $500. The next day, Monday, September 26 after being placed in a holding cell, Sanders allegedly cracked a shatter proof glass window.

46 year old Tonya Elaine Caldwell and 87 year old Velma McGuire of Cill Street, Smithville are each charged with filing a false report. Bond for each is $5,000 and they will be in court on October 13. On Sunday, September 25, an officer was at the residence of Velma McGuire at 713 Cill Street to serve a warrant on Brittany Barnes, McGuire's great granddaughter. Both Caldwell and McGuire told the officer that Brittany was not there. While officers were searching the residence, Brittany was seen exiting the home through a window. She was later found in the residence with Caldwell, who is Brittany's mother.

31 year old James Travis Bouldin of McCorkle Hollow Road, McMinnville is charged with public intoxication. His bond is $1,000 and he will be in court October 13. On Wednesday, September 28 Bouldin was seen walking in the road on Highway 70. He was unsteady on his feet. The officer who stopped to investigate noticed that Bouldin had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person and his speech was slurred. He was arrested for his own safety.

48 year old Johnny Michael Howard of Billings Road, Sparta is charged with aggravated assault. He is under a $40,000 bond and he will be in court October 6. Howard assaulted a female at his home on Wednesday, September 28, cutting the side of her face and left hand with a knife. The woman had to undergo treatment at the emergency room of DeKalb Community Hospital.

31 year old Joshua Lionel Jones of Hodges Road, Smithville is charged with theft of property over $1,000 and burglary. Jones is under a $10,000 bond and he will be in court November 17. On Monday, September 19, Jones allegedly entered a barn on Dale Ridge Road and stole scrap metal, valued at over $1,000. He then allegedly sold the stolen items to a local scrap yard.

39 year old Don Diamond Groshon of Page Drive, Smithville is charged with domestic assault. His bond is $15,000 and he will be in court October 6. He was arrested on Saturday, October 1. On Sunday, September 18 Groshon allegedly placed a handgun to his girl friend's stomach and grabbed hold of her, bruising both of her arms. He also allegedly had possession of the gun while arguing with his girlfriend's sixteen year old son. The warrant states that Groshon has broken her ribs in the past.

Department prepares to install video visitation technology

2011-09-29T10:39:00.001-05:00

Families who have relatives incarcerated at the DeKalb County Jail are allowed to visit them on weekends. But the traditional face to face encounters between family and inmates separated only by a glass barrier will soon be a thing of the past as the department prepares to install video visitation technology.

Video visitation technology has the potential to maximize security during the visitation process, minimize the introduction of contraband into the jail, and limit the number of corrections personnel required to monitor each visitation. The system may also be used to video conference between the jail and the courthouse during certain court proceedings. Under this system, prisoners could remain in their cells and communicate with the judge in the courtroom by way of video technology. This would keep the Sheriff's Department from having to transfer the prisoners from the jail to the courthouse for every scheduled court appearance. The system, however, could not be used for all court appearances or in every case.

Under the current system, family visitations are permitted on Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. for male prisoners and Sundays from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. for females. The jail typically houses an average of 95 to 100 inmates per day and a majority of those prisoners have visitors pay a call on them each weekend.

Family members wishing to visit with a prisoner are required to schedule an appointment on Fridays. The same will be true with the video visitation.

During a traditional visitation, the inmate is typically escorted from their cell to a special visitation room, where a face-to-face encounter takes place. The inmate and family members are separated by a glass barrier and each party must use a telephone to communicate with each other. Each visit requires a corrections officer to accompany the inmate from the cell to the visitation area. It also demands that someone monitor the visit for its entire length, normally up to 30 minutes. With a steady stream of visitors arriving during the course of the day, the demand placed on corrections staff is considerable.

The county commission Monday night authorized our department to proceed with plans to obtain the video equipment through Securus Technologies, at no cost to the county. The county already has a contract with Securus to provide telephone service that inmates use, on a pay per call basis, to phone relatives from the jail under an account established between Securus and the family. Securus receives proceeds from those calls and pays a commission to the county for the privilege of providing the service. "We have a contract with Securus Technologies, our inmate phone service. They have been our service provider for many years. We sat down with them two or three months ago and talked about video visitation for the inmates at the jail where the inmates can stay in the cell and not have to be transferred to a different part of the jail for the visitation. The family members will be able to come into an office in the jail and view through a television monitor the inmate in the cell.

After the system is installed, the department will have the option of offering families video web cam visit opportunities so they can make contact with inmates from their homes or other locations. This will actually open up the visitation to where if we should decide to offer it, a family member could actually be in California or somewhere else and do a visit through the internet and a web cam to communicate with an inmate at the jail under certain conditions.

The ability to video conference during court proceedings will also be useful. Another feature that we're going to have with this is our courtrooms. We hope, in the near future, after we get our video equipment in at the jail to have video to the courtrooms where the judge can sit and interact with the inmates by video instead of us having to transport them from the jail up to the courthouse. That will provide a safer environment for our correctional officers and the public. We're using probably four officers who escort the prisoners back and forth to court and on Thursdays we have at least fifteen to twenty inmates we take up there. This gives the inmates a greater opportunity to pick up contraband along the way. We usually find stuff that they've picked up, whether it be cigarette butts or something like that which they try to bring back into the jail. We usually find that every week. By doing the video conferencing, that will slow some of that down. The inmate will actually sit in the cell and do his court pre-trial stuff by video conference. It won't be used during hearings or anything like that and it won't be used for trials. It'll only be used for pre-trial stuff with the judge. It might be a bond reduction, to appoint them an attorney, or to reset a court date, and things like that. By doing this video conferencing, we won't have to carry them all the way over there to the courthouse.

The county will not be out any extra expense for installing and using this equipment. We had talked about the expense of this and what Securus Technologies could propose to us. They came back with about $80,000 worth of equipment that they are going to donate to us. It goes right along with our contract that we've had with them for many years. They have also guaranteed us our commissions that we've had over the last twelve months. That will not change. The county will get a certain amount of money for Securus being a service provider. They will come in and do all the installation of the video equipment at the jail.

Here is how the inmates make use of the telephone system . Securus Technologies is our inmate provider and the family will set up a billing program with them. It has been costing them $1.50 for a fifteen minute call. Long distance calls have been costing a surcharge rate of from $3.45 to $3.95 plus 95 cents a minute. But now, under an updated contract agreement, there's only going to be a $2.00 surcharge plus 10 cents a minute. It is going up a little for local calls but on the long distance calls, it'll be a lot cheaper. They (inmates) have a phone in the cell. We turn on the phones at certain times. An inmate is then able to place a call to a family member who has an account with Securus Technologies. They can talk for fifteen minutes and then the phone call is terminated. But the inmate can call right back and it will cost them $1.50 for another fifteen minutes. Every call under this system is recorded where we can go back and listen if we have a problem. They can keep calling as long as there is money in the account. We also spot check through some of them just to make sure they're not planning escapes or something like that.

Metal Thefts Increasing in DeKalb County

2011-09-28T10:34:00.000-05:00

Metal Thefts Increasing

With prices for metals rising, we have seen a dramatic increase in the numbers of metal thefts across the county in recent months

Thieves are stealing metal goods and selling them to scrap yards. He is asking that if you should become a victim of such a theft, please report it as soon as possible, because the scrap yards usually crush those items quickly.

Over the last five or six months we've noticed an increase in our scrap metal thefts. As a matter of fact, these types of thefts have overtaken burglaries. Very rarely lately have we worked a home invasion. Most of our thefts are scrap metal. Its because metal prices have increased. Its also a good way for a thief to commit a crime and actually get away with it. Its very hard to prosecute these types of crimes. A lot of people are mistaken on what the scrap yards are required to do. When one of our detectives gets a report of a theft, he will call around to the area scrap yards. The only thing we can do is if we have a suspect, we check with the scrap yards to see if that individual has brought any scrap there.

Once a customer delivers scrap metal to a recycling center or scrap yard, the product is only identified by how much it weighed in, so its important that these types of thefts be reported as soon as they are discovered. On their ticket, it only has pounds, pounds of metal, pounds of copper and pounds of aluminum. It doesn't identify it as any particular kind of metal, such as copper pipes, car hoods, rims, etc. It doesn't have a description of it. It only tells us how many pounds of that type of metal was brought in. So if the workers at the scrap yard don't remember what that customer brought in or they no longer have it on the scrap yard, then its up to us to find out what they brought and maybe go back and ask questions and conduct interviews with others to find out. The only thing the scrap yard is required to do is, for example, if copper is a precious metal, then they are required to hold that copper for five days. They withhold payment to whoever brought it in for the five days. They have to wait before they get a check. They have to hold it in case something comes up. Then we can go look at it. As far as any other scrap metal, anyone can bring it in there and sell it to the scrap yard, they can take it straight off the truck and crush it. Of course if its stolen goods then the evidence is gone once its crushed.

The types of goods being stolen lately range from farm equipment to automobiles, We've had all kinds of different things stolen from farm equipment to roof sheeting on a house. Anything that's made of metal they are going to pick up. We've had reports of vehicles that had broken down on the side of the road where thieves had loaded them up and taken them to the scrap yard. According to the law, certain model vehicles don't need titles so they can be taken in for scrap right then. We've had reports of vehicles setting out in open fields and during the night thieves go out there, cut the fence, back up there, hook a log chain to it, drag it out and take it to the scrap yard the next day. Batteries are another thing we see, especially at boat ramps where there is not a gate attendant or a lot of visitors going in and out. They will pull up there, pop the hoods on them or bust the glass out, steal the batteries and carry them to the scrap yard and sell them there for the lead in them.

Property owners should be wary of anyone approaching you offering to do any clean-up work around your place. We ask everybody who may have individuals come to your house asking if you need your place cleaned up, simply say no unless you know that person.

You're also encouraged to report suspicious activity in your neighborhood. We ask you to call 215-3000 which is the central dispatch and they will have one of the deputies at least go check it. Once they have loaded up that stuff and they carry it to the scrap yard, within ten minutes it could be crushed and gone. If you see someone picking up scrap metal somewhere, try to write down their license tag number. It could be someone committing a theft.

To reduce the chances of your becoming a victim, we urge you to secure your property as best you can. I've been told that scrap metal prices are going to be even higher this winter so we're expecting more thefts.

Department activity as of September 26, 2011

2011-09-26T19:36:00.000-05:00

More persons have been arrested by the Sheriff's Department, accused of stealing goods made of metal and selling them as scrap

In the latest cases, 24 year old Gary Christopher Ponder and 33 year old Aron Dewayne Ponder both of Old Mill Hill Road, Dowelltown are each charged with one count of theft of property over $500, two counts of theft under $500, and one count of theft over $1,000. Bond for each is $25,000 and they will be in court October 6.

On Friday, September 9 the Ponders went to a farm on Wilder Hollow Road in the Pea Ridge community where they allegedly took a calf feeder, a horse drawn rake, two air conditioner units, a smoker grill, two kitchen sinks, cook stove, cook oven, radiator, rim, air compressor, two black kettles, and one hundred pieces of twelve feet 5V roofing, all valued at $4770.00.

Ten days later, on Monday, September 19, the Ponders went to three different properties on Tabernacle Road and allegedly stole items from each location. At one place the Ponders allegedly took a house jack, double row planter, and adjustment for a plow, half of a corn grinder, tractor hitch, valve, pry bar, battery, two setter trays, cultivator pieces, plow pieces, wheel, lawn mower deck, and a scraper blade, all valued at $810.00.

At a second location on Tabernacle Road, the Ponders allegedly took from the bed of a pickup truck, a hydraulic jack valued at $20.00.

From the third location on Tabernacle Road, the Ponders allegedly took gutter pipe, two fence posts, a five foot gate, exhaust pipe, and aluminum scrap, all valued at $177.00.

Meanwhile, 26 year old Nicholas Cody Walls of Coconut Ridge Road, Smithville and 34 year old Mickey Guinn of West Spring Street, Smithville are each charged with two counts of theft of property under $500. Bond for each is $6,000 and they will be in court on September 29.

A deputy responded to a report of a theft in progress at a business on East Broad Street, Smithville on Tuesday, September 20. Upon arrival, the officer found Walls and Guinn loading a truck with items taken from the business including rolling steps, a rolling cart, and a solid steel shock, all valued at $220.00.

A deputy had taken a report earlier that day of items stolen from the same business on East Broad Street. Walls and Guinn were also charged in that case accused of taking items from the business including five metal uprights, valued at $500. The stolen items were sold to a local recycling center where Walls and Guinn received a total of $94.30.

31 year old Joshua Lionel Jones of Hodges Road, Smithville and 46 year old Daniel Lee Taylor of Earl Avenue, Smithville are each charged with theft of property over $1,000.00. Bond for each is $4,500 and they will be in court on September 29.

On Wednesday, September 21 a deputy was called to a burglary in progress on Dale Ridge Road. Upon arrival, the officer found two men loading items from a barn. The two men, Jones and Taylor, claimed they had permission to be doing this but the officer called the man identified by Jones and Taylor as the owner but he denied owning any property on Dale Ridge Road. Items taken from the barn included a horsedrawn turnplow, three rims, a small engine, 30- nine foot steel pipes, 15-ten foot steel pipes, structural steel, and miscellaneous scrap metal, all valued at $1040.00.

31 year old Tracy Michelle Vincent of Cedar Street, Liberty is charged with being a fugitive from justice. On Wednesday, September 21 his department learned that Vincent was wanted in Warren County, Kentucky for child neglect. She has been charged with being a fugitive from justice. Vincent is being held without bond. She will be in court on October 6.

39 year old Willard Darrell Brown of Anthony Avenue, Smithville was recently issued citations for driving under the influence and failure to maintain proper lane of travel. He will be in court on October 13.

Brown was injured after being involved in a motor vehicle accident on Vaughn Lane. Brown was traveling east in the wrong lane causing another vehicle to collide with his automobile. Brown was taken to the hospital to be treated for a back injury. Brown was believed to be under the influence of an intoxicating drug. He submitted to a blood test.

37 year old Jeffery Lynn Sanders of Lincoln Street, Smithville is charged with escape. His bond is $30,000 and he will be in court on September 29.

Sanders was in General Sessions court on Thursday, September 22 and the judge revoked his bond. After being returned to a holding area at the jail, Sanders asked a correctional officer for permission to go to the restroom. As the correctional officer opened a door, Sanders ran out of the cell area, trying to escape. He was quickly detained.

23 year old Brittney Danielle Barnes of Belk Road, Smithville is charged with evading arrest and failure to appear in criminal court. She has been ordered to serve ten days in jail. She will then be allowed to make a $5,000 bond on the failure to appear charge. Her bond is $3,500 for evading arrest. She will be in court September 29 on the evading arrest offense. Barnes will be in criminal court in the failure to appear case on October 7

On Sunday, September 25 a deputy went to Cill Street to serve a state warrant on Barnes for failure to appear. Having prior knowledge that Barnes was at this residence, the home of her great grandmother, the officer knocked on the door. Barnes' great grandmother answered. When the deputy asked if Brittney was there, the woman replied "no she is not". Brittney's mother then came to the door telling the officer that her daughter was in Warren County. While the officer searched the residence, central dispatch received a call from a witness stating that Brittney had jumped from a window at the rear of the home. About ten to fifteen minutes after the search began, a Smithville Police Officer found Barnes inside the home, hiding in a bedroom. Barnes admitted knowing she had a warrant against her.

63 year old James Dallas McMillen, Jr. of Bright Hill Road is charged with a second offense of DUI and leaving the scene of an accident with property damage. He was also issued a citation for violation of the implied consent law. McMillen will be in court on September 29. He is under a $5,500 bond.

On Monday, September 19, a deputy responded to a traffic accident on Evins Mill Road where the driver of an automobile involved in the crash had left the scene. Witnesses told the officer that the driver of this vehicle was all over the roadway, before running into a ditch and damaging a fence. According to witnesses, when the man got out of the automobile after the accident he was very unsteady on his feet. Witnesses further reported that when they spoke with him, his speech was very slurred. The deputy had a computer check run on the tag information and obtained the name and address of the owner of the vehicle (McMillen). He then went to McMillen's home and spoke with him. McMillen allegedly admitted to being involved in the accident and leaving the scene. The officer detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on McMillen. He initially consented to submit to a blood alcohol test but changed his mind before arriving at the hospital.

Department activity as of September 19, 2011

2011-09-19T14:40:00.000-05:00

A 50 year old Woodbury man is in trouble with the law for allegedly stealing property from three different locations and selling most of those items at a local scrap yard.

Perry Alton Stembridge of Good Ridge Road, Woodbury is charged with one count of theft of property under $500 and two counts of theft of property over $1,000. He was also issued a citation for driving on a suspended license. He was arrested on September 14. His bond totals $30,000 and he will be in court October 13.

On Monday, August 29 Perry allegedly entered property on Luna Mill Road and took a three point hitch plow, four circular saw blades, a metal stove, winch parts for a dozier, and parts from a 535 John Deere baler, all valued at $1,200.

Two days later on Wednesday August 31 Stembridge allegedly went to a barn on Indian Creek Road and took one thousand square feet of metal roofing, two chest freezers, and two wood burning stoves, valued at $4,110.

Almost two weeks later on Tuesday, September 13 Stembridge allegedly went to a location on Antioch Road and took a fireplace insert and a hot water heater, valued at $150.

Stembridge allegedly sold most of those stolen items to a local scrap yard.

Meanwhile, 30 year old Nena Renea Chapman of Church Street, Liberty is charged with aggravated burglary and theft of property over $500. Her bond is $7,500 and she will be in court on October 13.

On Tuesday, September 13, Chapman allegedly entered a residence on Church Street in Liberty and took an xbox console, three xbox 360 game controllers, and eight xbox games, valued at $570.

24 year old Jamaal Ahmad League of Smith Road, is charged with burglary. His bond is $3,500 and he will be in court September 29.

On Wednesday, September 14 League allegedly entered a vehicle on North Congress Boulevard without the owner's consent with the intent to commit a felony. He allegedly removed cigarette butts inside the vehicle. Upon his arrest, League had five cigarette butts of the same brand as those from the vehicle in his pocket.

19 year old Joshua Edward Hammonds has been charged with a first offense of driving under the influence and issued citations for underage drinking and violation of the financial responsibility law (no insurance). His bond totals $1,500 and he will be in court September 29.

On Wednesday September 14 a deputy was called to a club on Sparta Highway, where someone had reportedly become violent. Before the deputy arrived, the man left the club in a blue Chevy truck. While enroute, the officer spotted the truck and saw it go off in a ditch, almost hitting a mailbox. The deputy stopped the truck and detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage. Hammonds, the driver, submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. Hammonds was very unsteady on his feet. He also allegedly admitted to drinking liquor and smoking "fake weed".

47 year old Kevin D. Young of Alex Lane, Smithville is charged with a first offense of driving under the influence. He was also issued citations for violation of the light law, failure to maintain his lane of travel, and violation of the implied consent law. His bond totals $1,500 and he will be in court on October 13.

On Sunday, September 18 a deputy saw a vehicle with a headlight out on Highway 70. Upon turning around to follow, the deputy saw the automobile swerve from lane to lane and then make a sharp turn back into his lane. After stopping the vehicle, the officer had the driver, Young, get out of the automobile. Young was very unsteady on his feet, his speech was slurred, and he had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person. Young performed poorly on several field sobriety tasks. He refused to submit to a blood alcohol test. Young allegedly admitted to drinking four or five beers. He also had a flask on him containing whiskey.

Department activity as of September 13, 2011

2011-09-13T10:27:00.000-05:00

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department has made several arrests recently involving persons allegedly stealing items made of metals and then selling them at a local scrap yard

Among the latest cases is 27 year old William Corey Dickens of Forrest Avenue, Smithville, charged with two counts of theft of property over $1,000. His bond is $15,000 and he will be in court on October 13

On Sunday, August 21, Dickens allegedly took a van from a location on New Home Road, Dowelltown and sold it to a local scrap yard. The estimated cost of the van was $3,000.

Three days later on Wednesday, August 24, Dickens allegedly took items from property on Bluhmtown Road, including one tractor engine, tractor radiator, washer, stove, clothing racks, double bottom plow, and a 1,500 piece Craftsman tool set, valued at $4,650. He allegedly sold those items to a local scrap yard and kept the money.

39 year old Gary Edward Matthews of Four Seasons Road, Smithville and 40 year old David Eugene Driver of Arrowhead Drive, Smithville are each charged with theft of property under $500. Bond for each is $2,500 and they will be in court on September 22.

The two men allegedly went to a location at Shady Drive on Wednesday, September 7 and took an antennae, valued at less than $500

While these two men were being charged at the sheriff's department on September 7, officers were called to return to the same Shady Drive property, where another burglary was reported to be in progress. Upon arrival a deputy arrested 37 year old Jeffery Lynn Sanders of Lincoln Street, who had a vehicle jacked up and was allegedly attempting to remove a part from underneath the automobile.

Sanders was also charged in a separate theft case which occurred on Saturday, September 3. Sanders allegedly took a catalytic converter from a vehicle on Potts Camp Road and sold it to a local scrap yard. Sanders is charged with one count of theft over $500 and one count of theft under $500. Bond for Sanders is $10,000 and he will be in court on September 22.

Meanwhile, in other cases 28 year old Michael Ryan Sullivan of Old Snow Hill Road, Dowelltown is charged with driving under the influence. He was also issued citations for a violation of the light law (tail light out), failure to maintain proper lane of traffic, and violation of the implied consent law. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court on September 29. On Thursday, September 8 Sullivan was operating a vehicle on Highway 70 when he was pulled over for failure to maintain the proper lane of travel, driving in the turning lane. Sullivan had very slurred speech, his eyes were glossy, and a blue powdery residue was in his nostrils. He submitted to but performed poorly on all field sobriety tasks. He refused to submit to a blood test.

32 year old Amy Ford of Chumley Hollow Road, Watertown was issued a citation for simple possession. She will be in court on October 6. On Thursday, September 8 a deputy pulled over Ford on a traffic stop at Smith Road. The officer learned that Ford had an active warrant against her. During the investigation, the officer found four hydrocodone pills on Ford.

42 year old James Lee Adcock of Jefferson Road, Smithville is charged with theft of property under $500. Adcock is under a $2,500 bond. On Monday, August 1 Adcock allegedly took a debit card from a residence on Jefferson Road. He allegedly used the card several times in DeKalb and other surrounding counties.

A Labor Day outing on Center Hill Lake turned tragic for a Murfreesboro family.

2011-09-06T10:23:00.000-05:00

A Labor Day outing on Center Hill Lake turned tragic for a Murfreesboro family Monday as the body of 10 year old Elizabeth Grace Hathaway was recovered from the lake around 6:15 p.m. near their houseboat at Hidden Harbor Marina. The child, who was not wearing a life jacket, was the victim of an apparent drowning, although an autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.

Members of the Rutherford County Special Operations unit, using a sonar device, pinpointed the location of what they suspected was the body. Divers then went down and found the body of the child in about forty feet of water.

The body was near the back of the family's houseboat, which was docked at the marina. Witnesses reported having seen the child on the deck of the boat around 8:30 Monday morning, shortly before her disappearance.

After the family discovered her missing, they called 911 and the search effort began. Not knowing at the time whether the child had fallen into the lake or had wandered away from the houseboat and into the woods a search by ground and water was initiated and conducted throughout the day.

Searchers checked the woods and roads in the immediate area as well as vehicles parked in the vicinity. Any houseboats docked at the marina that were open or occupied were also searched.

DeKalb 911 placed automated reverse calls to residents in the area asking them to be on the look out for the child.

Among those taking part in the search either by ground or on the lake were members of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, the DeKalb County Rescue Squad, the Sheriff's Department, DeKalb EMS, Emergency Management Agency Coordinator Charlie Parker, the DeKalb County Fire Department's Search and Rescue Team, the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers, the Putnam County Rescue Squad and Dive Team, and the Rutherford County Special Operations unit and divers.

Special thanks to DeKalb Market and other individuals who supplied food and water to the searchers and to Hidden Harbor Marina for their assistance.

Department activity as of September 5, 2011

2011-09-06T10:19:00.000-05:00

A Murfreesboro man was arrested Saturday after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend at Floating Mill campsite. 29 year old Sladen Anthony Shagun of Manchester Pike, Murfreesboro is charged with public intoxication and domestic assault. His bond totals $6,000 and he will be in court on September 22. A deputy was called to investigate a domestic violence complaint at the Floating Mill camp site on Saturday, September 3. After speaking to everyone involved, the deputy determined Shagun had assaulted his girlfriend, hitting her about the face with his fist. She had a swollen left eye, her nose was bleeding, and she had bruising on her right arm from an earlier assault that day. Upon speaking with Shagun, the officer noticed a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person.

24 year old Zachary Nathaniel Hale of Meadowbrook Drive is charged with a first offense of driving under the influence. He was also issued citations for improper passing, violation of the implied consent law, and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court on September 22. On Tuesday, August 30, Hale was operating a vehicle on Highway 56 south near the Mystick Market when he passed an officer on a double yellow line. Hale's vehicle was also weaving on the roadway. After stopping the automobile, the officer spoke with the driver, Hale, and detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the vehicle. Hale was asked to step out of the vehicle and to perform field sobriety tasks. Hale had slurred speech and he was unsteady on his feet. Hale performed poorly on all tasks. Hale refused to submit to a blood alcohol test, saying he would fail it. He admitted to drinking beer. A glass pipe was also found during the investigation which contained what is believe to be marijuana residue

51 year old Daniel Ray Anderson of Duck Pond Road, Sparta is charged with a second offense of driving on a suspended license and failure to appear in court. He was also issued a citation for violation of the financial responsibility law. His bond is $6,000 and he will be in court on September 22. On Tuesday, August 30 a deputy stopped a vehicle on South Mountain Street, Smithville and informed the driver, Anderson that he had a capias or bench warrant against him. The bench warrant was for failure to appear in court February 3, 2010 on another charge of driving on a suspended license. The officer asked to see his license but Anderson said he thought they were suspended. A computer check revealed the license were suspended for failure to satisfy a citation on October 23, 2007 in Putnam County. He also had a prior charge of driving on a suspended license against him in Warren County.

33 year old Santos Menchu of Short Mountain Road, Smithville was issued a citation on September 1 for speeding, traveling 46 miles per hour in the 25 mile per hour zone at DeKalb West School; no drivers license; and violation of the financial responsibility law. He will be in court on September 22. A deputy spotted a vehicle traveling through the 25 miles per hour school zone at a high rate of speed. Menchu's speed was confirmed by radar. A computer checke revealed that Menchu only had an ID and no insurance.

33 year old Joel Thomas Hayes of Bobby Hayes Road, Dowelltown is charged with unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and a first offense of driving under the influence. His bond is $2,500 and he will be in court on October 6. On Friday, September 2, a deputy saw a vehicle weaving while pulling a trailer on Highway 53 in Liberty. The vehicle crossed the center line three times and twice on the fog lane. The officer pulled over the automobile for failure to maintain the proper lane of travel. The deputy spoke to the driver, Hayes, and noticed that his speech was very slurred and his eye lids looked to be very heavy. Hayes submitted to but performed poorly on several field sobriety tasks. Hayes did submit to a blood alcohol drug test. Hayes was arrested for DUI and upon an inventory of the vehicle, the officer found two hollow ink pens containing residue; and a black plate with a white powdery substance. Hayes had in his possession prescription pills for oxycodone.

20 year old Cory Matthew Huffman of Northfield Boulevard, Murfreesboro is charged with a first offense of driving under the influence, unlawful possession of a schedule VI drug for sale and delivery; and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. He was issued a citation for violation of the light law. A total of four hundred dollars in his possession was also seized by the officer as evidence. Huffman's bond totals $10,000 and he will be in court on September 29. On Sunday, September 4, a deputy stopped a vehicle on Highway 70 east for violation of the light law. Upon speaking with the driver, Huffman the officer noticed that he had red watery eyes. The deputy also detected a strong odor consistent with the smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Huffman submitted to but performed poorly on several field sobriety tasks. Huffman did submit to a blood alcohol drug test. Huffman gave the deputy consent to search and the officer found in a cloth bag, several plastic baggies containing a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana, and a small black digital scale. The approximate weight of the marijuana was 2.3 ounces.

Department activity as of August 30, 2011

2011-08-30T10:25:00.000-05:00

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department has charged a 28 year old Dowelltown woman with aggravated burglary and theft over $1,000. Tiffany Rena Greer of Tami Kay Road was arrested Monday, August 29. Greer is under a $22,500 bond and she will be in court on October 13.. Greer is charged with breaking into a home on Banks Pisgah Road, making entry through a locked back door on Friday, August 19. Items stolen included two saddles and bags, several women clothes, men tennis shoes, camouflaged boots, a Coleman cook set, a bottle of rum, and several articles of camouflaged hunting clothes with a total value of $3,110. He said most of the stolen property has been recovered.

Meanwhile, another man has been arrested as a co-defendant in a recent theft investigation. Two weeks ago, Shane Nerod Miller of Alexandria was picked up by the sheriff's department for allegedly stealing batteries from the same residence on three different occasions and selling them at a local recycling center. This week, 36 year old Keith Gordon Saliski, a homeless man who has been staying in Alexandria, has also been arrested in the cases. Both Saliski and Miller are each charged with three counts of theft of property under $500. Bond for each man totals $3,000 and they will be in court on October 13. Miller was arrested first after an investigation by a Sheriff's Department detective assigned to the case. Saliski was picked up last Wednesday, August 24. Miller and Saliski went to the same residence on Hales Lane on three different occasions, August 2, 4, and 8 and allegedly stole several batteries valued at less than $500 on each trip. The two men then allegedly took the batteries to a local recycling center where they sold them. The total weight of the batteries taken to the recycling center were 816 pounds on the first trip, 503 pounds on the second visit, and 405 pounds on the last occasion.

In another case, a 48 year old Nashville woman, trying to find a place to recharge her cell phone, found herself in trouble with the law for vandalism and criminal trespassing on Sunday, August 28.. Lori Janette Todd is under a $4,000 bond and she will be in court on the charges September 1. A deputy was called to check out a suspicious person on the Cookeville Highway, who was going from house to house, knocking on doors. On at least two occasions, when no one came to the door, the woman, later identified as Todd, would make an attempt to enter vehicles parked in the driveway. In one case, a man spotted the woman trying to get into his automobile. He called for her to get away from his car and to leave the premises. The woman left and went to another house, where again she tried to enter an automobile. But as she opened the car door, it struck a small trailer next to the vehicle, putting a dent in the door. Later, when confronted by the officer, Todd, said she was trying to find a place to plug in her cell phone to re-charge it.

Department activity as of August 22, 2011

2011-08-23T10:01:00.000-05:00

A 48 year old man had a run in with the law last Saturday, August 20. Johnny Michael Howard of Billings Road, Sparta is charged with two counts of evading arrest, one count of resisting arrest, one count of public intoxication, and one count of criminal impersonation. His bond totals $7,500 and he will be in court on September 1. On Saturday, August 20, a deputy was called to respond to a possible assault at a location on Highway 70. When he arrived, the officer spotted Howard but when Howard saw the officer, he began to run. A few minutes later, Howard returned, but when the deputy identified himself as an officer, Howard ran away again. The deputy went after Howard but lost him in the woods. Later, another officer showed up and made contact with Howard. When the deputy identified himself as an officer, Howard ran but this officer caught him within some thirty yards. Howard said the reason he ran was because he is on probation in White County. Howard was charged with resisting arrest after refusing the deputy's commands to remain flat on the ground and to place his hands behind his back. He kept trying to get up off the ground. The criminal impersonation charge was filed against Howard after he told the arresting officer that his name was Jimmy Bain. After further questioning, he admitted that his real name was Johnny Howard. Howard was also charged with public intoxication after the officer found that he had an odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person and he was unsteady on his feet

Meanwhile, 25 year old Kaitlyn Ann Snuffer of Cookeville is charged with driving on a suspended license. Her bond is $1,500 and she will be in court on September 7. She was also issued a citation for having an expired tag on her vehicle and for violation of the financial responsibility law. Snuffer will appear in court on the citations on September 28. On Monday, August 15, Snuffer was pulled over by a deputy on Highway 70 for having an expired license tag. A computer check revealed that her license were suspended on September 4, 2010 in North Carolina for failure to appear.

Department activity as of August 15, 2011

2011-08-15T17:52:00.000-05:00

A 29 year old Alexandria man has been arrested for allegedly stealing batteries from the same residence on three different occasions and selling them at a local recycling center. Shane Nerod Miller of Lower Helton Road is charged with three counts of theft of property under $500. His bond totals $3,000 and he will be in court on October 13.

Miller went to the same residence on Hales Lane on three different occasions, August 2, 4, and 8 and allegedly stole several batteries valued at less than $500 on each trip. Miller then allegedly took the batteries to a local recycling center where he sold them. The total weight of the batteries taken to the recycling center were 816 pounds on the first trip, 503 pounds on the second visit, and 405 pounds on the last occasion. Miller was arrested after an investigation by a Sheriff's Department detective assigned to the case.

Meanwhile, in a separate investigation, 29 year old Terry Rayborn Collins is charged with theft of property over $1,000. His bond is $5,000 and he will be in court on August 18. Collins allegedly took a 1990 Dodge pickup valued at over $1,000 from a location on Holmes Creek Road and sold to a local recycling center. He was arrested on Monday, August 8 after an investigation by a Sheriff's Department detective assigned to the case.

24 year old Monty Lee Slatten, Jr. and 22 year old Sarah Rachelle Bumbalough are each charged with vandalism under $500 and burglary. Bumbalough's bond is $6,000 while bond for Slatten totals $12,500 and they will be in court on August 18. On Monday, August 8 Slatten and Bumbalough allegedly entered a vehicle in the Sligo parking lot on Highway 70 east, took a cd player out of the dashboard, and dropped it causing less than $500 in damage to the cd player. They were arrested after an investigation by a Sheriff's department detective assigned to the case.

49 year old Lisa Gail Caldwell was charged with driving on a revoked license on Tuesday, August 9. Her bond is $2,500 and she will be in court October 5. On Tuesday, August 9, Caldwell was stopped by a deputy who had prior knowledge that her drivers license were revoked. A computer check confirmed that her license were revoked for failure to satisfy insurance after an accident on June 7, 2010 in Warren County. She already had a pending citation for driving on a revoked license on July 20, 2011.

Five days later, on Sunday August 14, Caldwell was stopped by an officer on Dry Creek Road for failure to maintain proper lane of travel. She was again charged with driving on a revoked license and issued a citation for failure to maintain lane of travel and for violation of the financial responsibility law. Her bond in that case is $5,000 and she will be in court on August 25.

50 year old Tammy Elizabeth Burton is charged with public intoxication. Her bond is $1,000 and she will be in court on August 25. On Wednesday, August 10, a deputy responded to a domestic argument on Eagle Creek Road. While there, Burton came up to the officer. She had slurred speech and she was unsteady on her feet. Burton was arrested for her own safety.

28 year old Tommy Lynn Parsley of Mount Juliet is charged with a sixth offense of driving on a suspended license, reckless endangerment, and evading arrest by a motor vehicle. His bond totals $15,000 and he will be in court on August 18. On Saturday, August 6, a deputy was behind a vehicle on Highway 56 north traveling south when he noticed the right tail light out. The officer initiated a traffic stop after crossing Hurricane bridge. The vehicle in front of the officer slowed down and started to pull over but then began to speed up, refusing to stop. The deputy activated his emergency lights and sirens and began a pursuit with speeds exceeding 75 miles an hour. After traveling some six to seven miles, the officer terminated the pursuit due to public safety. Upon further investigation, it was learned that Parsley was the driver of the fleeing vehicle.

In addition to evading arrest, Parsley was charged with reckless endangerment because his actions placed the public in danger of serious bodily injury due his high rates of speed and meeting on-coming traffic on the roadway. A computer check of his license later confirmed that they were suspended for failure to satisfy citations in Wilson County.

Four days later on August 10 at around 5:00 a.m., an officer was called to check out a suspicious person on Lonnie Cantrell Road. When the man, Parsley, saw the officer he started running. The deputy ordered him several times to halt but he never slowed down. He was later arrested. Parsley was charged with evading arrest in that incident and his bond was set at $2,500. Other charges are pending against him.

51 year old Glenis Vickers Brown of Crossville is charged with driving under the influence and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was further issued a citation for failure to maintain proper lane of travel. Her bond totals $3,000 and she will be in court on August 18. On Friday, August 12 Brown was stopped on Highway 70 for failing to drive in her lane of travel. Her speech was very rapid and she was unsteady on her feet. Brown submitted to but performed poorly on all field sobriety tasks. She also submitted to a blood test. During the investigation, Brown gave the officer consent to search and he found four hypodermic needles, a spoon with a powdery residue, half pill, and a tourniquet.

20 year old Travis Arron Joiner of Lebanon is charged with evading arrest and issued citations for failing to maintain proper lane of travel, underage consumption, and driving on a suspended license. His bond totals $1,500 and he will be in court on August 25. A 17 year old juvenile was also arrested in the case. On Sunday, August 14. Joiner was stopped at a residence on New Home Road for failing to maintain proper lane of travel and speeding. The officer told the driver to stay in the vehicle while he chased down a passenger who had fled. When the officer returned to the vehicle, Joiner was not there. Officer knocked on door of residence where the vehicle was parked but no one answered. A couple of hours later, the officer returned to the home and found Joiner there. Joiner was taken into custody.

Department activity as of August 8, 2011

2011-08-08T12:38:00.000-05:00

A Smithville man is charged with two counts of theft after allegedly taking things from two residences on Chapman Hollow Road last month. 47 year old Scott A. Ferrell of Cookeville Highway, Smithville is charged with two counts of theft of property over $500. His bond is $10,000 and he will be in court September 22. Ferrell allegedly stole several items from a residence on Chapman Hollow Road on Tuesday, July 26. Items taken included a turning plow, six foot drag disk, chains and booms, with a total estimated value of $610. The drag disk was later recovered from a local metal recycling business.

On the same day, Ferrell allegedly stole several items from another residence on Chapman Hollow Road including a tobacco trailer, MTD 38 inch cut lawn mower, two hay rings, and a lift, with a total estimated value of $775. The tobacco trailer was later located but due to damage, it could not be recovered.

Meanwhile, 48 year old Gale Edward Winne, Jr. of Smithville is charged with vandalism. His bond totals $1,500 and he will be in court on August 18. On Sunday, August 7 deputies were called to a residence on Dearman Street where a man had kicked open a door and entered the home. Upon arrival and speaking to the homeowner and others at the residence, the officers found the man, Winne, inside the kitchen area. Winne allegedly admitted to kicking open the garage door, which caused damage to the door and the frame. The incident arose due to an argument among persons at the residence. Winne became angry, left the home, but returned later. When no one answered the door as he knocked, Winne kicked it in. The homeowner said the door is valued at $150.

36 year old Jamie Ray Myers of Soddy Daisey is charged with public intoxication, the illegal use of inhalants and violation of the habitual motor vehicle offender law. His bond totals $8,500 and he will be in court on August 18. On Tuesday, August 2 a deputy was called to check out a suspicious person who was reportedly knocking on doors, telling people he had run out of gas. Upon arrival, the officer found the man, Myers, at Terrell Road and Highway 70 east. Myers told the deputy that he had run out of gas here while enroute from Dunlap to Whitwell. Myers was unsteady on his feet and his speech was slurred. The officer asked Myers if he had consumed any drugs or alcohol. Myers replied that he had been huffing paint thinner. Due to his actions and for his safe being, Myers was placed under arrest for public intoxication. Myers gave consent to search his vehicle and the officer found a two liter bottle of a clear watery liquid and a plastic bag containing a clear liquid, which Myers claimed was paint thinner. The deputy also asked Myers to produce his drivers license, but Myers said he didn't have one because he is an habitual offender. A computer check revealed that on March 18, 2002 Myers was convicted as an habitual offender in Hamilton County.

34 year old Lisa Rosita Seibers of Doyle, Tennessee is charged with a second offense of driving under the influence and driving on a revoked license. Her bond is $6,000 and she will be in court September 1. On Sunday, August 7 a deputy responded to a location on Highway 70 east at the request of a TWRA officer, who had been following a vehicle with a flat tire. After the automobile was stopped, the deputy spoke to the driver, Seibers. Her speech was slurred and she was very unsteady on her feet. When asked if she had anything to drink or had taken any medications that day, Seibers replied no but added that she had taken a xanax and consumed some alcohol the night before. Seibers submitted to and performed poorly on several field sobriety tasks. She also submitted to a blood alcohol test. Seibers had a prior DUI charge in 2010.

Department activity as of August 1, 2011

2011-08-01T20:00:00.000-05:00

A Dowelltown woman, accused of breaking into the home of a neighbor on four separate occasions last month while the victim was in the nursing home, has been charged with four counts of aggravated burglary and theft under $500. 39 year old Tammy Denise Currie of East Main Street, Dowelltown is under a $30,000 bond and she will be in court August 18. Currie took advantage of her neighbor being in a nursing home, going to the residence on East Main Street, Dowelltown four times in July to remove items from the home. On each occasion, Currie entered the residence through a back door

On July 5, Currie allegedly stole several dishes, antique plate sets, China sets, and other glass items valued at $200.

Three days later on July 8, Currie allegedly took more dishware from the home, valued at $150 including China cups, matching some of the dishes taken on July 5.

Currie returned to the home on July 12 and allegedly stole a box of China dolls, two bb guns, and two lamps, valued at $475.

On July 14, Currie entered the home again and allegedly took a suitcase, jewelry, and a VCR, valued at $390.

29 year old Kenneth Adam Wright of Lower Helton Road, Alexandria is charged with a second offense of driving under the influence. Wright's bond is $3,000 and he will be in court on the charge August 25. He was also issued a citation for violation of the financial responsibility law and violation of the implied consent law. On July 31, a deputy saw two males slumped over in a vehicle at the parking lot of DeKalb Market. While performing a welfare check, the officer found that the automobile's engine was running. The driver, Wright, was awakened by the deputy and asked to step out of the vehicle. The officer noticed a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on Wright and he was very unsteady on his feet. He submitted to and performed poorly on several field sobriety tasks. Wright refused to submit to a blood test.

42 year old Theresa Petty Tittle of Pea Ridge Road, Liberty is charged with theft of property under $500. Her bond is $1,000 and she will be in court on August 18. On July 28, Tittle went to DeKalb Market and got $64.06 worth of gas and left the store without paying for it.

33 year old Jason Kenneth Cline of Ford Road, Smithville is charged with vandalism. His bond is $3,500 and he will be in court August 4. Cline broke a window on July 26 in a holding cell at the DeKalb County Jail while he was incarcerated. Cline could be seen on the jail's surveillance camera monitors kicking and breaking the window. The estimated value of the damage is $2,000. Sheriff Ray said that the incident occurred while Cline was serving a weekend sentence.

Department activity as of July 25, 2011

2011-07-28T18:52:00.000-05:00

A DeKalb County prisoner, in jail on theft charges, briefly escaped from custody Sunday night after being taken to the hospital to be treated for chest pains. 26 year old Shannon Lee Anderson of West Main Street, Auburntown was apprehended shortly after his escape at the home of his girlfriend on Foster Road in Smithville.

Both Anderson and his girlfriend 22 year old Kayla Rena Sanders are each charged by the sheriff's department with two counts of theft of property under $500 and felony escape. Bond for Anderson is $15,000 and Sanders' bond is $5,000. They will be in court on August 4.

On July 4 Anderson and Sanders allegedly went to homes on Echols Heights in Liberty and at South Mill Street in Dowelltown where they allegedly took a 30/30 rifle from each residence, valued at less than $500. Both Anderson and Sanders were arrested late Saturday night, early Sunday morning.

After being taken to the emergency room of DeKalb Community Hospital for treatment of chest pains Sunday night, Anderson briefly escaped from custody. While being discharged to be returned to the jail, Anderson told the correctional officer in charge of him that he couldn't come back to jail and he ran out the door of the hospital. Anderson was apprehended a short time later at Sanders' residence on Foster Road.

In addition to the charges by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department, Anderson has also been charged in a separate case by the Alexandria Police Department.

Alexandria Police Chief Mark Collins reports that on Saturday, July 23 , Sergeant Chris Russell arrested Anderson on one count of aggravated burglary and one count of theft over $1000. The arrest was the result of a joint investigation between the Alexandria Police Department and the Dekalb County Sheriffs Department into several burglaries in Alexandria and in the county. Chief Collins said that on or about July 21, Anderson allegedly entered a home on Curtis Avenue in Alexandria and allegedly stole four guns. Anderson then sold the guns to someone in Wilson County. Most of the guns have been recovered . Anderson's Bond in the Alexandria case is $10,000 and he will be in court August 4.

In other recent crime news, 31 year old Paul Allen Willingham of East Webb Street is charged with aggravated burglary and theft of property over $1,000. Bond for Willingham is $10,000 and he will be in court on August 12.. On August 29, 2010 Willingham and a co-defendant, Samuel Walker, drove to a residence on Cripps Lane. While Walker allegedly broke into the home, Willingham allegedly stood watch. Taken from the home were four shotguns and several other items all valued at more than $1,000. Willingham is accused of sharing in the proceeds of the theft with Walker. Willingham was arrested on these charges on July 18th.

26 year old Joshua Lynn Mullican of Keltonburg Road, Smithville is charged with violating an order of the drug court, evading arrest, and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond totals $5,000 and he will be in court on July 28th. He is being held without bond on the drug court violation. On July 18, deputies went to a residence on Tommy Harrell Street to serve a warrant on Mullican for a violation of a drug court order. After the officers arrived, Mullican fled on foot to Snow Street, where he was apprehended. Upon doing a pat down search of Mullican, deputies found a hypodermic needle on him.

40 year old Vickie Lenae Alvis of Sparta Highway, Smithville is charged with public intoxication. Her bond is $1,500 and she will be in court on August 4th.. On July 20, the Sheriff's Department received a call that someone was lying beside the roadway on Highway 70. The woman, Alvis, had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on her person and she was very unsteady on her feet. She was arrested for safety reasons.

26 year old Robert Justin Luna of Joe Turner Road, Smithville is charged with initiation of a process to manufacture methamphetamine. Luna's bond is $50,000 and he will be in court on August 4th.. Our department has received several complaints recently of suspected drug activity by trespassers at a vacant home on Barnes Mill Road. Faced with this information, the owner of the property gave the sheriff's department consent to search the premises. On July 20 while conducting a check of the residence, deputies noticed a vehicle parked on the side of the road near the home, belonging to Luna. Upon arrival, officers saw in plain view some rubber tubing in the automobile. Other items were also found on the property. Two other females were there with Luna and they told officers that Luna had been manufacturing meth beside the creek. He said evidence was found to support their claims.

45 year old Mark Alan Goodson of Midway Road, Smithville and 42 year old Dickie Ray Bain of Nicky Lane Smithville are each charged with two counts of theft of property under $500. Bond for each is $5,000 and they will be in court on August 4th.. On July 20, Goodson and Bain went to a business on Highway 70 east and allegedly stole a metal beam, valued at under $500. The next day, July 21 they went back to the business and allegedly stole two more metal beams, also valued at less than $500. The beams were sold at a local recycling center. They were arrested on July 21.

31 year old Gilberto Alonzo Domingez of Circle Drive, Dowelltown is charged with driving on a suspended license. His bond is $2,500 and he will be in court on August 10. He is being held without bond for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) because he is an illegal immigrant. On July 22 a deputy spotted a vehicle run a stop sign on West Main Street, Dowelltown. The officer pulled over the vehicle. A computer check of Domingez' drivers license found them to be suspended for failure to satisfy a citation in DeKalb and Wilson County.

40 year old Jerry Lynn Barrett of West Main Street, Lebanon is charged with driving on a suspended license. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court August 4th.. Barrett was operating a motor vehicle on Highway 70 when he was stopped for violation of the light law on July 22. A computer check revealed that Barrett's license were suspended for failure to satisfy a citation earlier this year in Wilson County.

62 year old Curtis Charles Jones of Oak Drive, Smithville is charged with allowing animals to run at large. His bond is $1,000 and he will be in court on August 4th.. On July 24 the sheriff's department received a call about a horse running at large on Lakeview Drive. Deputies responded and saw a horse in the road. The complainant said the horse belonged to Jones. According to Sheriff Ray, other officers have talked to Mr. Jones on previous occasions about his horse being out and have advised him that he needs to keep the horse put up. Jones was charged because the horse was creating a road hazard.

Department activity as of July 12, 2011

2011-07-12T10:23:00.000-05:00

A 30 year old man, pulled over by a county deputy on a traffic violation last Monday, was found to be carrying prohibited weapons

Steven Levan Gandy of Sparta Highway, Smithville is charged with illegal carrying or possession of a weapon and prohibited weapons. His bond totals $6,000 and he will be in court on August 4.

On Monday, July 4, a deputy was responding to a reckless driver call on Cookeville Highway when he spotted Gandy's vehicle and pulled it over for a traffic violation. The officer spoke to the driver, Gandy and asked him for his drivers license. A check of his license found them to be expired. After receiving consent to search the vehicle, the deputy found a loaded handgun underneath the arm rest compartment. Gandy said that he did not have a permit to carry the gun. The officer also found in the vehicle two knives with blades exceeding four inches. Another knife was found on Gandy's person with a blade length exceeding four inches. In addition to the gun and knives, the deputy confiscated two black poles, each of them three feet long, with weights on the end of them which were wrapped with tape. These poles have no common lawful purpose and appear to be for use as a weapon to inflict serious bodily injury.

52 year old Edwin Dale Evans of Smith Road is charged with driving on a revoked license. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court July 14.

On Wednesday, July 6, a detective saw Evans operating a Mustang traveling west on West Broad Street. Having prior knowledge that Evans' license were revoked, the detective stopped Evans on Dry Creek Road. A computer check confirmed that his license had been revoked for a prior driving under the influence offense.

54 year old Delania Gene Mandrell and 42 year old Karen Renee Hunter both of Hayes Ridge Road, Lancaster are charged with burglary and theft of property under $500. Bond for each is $7,500 and they will be in court on August 4

On Saturday, July 9, Mandrell and Hunter were charged with entering an outbuilding on Chapman Hollow Road with the intent to commit a theft. Items taken were a birdhouse, two rugs, a skillet, an antique Army metal gas can, a wooden milk stool, two metal flower stands, a marble smoke stand, and a small wooden chair with a total value of $303.

Department activity as of July 5, 2011

2011-07-05T07:46:00.000-05:00

A Warren County man, who allegedly burst into a residence on Patterson Road Sunday and kidnaped his girlfriend at gunpoint, has been arrested and charged in the case. 21 year old Donta Lamar Weir of Willow Way, McMinnville is charged with aggravated burglary, aggravated kidnaping, two counts of aggravated assault, and theft of property over $500. His bond totals $85,000 and he will be in court on July 14th.

Deputies received a call to go to Patterson Road Sunday where a man, Weir, came to the home, beat on the door, and then kicked in the door. As Weir was breaking in, the homeowner pulled a weapon and stood behind the door. But when Weir kicked in the door, the gun was knocked out of the homeowner's hand. Weir grabbed the gun and demanded to know where his girlfriend was. At that point, the homeowner ran out of the house and Weir, who found his girlfriend in the home, took her at gun point while she was nude, back to his vehicle and then left, returning to Warren County. Detectives were called in and conducted an investigation. Weir was later found in Warren County where he was arrested. The gun was also recovered.

The specific charges against Weir are aggravated burglary: On July 3rd, Weir tried to kick in the door to the home on Patterson Road. When the victim came to the door, Weir forced his way into the residence without the owners consent. Weir then committed a theft (gun) and an assault (of the homeowner) after entering the residence.

Aggravated Kidnaping: Meir did take by force his girlfriend while having a gun (taken from the home) in his possession. He forced her out, without allowing her to put on any clothes or get any belongings, and forcibly put her in his vehicle and would not let her out. While driving down the road, Weir fired the weapon out the window

Aggravated assault: Weir assaulted the victim of the home by entering without the owners consent. Weir struck and struggled with the owner until he took a 22 caliber handgun away from him (homeowner) The victim said Weir pointed the gun at him after he (Weir) took possession.

Aggravated assault: Weir assaulted his girlfriend by forcing her into his vehicle nude with a gun in his possession. He struck her several times, leaving her eye swollen and bruised. He fired the gun while driving down the road.

Theft of property over $500: Weir did take a 22 caliber handgun belonging to the victim (homeowner) without the victim's consent valued at over $500.

Meanwhile, in a separate case 30 year old Joseph Elwood Selby of Jim Garrett Road, Monterey is charged with sexual battery. His bond is $10,000 and he will be in court on July 14

On Saturday, July 2nd at Floating Mill Park on Center Hill Lake, Selby was swimming and touched a 12 year old female on the buttocks several times in a sexual manner making her feel uncomfortable and afraid.

39 year old Marty Dean Lamb of John Henry Demps Road, Sparta is charged with filing a false police report. His bond is $5,000 and he will be in court on July 14th.

On Sunday, July 3rd at Sligo Marina, Lamb called 911 and reported that he had been robbed at gunpoint. After a further investigation, Lamb admitted to officers that he made up that story.

The 911 center received a call from Lamb stating that he had picked up a female on Highway 70 and that he took her to Sligo Marina. While in the parking lot, Lamb said two men jumped him, robbed him, and stole his medication. Deputies responded and detectives were called to join them. While speaking to the detectives, Lamb further claimed that his Ipod was also stolen. But later during the questioning, Lamb admitted to detectives that he had been lying about the incident. Lamb said the reason he made the false report was because he had earlier pawned his daughter's Ipod and was ashamed and didn't want her to find out. Lamb added that he thought that he could simply file a report and that no further investigation would take place.

45 year old John Patrick Sanders of Brandywine Pointe, Old Hickory was issued a citation for leaving the scene of an accident. He will be in court on August 3rd.

On Wednesday, June 29th Sanders was stopped on Highway 56 north near the overlook by a deputy who was responding to a possible motor vehicle accident where the driver had left the scene. The officer questioned Sanders, who initially lied about the accident but then admitted to running into a guardrail on Hurricane bridge where workers were present.

40 year old Johnny Darrell Murphy of Andrew Street, Smithville is charged with violation of the registration law, violation of financial responsibility, violation of the seatbelt law, and driving an unregistered vehicle. His court date is August 3rd.

On Friday, July 1st Murphy was stopped by a deputy because he had expired tags on the vehicle. Murphy, who was not wearing a seatbelt, also could not provide proof of insurance or registration.

22 year old Omar Ernesto Rodriguez was issued a citation for driving without a license. He was further charged with leaving the scene of an accident. His bond is $2,500 and he will be in court on July 14. Sheriff Ray reports that Rodriguez was involved in an automobile accident on Banks Pisgah Road in which a fence was damaged. Rodriguez left the scene.

Department activity as of June 27, 2011

2011-06-27T15:31:00.000-05:00

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department has made two arrests in recent thefts.

23 year old Richard Spencer Raby of Brush Creek is charged with two counts of burglary and one count of theft of property over $1,000. His bond totals $11,000 and he will be in court on August 4.

On Saturday, June 11, Raby allegedly entered a building on Oakley Road without the owner's consent. Two Suzuki motorcycles were taken, valued at over $1,000. The motorcycles were recovered at Raby's residence in Smith County.

Raby returned to the same property two days later on Monday, June 13 and allegedly entered a building, belonging to the same victim. This time the victim saw Raby coming out of the building and later identified him in a photo lineup. Raby was arrested on Thursday, June 16.

Meanwhile, 20 year old Justin Dale Estes of Judkins Lane, Smithville is charged with theft of property over $500. His bond is $3,500 and he will be in court on June 30.

On Thursday, June 16 Estes allegedly took two hot water heaters from a residence on Judkins Lane valued at $700 without the owner's consent. He then sold them for cash at a recycling business in DeKalb County. Estes allegedly admitted to committing the theft. He was arrested on Friday, June 24.

28 year old Ashley J. Ferrell of Shady Drive, Smithville was issued a citation on Thursday, June 16 for no headlights and driving on a suspended license. His court date is August 10

On Thursday, June 16 at around 11:30 p.m., a deputy was patrolling on Highway 56 north when he spotted a vehicle driving without any headlights on. The officer stopped the vehicle and made contact with the driver, Ferrell and a computer check revealed his license to be suspended for failure to satisfy a citation.

30 year old Jason Wayne Connell of Nashville was issued a citation on Monday, June 20 for driving on a suspended license. His court date is July 28. On Monday, June 20, an officer stopped Connell for questioning on a trespassing complaint. A computer check of his drivers license revealed that they were suspended in Florida.

45 year old Sean William Cavanaugh of Oak Drive, Smithville is charged with a second offense of driving under the influence. Cavanaugh's bond is $3,000 and his court date is August 4.

On Saturday, June 25 a deputy was called by another officer working a wreck on Sparta Highway to check on a possible intoxicated driver in the area. The officer made contact with the driver, Cavanaugh and detected an odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person. Cavanaugh submitted to several field sobriety tasks and performed poorly on them. He refused to submit to a blood alcohol test.

25 year old Caleb Rigsby of Dale Ridge Road, Dowelltown was issued a citation on Sunday, June 26 for driving on a suspended license and failure to yield. His court date is August 10

On Sunday, June 26 at 9:55 p.m. an officer was patrolling on Highway 70 west when he spotted a vehicle pulling out of the intersection of Old Snow Hill Road and Highway 70. The vehicle failed to yield to on-coming traffic. The deputy pulled over the automobile and made contact with the driver, Rigsby. A computer check revealed that his license were suspended in Warren County.

Woman held at knifepoint during car jacking

2011-06-15T09:12:00.000-05:00

A man who held a woman at knifepoint during a carjacking in the Silver Point community Tuesday morning remains at large.

The man, described as being bald, in his 30's, was last seen wearing Levi blue jean shorts and a yellow shirt. The victim, after escaping from the vehicle, was taken by DeKalb EMS to DeKalb Community Hospital for treatment.

The suspect walked up to a home in the Silver point community of DeKalb County, where a woman was outside doing some garden work. The man told her that he had run out of fuel and needed a ride to the gas station. The woman gave him a ride to one of the businesses near Interstate 40 but as she drove in, the man pulled a knife, pointed it at her throat, and ordered her to keep driving. The woman immediately got out of the car and the suspect took control of the vehicle and drove north on Highway 56 a short distance before he wrecked the car. The man then turned the car around and drove back into DeKalb County where he wrecked the vehicle again at Captains Point Road. The man then got out of the car and fled on foot.

Putnam and DeKalb County officers rushed to the scene immediately after the incident and conducted a ground search. They also made contact with some of the residents in the area to alert them.

The suspect's car was found at the intersection of Lafever Ridge Road and Highway 56 north at Silver Point.

If you have information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect call 911 or Central dispatch at 215-3000. If you believe you have seen the suspect, do not confront him.

Department activity as of June, 2011

2011-06-13T21:00:00.000-05:00

19 year old Clay Andrew Bain of Lakeview Drive, Smithville was issued a citation on Monday, June 6 for driving on a suspended license. About an hour later Bain was caught driving again and arrested for driving on a suspended license. Bain was further charged with simple possession of a schedule III controlled substance and cited for simple possession of a schedule VI drug (marijuana) and simple possession of drug paraphernalia. He will appear in court on June 30. His bond totals $5,000.

Bain pulled up to DeKalb County Jail in his truck. A deputy, having knowledge that Bain's drivers license were suspended for traffic violations, issued a citation. The officer deputy then advised Bain to leave the truck where it was parked and not to be driving it. About thirty five minutes later, Bain got into his truck and drove it across the public square to another parking spot. Bain was placed under arrest. Upon conducting a pat down search at the jail, the arresting officer found a marijuana pipe and a small bag of a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana in Bain's pocket along with five pills believed to be hydrocodone.

27 year old Elizabeth Rochelle Bradshaw of Halls Hollow Road, Smithville is charged with resisting arrest. Her bond is $5,000 and she will be in court on June 16.

On Tuesday, June 7 a deputy went to Bradshaw's residence to arrest her for violation of probation stemming from a case in another county. After receiving consent from the property owner to search the home, Bradshaw was found hiding in a bedroom closet. After being discovered, Bradshaw then tried to run out of the room and refused to comply with the officer's commands to stop resisting arrest. She was eventually placed in custody.

38 year old Richard Neal Meyers of Hickory Place, Smithville was charged on Tuesday, June 7 with a seventh offense of driving on a suspended license. Meyers was also issued a citation for failure to yield to a stop sign. His bond totals $7,500 and he will be in court June 15.

A deputy while on routine patrol noticed that a vehicle failed to yield to a stop sign at Lakeview Drive on Highway 56 north. The officer stopped the automobile and asked the driver, Meyers, for his license. Meyers told the deputy that he did not have a license because they were suspended. A computer check revealed that Meyers' license were suspended for failure to satisfy citations in other counties.

39 year old William Joseph Post of Ditty Road, Cookeville is charged with public intoxication. His bond is $1,000 and he will be in court on June 16.

On Saturday, June 11 a deputy was dispatched to the Austin Bottom boat ramp to check on a possible traffic accident. Upon arrival, the officer saw a man lying in the road beside of a vehicle that was in a ditch. While speaking to the man, Post, the deputy detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person. His speech was slurred and when he stood, Post was very unsteady on his feet. Complaining of chest pains, Post was taken by ambulance to the emergency room of the hospital. After being released, Post was placed under arrest for public intoxication.

While at the Austin Bottom boat ramp, the officer was informed that three other persons had been in the vehicle and pointed toward the woods. When the deputy shined a light toward the woods, he saw a male and female in the tree line, unclothed and engaging in sexual activity. The officer advised them to get dressed. The female, 47 year old Tonya Gail Brennan of Medlen Road Baxter, got dressed and came toward the officer but the man ran away. Upon speaking to the woman, Brennan, the officer noticed that her speech was very slurred, she was unsteady on her feet, and she had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on her person. Brennan was charged with public intoxication. She was further cited for indecent exposure. Her bond totals $1,500 and she will be in court on June 16.

Department activity as of May 30, 2011

2011-05-31T09:47:00.000-05:00

A Liberty man was charged with possession of a stolen county road sign after being pulled over for a traffic violation Friday, May 27. 25 year old Ricky Todd Preston of Preston Vickers Road, Liberty was arrested for driving on a suspended license and possession of stolen property. Preston was further issued citations for misuse of registration and failure to stop at a stop sign. His bond totals $3,000 and he will be in court June 2nd. On Friday, May 27, Preston was operating a motor vehicle on Highway 70 when he was stopped for running a stop sign. The arresting officer also discovered that the tag on Preston's vehicle was registered to another automobile A computer check revealed that his license were suspended for failure to satisfy a citation on April 4. Meanwhile, behind the back seat was a road sign belonging to DeKalb County, valued at less than $500.

Meanwhile, 24 year old Rey Basurto Barrera of Mill Street, Manchester was issued a citation on Thursday, May 26 for driving without a license and violation of the financial responsibility law, no insurance. He will be in court on June 15. Barrera was driving south on Short Mountain Highway when he ran off the roadway and struck a mailbox. He did not have a drivers license and failed to show proof of insurance.

22 year old Stanley Farley of McFloyd Road, Sparta is charged with public intoxication. His bond is $1,000 and he will be in court on June 30th. On Saturday, May 28 at the Cloverleaf Restaurant on Highway 70 the sheriff's department received a call of a man trying to get into the restaurant. Upon arrival, the deputies found Stanley at the back of the building. He had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person and he would not comply with the officers' commands. The deputies then discovered that Stanley was deaf. Stanley grabbed onto a tree to keep the officers from handcuffing him. He would not walk on his own to the patrol car so the deputies had to carry him. Stanley refused to cooperate with the officers until he got to the jail.

30 year old Steven Levan Gandy of Sparta Highway, Smithville is charged with theft of property over $500, reckless endangerment, and evading arrest. Gandy was further issued a citation for misuse of registration. Gandy's court date is June 16 and his bond totals $12,500. On Saturday, May 28, a deputy tried to pull over Gandy's vehicle on Highway 56 to serve a warrant on him. When the officer turned on his emergency equipment signaling him to stop, Gandy fled in his vehicle from the McDonald's parking lot to Bryant Street and then almost to College Street before stopping. When Gandy turned onto Bryant Street he cut across another lane of traffic, forcing other vehicles to stop to keep from hitting his automobile in the side. After getting him stopped, the officer served the warrant on Gandy, taken by the Alexandria Police Department, for theft. According to the warrant, Gandy went to a location on Jennings Lane in Alexandria on Saturday, May 14 where he allegedly took two TV sets without the owner's consent, valued at over $500. The TV sets were later recovered at Gandy's residence. The arresting officer also discovered that the tag on Gandy's vehicle was actually for a different automobile, according to a computer check.

41 year old Heather Johnson of Wenger Lane, Smithville is charged with driving on a revoked license. She was also issued a citation for failure to yield to a stop sign. Johnson will appear in court June 15. Her bond totals $1,500. On Saturday, May 28, Johnson was operating a vehicle on Highway 70 when she was pulled over for rolling through a stop sign at the Allen's Ferry Road intersection. A computer check revealed that her license were revoked for a DUI in Rutherford County on September 1, 2010.

Department activity as of May 24, 2011

2011-05-24T09:27:00.000-05:00

A 35 year old man was arrested for public intoxication Friday after he allegedly showed up for court under the influence. Tyrone Dewayne Owens of Shady Drive, Smithville was scheduled to appear before Criminal Court Judge David Patterson in another case when a deputy noticed him enter the courtroom very unsteady on his feet. His speech was slurred. Owens also passed out and was drooling from his mouth. Owens was placed under arrest. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court on this charge June 2nd.

Meanwhile, in another case, two men were charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor after allegedly admitting to smoking marijuana in the presence of a seventeen year old female. 18 year old Travis Mark Melton of Johnson Chapel Road, Sparta and 21 year old Jerry Donald Cantrell of Adcock Cemetery Road, Smithville will be in court on the charges June 9th. Melton is also charged with driving under the influence. The arrests were made after a traffic stop by a county deputy on Highway 70 last Monday, May 16th. Melton was operating a motor vehicle under the influence. He could be seen swerving and he almost rear ended another automobile. The officer pulled him over and detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle as he approached. Melton had slurred speech and he submitted to and performed poorly on all field sobriety tasks. Melton also submitted to a blood test. Both Melton and Cantrell, a passenger in the vehicle, admitted to smoking marijuana in the presence of a seventeen year old girl, who was also a passenger in the automobile. Bond for Cantrell is $1,000 and $2,500 for Melton.

33 year old Aron Dwayne Ponder of Old Mill Hill Road, Dowelltown was issued a citation on Monday, May 16th for criminal trespassing and littering after I, Sheriff Ray, saw Ponder walk behind the jail and throw down a bag which was found to be a six ounce bag of tobacco. His court date is June 1st.

54 year old Fred T. Dowell of Smith Road, Smithville was issued a citation for failing to give immediate notice of an accident and leaving the scene of an accident. Dowell also charged with filing a false report. Dowell's bond is set at $2,500 and his court date is June 9th. On Thursday, May 12th, Dowell was operating a vehicle on Highway 70 east when he lost control, resulting in an accident. He drove the car to the VFW parking lot where he parked it and left the scene. The deputy, who investigated the accident, later spoke to Dowell who stated that he and a friend had previously borrowed the vehicle from the local Ford dealership, but had returned it, apparently leaving the impression that he was not involved in the accident with the car. The officer learned that Dowell, in fact, had not returned the car, but instead was driving it when it wrecked. A witness saw him walking away from the vehicle after the crash. A computer check revealed that Dowell's drivers license were revoked.

William J. Goodman of Steeple Chase Drive, Smithville is charged with public intoxication. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court on June 2nd. On Wednesday, May 18 the sheriff's department received a call to check out a suspicious person at DeKalb Market. After arriving, the officer spoke with Goodman who had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person and he was unsteady on his feet. Goodman left his vehicle parked crossways of a handicapped parking spot. The automobile also had a tire missing on the front. Goodman was arrested because he was a danger to himself and others. As he was being unloaded at the salley port of the jail, Goodman made an unsuccessful attempt to run past an officer.

45 year old Rhonda Faye Brewer of Swoape Road, McMinnville is charged with introduction of drugs into a penal institution. Her bond is $5,000 and she will be in court on June 9th. On Thursday, May 19 Brewer reported to the jail on a violation of probation. Upon a pat down search, a coffee filter was found in her bra by the correctional officers. When the filter was unfolded, officers found that it contained methamphetamine.

50 year old Sammy Gene Taylor of Winter Drive, Dowelltown is charged with public intoxication. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court on June 2nd. On Thursday, May 19 the Sheriff's Department received a call about a man lying beside of the road on Winter Drive. Upon arrival, the officer found Taylor passed out beside the road. He had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person and he could not sit or stand without assistance. He was carried to jail.

40 year old Michael Glen Thomas of West Main Street, Dowelltown is charged with a second offense of driving under the influence. His bond is $2,000 and he will be in court on June 9th. On Friday, May 20 Thomas was operating a vehicle on Highway 70 when he was stopped for crossing over into the turning lane several times. Thomas had slurred speech and he was unsteady on his feet. Thomas performed poorly on all field sobriety tasks and submitted to a blood test.

29 year old Jarred Wayne Newell of Rock Hill, South Carolina is charged with public intoxication. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court on June 2nd. On Friday, May 20 an officer saw Newell get out of the back seat of a vehicle at DeKalb Market. Newell was very unsteady on his feet. Newell had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person and he needed assistance to walk. He had been warned earlier in the evening by another officer to stay out of public view.

Sheriff's Department Presents 149 Donated Cell Phones to Genesis House

2011-05-16T14:05:00.000-05:00

On behalf of the citizens of DeKalb County, last week I presented Family Advocate Deborah Goodwin from the Cookeville Genesis House 149 donated used cell phones the Sheriff's Department has collected from residents here.

Goodwin said "I want to thank the Citizens of DeKalb County for their cell phone donations. We take the donated phones, refurbish them, and give them to our clients as a way to contact law enforcement in case they find themselves in immediate danger or have an emergency. The cell phones only will call 911. Goodwin said that every 14 seconds in our country, a woman is battered by her intimate partner and every 5 years, more women are killed by domestic violence than Americans killed in the Vietnam War."

20% of all murders are domestic violence related and 76% of rape and sexual assaults are committed by husbands, ex-husbands, boyfriends, family members or acquaintances. Anyone who is a victim of domestic violence may contact our office at 597-4935 for information or for a ride to a domestic shelter in Cookeville. You may also call the 24 hour Genesis House Crisis Line at 1-800-707-5197 or 931-525-1637.

I want to thank the Citizens of DeKalb County for one of their largest cell phone donations ever and to remind you that the department will be collecting used cell phones again this year. You may drop off any cell phones at the Sheriff's Office. If you have a cell phone you no longer plan to use, whether or not it is functional, just drop it by the Sheriff's Department. The Sheriff's Department collects these phones during the year and makes an annual donation on behalf of DeKalb County to the Genesis House.

Department activity as of May 16, 2011

2011-05-16T14:01:00.000-05:00

An arrest has been made in a recent burglary and theft investigation by the Sheriff's Department. 34 year old James W. Stringer of Morgan Drive, Smithville is charged with one count of burglary, theft of property over $500, and theft of property over $1,000. His bond totals $15,000 and he will be in court on the charges June 9th. On Friday, April 15th, Stringer allegedly entered a barn at Pea Ridge Road and Dry Creek Road with the intent to commit a theft. Entry was made through a fence behind the barn. Items taken from the barn included a Honda 4-wheeler, a John Deere Radiator, a 12 horsepower Briggs and Stratton motor, a cast iron block for a motor, a Gravely tiller, Gravely side cycle mower attachment, a box of assorted radio parts, miscellaneous electrical motors, and five bundles of fence posts. The estimated value of the stolen items comes to $1,175. Stringer has allegedly admitted to taking these things. The detective who filed the charges has recovered the stolen 4-wheeler.

Meanwhile on Wednesday, April 20th Stringer allegedly entered property at Pea Ridge Road and Dry Creek Road and stole a 1986 year model 125 Honda 4-wheeler, valued at $500, which was behind a shed. Stringer has allegedly admitted to taking the 4-wheeler.

29 year old Leoncio Celaya Ramirez of Bonner Street, McMinnville is charged with leaving the scene of an accident with property damage. His bond is $3,500 and he will be in court on June 2nd. On Friday, May 13th, Ramirez was involved in a motor vehicle accident on Highway 56 south and that he left the scene on foot. EMS spotted Ramirez about one mile from the scene. Ramirez admitted to the officer making the arrest that he was the driver of one of the automobiles involved in the mishap.

44 year old Walter D. Crawford of Bluhmtown Road is charged with resisting a stop, frisk, halt, arrest, or search; unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia; simple possession of a schedule VI controlled substance (marijuana); and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon. His bond totals $27,500 and he will be in court on June 2nd. On Sunday, May 15th two deputies went to Bluhmtown Road to do a welfare check on a fifteen year old female. The girl told the officers that she was afraid of her uncle, Crawford, with whom she resides. The girl stated that Crawford had sexually assaulted her, that he had guns in the home, and that he was a felon. Crawford admitted to the guns being in the residence but when the officers asked him if he were a felon, Crawford responded that he didn't know. When asked if he had been charged with any sexual offenses, Crawford replied "no". However, a check through central dispatch revealed that Crawford was a sex offender. After finding guns in his bedroom, officers placed Crawford under arrest for possession of a weapon by a felon. As they were confiscating the weapons from the bedroom, the deputies saw, in plain view on a dresser, a plastic bag with two packs of rolling papers and marijuana. A pipe was also found on top of the bag. The weapons seized included two pistols, eleven long guns (rifles), and five shotguns. The deputies asked Crawford to turn around and place his hands behind his back. When the officers tried to place handcuffs on Crawford, he pulled away. Force then had to be used in order to handcuff him.

Department activity as of May 09, 2011

2011-05-09T17:35:00.000-05:00

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department arrested a pedestrian last Thursday after finding him carrying marijuana, rolling papers, and a knife. 43 year old David Howard Dixon of Sparta Highway, Smithville is charged with unlawful carrying or possession of a weapon, simple possession of a schedule VI controlled substance (marijuana), and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond totals $6,000 and his court date is May 12th

On Thursday, May 5th a deputy saw Dixon crossing Highway 56 south on foot. A vehicle had to pull into the turning lane to avoid hitting him. Upon stopping to do a welfare check, the officer saw in Dixon's back pocket, a black handled knife. As the deputy spoke to him, Dixon turned toward the officer and grabbed for the knife from his back pocket. The deputy drew his weapon and ordered Dixon to put up his hands. Dixon complied, putting the knife back into his pocket. The officer further instructed Dixon to place his hands on the car. Dixon again complied and the deputy then removed the knife from Dixon's back pocket. In addition to the weapon, the deputy found in Dixon's pants pocket a plastic bag containing a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana. During an inventory of Dixon's property, the officer also found in his wallet a pack of rolling papers.

24 year old Matthew Lee Tinsley of Parkway Drive, Smithville was issued a citation on Tuesday, May 3rd for possession of drug paraphernalia. His court date is June 2nd.. A deputy was called to Tinsley's residence by the Department of Children Services. Upon arrival, the officer spoke to Tinsley and asked him if he had anything illegal in the home. Tinsley produced some paraphernalia. Upon a further search, the officer also found multiple needles, straws, gloves, and spoons.

23 year old Macario Sente Raymundo of Braswell Lane, Smithville is charged with driving under the influence and issued citations for violation of the implied consent law and driving without a license. His court date is May 19th and his bonds totals $1,500. On Wednesday, May 4th a deputy responded to a one vehicle accident on Highway 56 south. Upon arrival, the officer found the driver, Raymundo, to be very unsteady on his feet and he had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person. Raymundo submitted to several field sobriety tasks and performed poorly on all. He also refused to submit to a blood alcohol test.

19 year old Zackary Austin Patton of Ross Avenue, McMinnville is charged with driving under the influence. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court on June 9th. On Sunday, May 8th a deputy saw a vehicle on Tiger Drive pull off to the side of the roadway. The driver then turned off the car lights. The officer stopped to do a welfare check and found the driver, Patton, who informed the deputy that he was underage and had been drinking. Patton explained that he did not feel safe driving and that's why he pulled over. He submitted to and performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. Patton did submit to a blood alcohol test.

Department activity as of May 02, 2011

2011-05-02T11:27:00.000-05:00

53 year old Tina Lynn Cazee of Hickman is charged with driving under the influence. Her bond is $1,500 and her court date is June 9th. On Monday, April 25th Cazee was involved in a property damage accident while operating a motor vehicle on Smith Fork Road. The investigating officer found her to be unsteady on her feet and her speech was slurred. Cazee performed poorly on all field sobriety tasks. She did submit to a blood test.

Meanwhile, 43 year old Melissa Jean Culwell of South Mountain Street, Smithville is charged with failure to appear. Her bond is $1,500 and her court date is May 5th. Culwell was due to report to the DeKalb County Jail on Friday, April 29th at 6:00 p.m. to serve a weekend sentence but she showed up late.

30 year old James Harold Brassell, Jr. of Pleasant Shade is charged with one count of driving on a revoked license and a second offense of driving under the influence. He was also issued a citation for violation of the implied consent law. His bond totals $4,500 and he will be in court on May 12th. On Saturday, April 30th, a deputy was dispatched to Highway 56 to check out a complaint about a reckless driver. The officer spotted a vehicle on the left side of the road with the lights on. The driver was slumped over the wheel. The deputy stopped to check on the welfare of the driver. The car doors were locked. It took the officer about ten minutes to get inside the vehicle. Brassell was found to have a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person and he could not walk without assistance. He refused to submit to a blood test. Brassell performed poorly on all field sobriety tasks. EMS arrived at the scene to check on him but he refused assistance. A computer check also revealed that his drivers license were revoked due to a DUI offense against him on October 14th, 2009 in Wilson County.

24 year old Jason Sturdivant of Page Drive, Smithville is charged with driving on a suspended license. His bond is $1,500. On Sunday, May 1st an officer was performing a welfare check on a vehicle parked at Mystik Market on Highway 56. The driver, Sturdivant, was found to be slumped over the steering wheel with the vehicle's engine still running. The officer had prior knowledge that Sturdivant had a suspended drivers license. Sturdivant also has other driving on suspended license charges pending in court. His license were suspended on October 16th, 2009 for failure to satisfy a citation.

Department activity as of April 11, 2010

2011-04-11T16:33:00.000-05:00

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department has arrested 42 year old Kenneth Lee Moore of Midway Road, Smithville for the rape of a child. Moore allegedly raped his twelve year old niece on November 15th. The child, who was living with Moore at the time, awoke from sleep to find Moore making sexual contact with her. Moore's bond is $50,000 and he will be in court on April 21st.

Meanwhile, 30 year old Joseph Daniel Richardson of Church Street, Liberty is charged with aggravated burglary and theft of property over $10,000. 30 year old Nena Renea Chapman of Gentry Avenue, Smithville is charged in the same case with theft of property. On Monday, April 4th, Richardson allegedly entered a residence on Dry Creek Road with the intent to commit a theft. Richardson apparently made entry by pushing on the locked back door with his shoulder. Items taken were twenty five dollar gold pieces on a chain, two and a half dollar gold pieces on a chain, five dollar gold pieces on a chain, approximately one hundred fifty pieces of miscellaneous items, a medicine organizer, and a quilt. All items were valued at $15,070 dollars. Chapman allegedly took some of the jewelry and sold it at a local business. Bond for Richardson is $40,000. Chapman's bond is $25,000. Both will appear in General Sessions Court on May 5th.

45 year old Dayna Lamay Johnson of Andrew Street Smithville is charged under a grand jury sealed indictment with sale and delivery of a schedule II controlled substance (Morphine). Her bond is $30,000. Johnson's indictment and arrest comes after an undercover drug investigation by the Smithville Police Department and DeKalb County Sheriff's Department.

47 year old Morales Jesus Alarcon of Vinewood Road, McMinnville is charged with reckless endangerment. Alarcon was also issued citations for improper passing on a double yellow line, no drivers license, and violation of the financial responsibility law (no insurance). His bond is $10,000 and he will be in court May 5th. Alarcon was operating a motor vehicle on Highway 56 last Wednesday, April 6th when he almost hit a deputy head-on while passing two vehicles on a double yellow line.

Juan M. Hualos of Short Mountain Highway, Smithville was issued a citation on Wednesday, April 6th for no drivers license and expired registration. While patrolling on Jacobs Pillar Road. a deputy saw Hualos' vehicle traveling south and noticed that the tags on the car were expired. He pulled over the automobile. A computer check revealed that Hualos had no drivers license. His court date is set for June 16th.

51 year old Lonnie Ray Dyer of Patterson Road, Smithville is charged with abuse of 911. Dyer's bond is $2,500 and his court date is April 28th. A deputy went to Dyer's home on Thursday, April 7th to speak with him. Dyer had called 911 twice that day to report that his neighbors had stolen from him and that they had been shooting at him. Dyer allegedly threatened to shoot anyone who came onto his property including the officers. Dyer has called 911 several times within the last week to make these types of complaints but each time the deputies responded to investigate, they could find no evidence to support Dyer's claims. Dyer has also refused to give a more complete report or file charges against anyone.

Terri Lynn Poss of Poss Road, Smithville was issued a citation on Friday, April 8th for failure to use a traffic control device, four counts of simple possession of a schedule II controlled substance, and one count of simple possession of a schedule IV drug. Her court date is May 5th. Poss failed to use a signal light (blinker) at the intersection of Hooper Road and Four Seasons Road. After the deputy pulled over the car, he conducted a search of the vehicle and found nine percocet pills, four xanax pills, nineteen methodone pills, and four oxycodone pills. She had no valid prescription for them.

49 year old Randall Scott Curtis of Liberty is charged with public intoxication. His bond is $1,000 and he will be in court on April 28th. Curtis was also served with a capias for failure to appear in court on two counts of violation of probation. He is being held without bond on the capias.

On Friday, April 8th a deputy was dispatched to Highway 70 west near DeKalb Market to check on a person who was standing in the roadway. Upon arrival the deputy made contact with the man, Curtis, who was standing in the roadway facing oncoming traffic. Curtis had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person and he was very unsteady on his feet. Curtis' speech was also very slurred. Curtis told the officer that he had drank twelve beers and had smoked some marijuana. Curtis also told the deputy he was hoping to get hit by a car. Due to his intoxication and being a danger to himself, Curtis was placed under arrest.

Department activity as of April 6, 2010

2011-04-06T13:15:00.000-05:00

29 year old William Travis Malone of Oak Street, Smithville is charged with three counts of violation of probation, one count of unlawful possession of a schedule IV controlled substance, xanax, for resale and one count of unlawful possession of a schedule II drug, dilaudid, for resale.

On Friday April 1st, the sheriff's department crime suppression unit went to 107 Oak Street to serve three violation of probation warrants on Malone. He was upstairs in a bedroom. When officers entered the room they saw Malone, who had tried to climb out the window, climb back in. He faked tripping and fell to the floor. Malone then shoved a glass vial under the bed. The vial contained six blue pills and a bar pill believed to be xanax and two pills believed to be dilaudid. Officers also found on Malone a hypodermic needle in his back pocket and $787 in cash in another pocket. Malone could not account for how he obtained the money.

Malone's bond totals $5,500 and he will be in court on the charges next week.

24 year old Jason A. Sturdivant of Page Drive was issued a citation on Monday, March 28th for driving on a suspended license, violation of the child restraint law, violation of the registration law, and violation of the financial responsibility law, no insurance. His court date is April 20th.

An officer stopped Sturdivant having prior knowledge that he did not have a valid drivers license. After making the traffic stop, the officer saw a four year old child in the vehicle with Sturdivant who was not properly restrained in a car seat. Sturdivant could not show proof of registration or insurance.

Stephanie Mosley of Brush Creek was issued a citation on Thursday, March 31st for driving on a revoked license, violation of the seat belt law, violation of the registration law, violation of the financial responsibility law, no insurance, and for not having a child properly restrained in the car. She will be in court on April 27th.

Mosely was stopped by a deputy for an improper display of tags. The tag did not match the vehicle. The officer discovered that her license were revoked and she could not produce a valid registration or insurance card. In the car with Mosely was an eight year old boy, who was sitting in the back seat without wearing a seat belt.

31 year old Christopher Scott Hough of Green Hill Road, Smithville was issued a citation on Friday, April 1st for expired tags and driving on a suspended license after being pulled over by a deputy on Highway 70 west. His court date is May 18th.

31 year old Abigail Vogel of Dale Ridge Road, Smithville was issued a citation on Friday, April 1st for driving on a revoked license and speeding. Her court date is July 13th. Vogel was stopped on Highway 146 for speeding. She was clocked at 59 miles per hour in a 45 mile per hour speed zone. A computer check revealed that her drivers license were revoked for a first offense of driving under the influence.

35 year old Keith Gordon Salisky of Circle Drive, Dowelltown was issued a citation on Friday April 1st for driving on a suspended license, violation of the light law, and simple possession of a schedule II controlled substance, oxycodone. His court date is July 14th. Salisky was stopped on Highway 70 west for having a headlight out. The arresting officer reported that when he approached the vehicle, Salisky dropped a cellophane wrapper in the floorboard which contained four 10 milligram oxycodone pills. A computer check revealed that his drivers license were suspended for failure to pay child support.

25 year old Cody L. Crips of Forrest Avenue, Smithville was charged on Saturday April 2nd for evading arrest. A capias was issued out of General Sessions Court for Crips' arrest after failing to appear. His bond totals $24,000 and he will be in court on April 7th. On Saturday April 2nd, deputies went to a residence on Forrest Avenue to serve warrants on Crips but he tried to evade by hiding inside an entertainment center. After arriving, officers knocked on the front door of the home, looked through a window and saw Crips inside.. The deputies gave a verbal command for Crips to open the door but he refused. Armed with a capias to serve on Crips, officers made entry into the home and placed Crips in custody. The capias was issued apparently because Crips failed to appear in court for a second offense of driving under the influence, evading arrest, and driving on a revoked license.

A capias was issued out of General Sessions Court for 42 year old Victor Glen Gingerich of Jimmy Malone Road, Liberty for failing to appear on charges of driving on a suspended license, simple possession, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He will be in court April 7th. Gingerich is also charged with carrying a prohibited weapon and a third offense of driving on a suspended license. He was further issued a citation for driving an unregistered vehicle. He will appear in court on those offenses April 28th.

On Monday, April 4th a deputy was patrolling on Highway 70 west when he saw a green sedan, traveling eastbound, cross three lanes of traffic and then start driving in the turning lane. The officer stopped the vehicle and made contact with the driver, Gingerich. The deputy noticed that the license plate on the vehicle was not registered to this automobile. The vehicle was unregistered. The officer also saw a metal pipe, about fifteen inches long and wrapped in electrical tape, lying beside the driver's seat. A computer check revealed that Gingerich's license were suspended. His bond totals $12,500.

Amanda M. Daniels of Luttrell Avenue, Smithville was issued a citation on Saturday, April 2nd for driving on a suspended license and driving an unregistered vehicle. Her court date is May 11th. A deputy was patrolling on Anthony Avenue when he spotted a white sedan with Florida tags, which were expired. The vehicle was unregistered. After the officer pulled over the driver, Daniels, he asked for a computer check which revealed her license to be suspended.

27 year old Matthew Shawn Pettit of Doyle was issued two citations on Friday April 1st for violation of the child restraint law and one citation for violation of the seatbelt law. His court date is April 20th. A deputy was on Highway 146 when he noticed that the driver of a vehicle, Pettit, was not wearing a seatbelt. He pulled over the car and also found that two small children in the vehicle with Pettit, ages 3 and 4 years old, were not in a child restraint device.

50 year old Donald Gene Rigsby of Kings Court, Smithville was issued a citation for having his vehicle illegally setting in the roadway on Adcock Cemetery Road and violation of the open container law. His court date is April 20th. A deputy discovered Rigsby's vehicle parked on Adcock Cemetery Road, setting in the roadway where it could cause a traffic hazard. Upon stopping to check the car, the deputy saw an open container of beer within arms reach of the driver.

Department activity as of March 21, 2010

2011-03-22T08:24:00.000-05:00

36 year old Jonathan David Culwell of Allen's Chapel Road was issued a citation on Friday, March 18th for violation of the financial responsibility law. His court date is March 30th. He was involved in a two car accident and could not provide proof of insurance.

36 year old Autumn D. White of Chapman Hollow Road, Dowelltown was issued a citation on Friday, March 18th for simple possession of a schedule II controlled substance (Opana). Her court date is April 7th. On March 18th during a Department of Children Services home visit, a DCS worker found a schedule II controlled substance (Opana) in the hallway floor, believed to belong to Ms. White.

19 year old Travis Joe Davenport of Eagle Creek Road, Smithville was issued a citation on Friday, March 18th for violation of the financial responsibility law and violation of the child restraint law. His court date is April 13th. Davenport, who was traveling north on Mountain View Drive, was pulled over by a deputy. With Davenport was a three year old child sitting in the lap of a seventeen year old in the passenger seat. The child was not in a child restraint device and Davenport could not provide proof of insurance.

25 year old Eduardo Dimas Romo of Cecil Hale Road, Smithville was issued a citation on Sunday, March 20th for having no drivers license, violation of the financial responsibility law, violation of the open container law, and for causing a roadway hazard. His court date is April 7th. Romo, who was operating a motor vehicle, stopped in the middle of the roadway on Cecil Hale Road causing a road hazard. Romo could not provide proof of insurance and he had an open 12 ounce can of beer in a cupholder within his reach. A computer check revealed that Romo had no drivers license.

Department activity as of March 7, 2010

2011-03-07T18:30:00.001-06:00

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department has arrested a 42 year old man for the theft of farm equipment from a location on McMinnville Highway last Friday, March 4th. Roger Matthew Sutton of Cookeville Highway is charged with theft of property. His bond is $5,000 and he will be in court on March 17th.

Sutton allegedly took two sets of cultivator arms, two sets of cultivators, two sets of cultivator bars, a three point hitch, a fertilizer distributor, ten hard land plows, and a gooseneck plate, all valued at over $1,000.

Meanwhile, 49 year old Danny Ray Ponder of Old Mill Hill Road, Dowelltown is charged with driving under the influence, possession of a schedule II drug (dilaudid) and a schedule IV controlled substance (xanax) for resale. His bond totals $52,500 and his court date is April 7th

On Friday, March 4th a deputy stopped to check out a vehicle which was parked in the roadway at a stop sign on Game Ridge Road. The motor was running and Ponder, who was passed out behind the steering wheel, still had his foot on the brake pedal. The deputy awoke Ponder and got him out of the vehicle. Ponder was unsteady on his feet and his speech was slurred. He submitted to and performed poorly on field sobriety tasks and he had trouble staying awake. Ponder also submitted to a blood test.

During the DUI arrest of Ponder, the officer received consent to search his vehicle and found two bottles under the seat, one containing 83 xanax pills and another containing nine pills, believed to be dilaudid.

40 year old Royce Virgel Ashford, Jr. of Warren Road, Woodbury was recently issued a citation for driving on a suspended license and for failure to maintain his lane of travel. Ashford will appear in General Sessions Court on April 6th.

Ashford was operating a vehicle on Highway 56 north, heading south when he failed to maintain his lane of travel. After pulling over the automobile, the officer asked Ashford for his drivers license. Ashford produced it and a computer check revealed that the license was suspended for failure to satisfy a citation in Putnam County.

Department activity as of March 1, 2010

2011-03-01T06:50:00.000-06:00

39 year old Tammy Denise Currie of East Main Street, Dowelltown is charged with public intoxication and criminal impersonation. Her bond totals $3,000 and her court date is set for March 3rd. On Monday, February 21st a deputy was called to check out a person on East Main Street in Dowelltown who may have been intoxicated

Upon arrival, the officer saw the woman walking down the street. She was very unsteady on her feet. She admitted to the officer that she had taken xanax and hydrocodone pills. When he asked for her identity, she told him her name was Stephanie Mooneyham. A further investigation revealed her name to be Tammy Currie. The deputy placed Currie under arrest to keep her from walking out in front of vehicles.

53 year old Donna Faye Hewell of Hawkins Drive, Smithville was issued a citation for two counts of simple possession including one for a schedule III and the other for a schedule IV controlled substance. She was also issued a citation for failing to maintain proper lane of travel. Hewell will appear in court on March 10th.

A deputy stopped her vehicle on Saturday, February 26th for failing to maintain proper lane of travel. Hewell gave the officer consent to search and he found, in her purse, three blue pills believed to be Loratab, which is a schedule III controlled substance. Four small blue bills were also found, believed to be xanax, which is a schedule IV controlled substance.

Department activity as of February 21, 2010

2011-02-21T18:13:00.001-06:00

A Smithville man was arrested by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department last week after a deputy found a meth lab in his home.

25 year old Brandon Keith Thomas of West Broad Street, Smithville is charged with initiation to manufacture methamphetamine.

On Thursday, February 17th, a deputy was called to check out a possible meth lab at Thomas' home. After informing Thomas why he was there, the officer asked if he could enter. Thomas gave consent and the officer, upon entering, detected a strong chemical smell consistent with the manufacture of methamphetamine inside the home. After receiving consent to search, the officer found in five rooms, components of a methamphetamine lab including coffee filters, tubing, and a three liter bottle, all containing a white powdery residue, a two liter bottle with a bi-layered liquid, cut batteries, lithium strips, propane, and empty pseudoephedrine packs.

Thomas' bond was originally set at $50,000 but during a court appearance, Judge Bratten Cook, II doubled his bond to $100,000. Thomas' next court date is March 10th.

Meanwhile, 30 year old Julie Elaine Moore of Cookeville Highway is charged with four counts of theft under $500. Her bond totals $10,000 and she will be in court on March 17th

Moore allegedly stole items from a residence on Cookeville Highway on four separate occasions and then pawned or sold them.

On January 14th, Moore allegedly took a wii video game system from the home and pawned it for $40 in Cookeville. The value of the game system was $200.

Moore returned to the residence on January 31st where she allegedly took a floor heater and then returned it for $41 in cash at Wal-mart.

On February 13th, Moore went back to the same residence where she allegedly took a mailbox and then returned it for $16 in cash at Wal-mart.

During her last trip to the home on February 16th, Moore allegedly took ten bags of mulch and six bags of potting soil and returned it for $60 in cash at Wal-mart.

The sheriff's department arrested two people on Tuesday, February 15th after making a traffic stop on Shady Drive.

35 year old Tyrone Dewayne Owens was charged with a first offense of driving on a suspended license while 28 year old Chasity Phillips was charged with unlawful possession of a schedule III controlled substance (Hydrocodone) for resale. Her bond is $10,000 and she will be in court on February 24th. Owens' bond is $1,000 and he will be in court on February 23rd.

A deputy was traveling on Highway 56 north when a black Dodge truck turned in front of him into Highland Drive, causing the officer to swerve into another lane to avoid a crash. After stopping the vehicle on Shady Drive, the deputy talked to the driver, Owens who advised the officer that he did not have a drivers license. The deputy had also observed Owens operating this same vehicle earlier in the day. A computer check confirmed that Owens' license were suspended for failure to pay child support.

Phillips, a passenger of Owens' truck was arrested after another officer, standing beside the vehicle, saw her put something down her pants. She was asked to step out of the truck. The officer also asked her what she had placed in her pants. Phillips then pulled out a cellophane pack that contained fifteen hydrocodone 10 milligram pills.

40 year old Jeffrey Lee White of Page Drive, Smithville was issued a citation on February 16th for driving on a revoked license. He was stopped for having a tail light out on the left side of his vehicle. During the traffic stop, White told the officer that his license were revoked. He will be in court on March 2nd.

25 year old Sarah Michelle Gleed of Tubb Street, Liberty was issued a citation for violation of the financial responsibility law (no insurance), failure to display (tag), and for the vehicle not being registered to the driver. Gleed was stopped on February 18th for no tag information on the vehicle. The automobile only bore an out of date drive-out tag. She could not produce proof of registration, insurance, or tag information. Her court date is March 2nd

52 year old Jerry Wayne Foster of Allen Ferry Road, Smithville was issued a citation for violation of the open container law and failure to maintain his lane of travel. His court date is March 30th.

While driving on Allen Ferry Road February 20th, a deputy saw a black Ford truck crossing the center line. After stopping the truck, the deputy found that Foster was the driver. There was also an open beer bottle about half full, within arms reach of the driver.

Department activity as of February 14, 2010

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35 year old Stephen Jason Moore of Cookeville Highway was arrested by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department Thursday, February 3rd on four courts of theft of property under $500. His bond is $4,000 and he will be in court on February 24th

On four occasions, January 3rd, 5th, 10th, & 11th Moore allegedly stole rebar valued at less than $500 from a business and then took it to a scrap yard where he sold it.

28 year old Elizabeth Ann Chalfant of Hurricane Ridge Road is charged with a first offense of driving under the influence and reckless endangerment. She was also issued a citation for a fourth offense of driving on a suspended license, violation of the implied consent law, possession of drug paraphernalia, and for failure to maintain proper lane of traffic. Her bond totals $5,000 and she will be in court on March 10th.

A deputy stopped Chalfant's vehicle on Highway 70 west at Dry Creek Road near Dowelltown after receiving a complaint about a possible intoxicated driver. As the officer got behind the vehicle to pull it over, he noticed that the driver failed to maintain her lane of travel, twice crossing the turning lane and going across the dotted lines. After pulling over the automobile, the deputy spoke with Chalfant and noticed that her speech and movements were slow and she had difficulty keeping her eyes open and focused. Chalfant was asked to step out of the vehicle to perform field sobriety tasks. She submitted to the tasks but performed poorly on them as she was very unsteady on her feet. She refused to submit to a blood screen for drugs and alcohol. Also found were five hypodermic needles. A computer check revealed her license to be suspended.

As the deputy placed Chalfant under arrest, he noticed two children in the vehicle. One of them, a five year old boy, was in a backseat car seat, and the other, a six year old girl, was lying down in the front floor. Both were Ms Chalfant's children. She was charged with reckless endangerment for placing the children in danger of serious bodily injury.

25 year old Ruby Gail Webb of Couch Street, McMinnville was issued a citation on February 7th for driving on a revoked license. Her court date is February 24th.

34 year old Jack Mullican, Jr. of Allen Street, Smithville was issued a citation for driving on a suspended license. An officer stopped Mullican having prior knowledge that his license were suspended. A computer check confirmed it. Mullican will be in court on February 23rd.

45 year old Kandy Kay Fish of Old Snow Hill Road, Dowelltown was issued a citation for simple possession of a schedule IV controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. She will be in court on February 17th.

A deputy went to a residence on February 13th to serve a warrant. According to the officer, Fish came to the door after snorting pills. The deputy received consent from the home owner to search the residence and he found straws and more pills both chopped up and complete. All evidence was seized.

43 year old Donna Sue Estes of Banks Pisgah Road, Smithville was issued a citation for possession of drug paraphernalia. Estes was taken into custody on an active warrant after a deputy stopped a vehicle in which she was a passenger. When asked if she was carrying anything illegal on her person, Estes pulled two hypodermic needles from the inside of her pants. Her court date is February 24th.

25 year old Cirilo Gomez of Fancer Mill Road, Sparta is charged with a third offense of driving under the influence and a first offense of driving on a revoked license. He was also issued a citation for violation of the implied consent law. He will be in court on March 3rd and his bond is $3,500.

On February 13th, a deputy responded to Highway 56 south to check out a vehicle on the side of the roadway where a man was slumped over the steering wheel. After the officer awoke him, the man gave his name but said that he did not have any ID or drivers license. The officer noticed a strong odor of alcohol on his person and he had very slurred speech. He was asked to perform several field sobriety tasks. He performed poorly on all tasks. He was very unsteady on his feet and he refused to submit to a blood alcohol test. A computer check confirmed that his license were revoked for DUI on July 3rd, 2004.

Methamphetamine A Growing Concern

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Although prescription pills may still be the drug of choice among many users and dealers in this area, the manufacture and use of methamphetamine is on the rise again based upon the discoveries of meth labs that the sheriff's department has made in recent months and the arrests that have followed.

Drug users' drug of choice within the county is still prescription drugs but methamphetamine is working it's way back to the top here and across the state. For example in the year 2009, there were 1,322 meth labs statewide. In the year 2010 there were 1,969. Just in January and February this year, we're already seeing an increase from last year during January and February so there's no telling what the total count will be this year.

Methamphetamine is close to what cocaine is. Cocaine is more of a rich man's drug. One thing that methamphetamine does that cocaine doesn't is make your high last longer. Where cocaine might last an hour and a half, methamphetamine will last for hours. It is cheaper and it's easier to find than cocaine. You actually have to find a dealer that does cocaine. The purity of the methamphetamine is more than the cocaine.

A lot of people will get hooked on methamphetamine, especially women trying to lose weight. If a woman wants to lose weight quick and if they ever try meth, many times they're hooked and can't come back off it. You'll see a lot of people who had some kind of drug habit, maybe a prescription drug habit, who had a buddy doing methamphetamine so they tried it because of their friend and became hooked on it themselves. Most of the time the only other drug we find from a meth addict, other than meth, is marijuana. The reason for that is anyone on meth may stay awake for days at a time and never sleep. But when they get ready to crash or sleep, they'll smoke that marijuana and it'll bring them back down because marijuana is a depressant.

We have received calls from people on methamphetamine who think we're watching them or that we're in black ninja suits and shooting red lasers through their windows. These are the kinds of people law enforcement often deal with who are a threat because we don't know what's going through their mind. When we go up and knock on a door to maybe serve a civil paper on them, they might think we're there to harm them. It can be a dangerous situation.

Most everything that is used for meth ingredients can be bought from any retail store including red devil lye or draino, pseudoephedrine, tubing, electrical tape, lithium batteries, and cold packs. Those are just a few of the things that are used. With the lithium batteries, they'll remove the lithium strip, cut it up in pieces, and then place it in a bottle to produce a chemical reaction resulting in heat. That way a heat source, such as a stove eye burner, is not needed. Around here, we find they're using cold packs in the cooking of meth, which they can easily obtain from a medical department of a retail store. Ninety nine percent of these things can be bought at any of our local retail stores.

In 2005, the state passed the methamphetamine drug act where you have to show a photo ID before purchasing pseudoephedrine. They (store clerks) take down that information. But in an effort to get around this, many meth makers are now engaging in what is called "smurfing". For example, there may be five or six people in a group who will go into a certain store and each will buy their maximum quantity of pseudoephedrine. Then they will go to another store and do the same thing. That's done a lot by people who either cook or use methamphetamine. Sometimes the cook will actually share a part of his batch of meth with these people so they will continue to help him obtain the pseudoephedrine. Some stores also have restrictions on lithium batteries. They'll only sell one person just so many batteries at one time. We encourage all stores to do that. I think it's everyone's responsibility to help control this.

The new shake and bake method is not like the red phosphorus method. The shake and bake is real easy and quick to do. You don't need as many of the ingredients as the red phosphorus labs and the shake and bake can actually be done in an automobile while driving down the road, with only one or two people in the back seat making the meth. What they will often do to keep law enforcement officers from finding their discarded materials is they'll throw them out the car window. If somebody comes by and throws out something like this in your front yard, leave it there and call us because it could be toxic or explosive. Within the last couple of weeks we've had some people to call the jail wanting us to come and look at things they've found. We encourage people not to bring those things to the jail. The reason for that is, some of the layered liquid you'll see will be in mason jars or some of it might be in plastic bottles. That stuff settles in the bottom. Of course, there's pressure inside of those cans and bottles so when you agitate it by hauling it down the road and it bouncing around because of the movement of the vehicle, that material could explode or it may cause severe burns if it gets on your skin, so again we ask everybody to leave that material right where it is if they should come across it. Just call us. We don't do quarantines on ditch lines or property, such as yards. We only quarantine homes where meth labs are found. So if somebody comes by and throws out something in your front yard, we're not going to quarantine your property just because we found that bottle there. We encourage people to call us and let us come and look at it. If it's something we can dispose of ourselves, we will. Or if we need to call in a hazmat crew to pick it up, that's no cost to the owner. We get federal grant funds to dispose of methamphetamine labs and their components.

One of the questions I get asked, especially by people who are in the rental business who rent mobile homes, apartment complexes, or houses is about the quarantine that we do on places where we find methamphetamine labs. When we find a lab there, we will quarantine the house. That's not the property around the house, that's just the house itself. After we do the quarantine, we will send a letter to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. We will also send it to the Register of Deeds. When we send it to the Register of Deeds, anybody say five years down the road who wants to come back and buy a piece of property can go up to his office and look in a file and see if we've ever gotten a methamphetamine lab there. We also send a letter to the landowner. In that letter, it states what the landowner has to do to make the residence safe to live in again. One of the things the landowner has to do is to hire a hygienist who is state approved to come and assess the property and determine which tier it rates. A low tier consists of a home which has had a minimum of methamphetamine exposure which might could be cleaned up by say cleaning the carpets, cleaning the walls, and painting the walls. A high tier means that the landowner will be required to pay a contractor, certified by the state in hazardous materials to come in and gut the entire inside of the residence, including the walls, interior walls, ceilings, and insulation, and put back new. After all that is completed the hygienist will come back and re-test that building. If the home is safe for someone to come back into and live then the hygienist will send a certificate to the jail and we will release that hold on the house. The landowner may then rent it back out, sell it, or do what he needs to.

If somebody is wanting to buy or rent something and they have suspicion that methamphetamine is being cooked there, they need to do some research, because during that process of manufacturing methamphetamine, poisonous gases are produced and those gases, called phosphine, will lay low to the floor of the home. If they have infant children crawling over that carpet, the children may be breathing in poisonous gases whereas adults in the room, five or six feet tall, won't be as close to the floor. They may still be consuming some of those gases but probably not as much as an infant. So we encourage people to check out the home they're wanting to rent or buy, ahead of time to see what's been there. Of course, if someone has already been exposed to those chemicals or fumes they'll suffer from the same health problems as someone who cooked the methamphetamine. They may have respiratory problems, skin irritations, and vomiting because of the gases. We don't know about the long term health affects of methamphetamine because it's only been around since the late 1990's. But in years to come I think we'll see huge affects on people that's been exposed to methamphetamine.

If any civic organizations, churches, or anyone else wants us to come and do a meth presentation for them, I have a power point on about every drug we see here in DeKalb County and methamphetamine is one of them. We will be glad to do our presentation for any group. We'll then have a question and answer session. We just want them to know about the harmful affects drugs has on our communities and some prevention they can help us with.

We would like to ask the public, if they have suspicion that somebody may be cooking methamphetamine, to call us. I've always had an open door policy. People may come in and talk to me or call me on the phone and if they don't want to leave their name, that's fine. We want any information as to what illegal activities may be going on in the county. The public is our eyes and ears. They sometimes see things and hear things that law enforcement don't see or hear. They (public) need to look for things like windows being blacked in the home or people coming outside to smoke. What we've seen recently is that these meth labs will be in a back bedroom, that'll be where they do the cooking, and there'll be an exhaust fan back there that will blow these poisonous gases out from the home to the outside. Not only are those poisonous gases posing a health problem for the persons cooking the meth, it also poses a problem for the neighbors because all of those gases will settle on vegetation, such as people's gardens and their lawns and toys where children play. It exposes the whole neighborhood. So please call us if you see things like exhaust fans running, blowing out hot air on a twenty degree night because something is probably not right there. All of the calls we receive remain confidential so give us a call if you see something suspicious.

One thing I would like to encourage everybody to do is look at the methamphetamine task force website at www.rid-meth.org. On that website, you can go into it and report somebody who might be using or manufacturing methamphetamine. You can also search meth labs, just for DeKalb County on there. It tells places where we've found methamphetamine labs and places that have been quarantined. It also tells what law enforcement departments seized those meth labs. It includes a list of the quarantine clean-up contractors. It's updated monthly so you can keep up with how many meth labs are being found all across the state.

For more information, contact the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department at 597-4935.

Department activity as of February 7, 2010

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A local man is facing theft and evading charges after trying to outrun the law in the pickup truck he allegedly stole.

27 year old Jeremy D. Loader of Bethel Road, Smithville is charged with theft of property over $1,000 and felony evading arrest. Loader is under a $10,000 bond and he will be in court on February 17th. He was also issued a citation for possession of drug paraphernalia after a hypodermic needle containing a yellow residue and a cut straw were found on him during his arrest. We received information that Loader had stolen a vehicle from North College Street in Smithville. I gave that information to the deputies and one of them met Loader driving a 1994 Ford Ranger on Underhill Road. When the officer turned around and activated his emergency equipment, Loader accelerated. The pursuit continued about four miles from DeKalb County into Warren County. Before terminating the pursuit, the officer obtained the tag number on Loader's vehicle and returned to the jail and took warrants against Loader who was later arrested January 31st on Bright Hill Street.

42 year old Ricky Lynn Murphy of Sparta Highway, Smithville is charged with disorderly conduct. His bond is $1,000 and he will be in court on February 24th.. On January 31st, Murphy came to DeKalb County High School after his son had been arrested. He was talking very vulgar in front of children and he allegedly told the arresting officer that he (officer) was not taking his kid anywhere. The school resource officer signed a warrant against Murphy for disorderly conduct because of his actions at the school.

52 year old Billy Ray Huddleston of Adcock Cemetery Road was issued a citation recently for violation of the financial responsibility law (no insurance) and he will appear in court on February 16th. A deputy responded to a wreck in which Huddleston had struck another vehicle while crossing Highway 70 on Adcock Cemetery Road. Huddleston, at the time of the accident, could not provide valid insurance.

51 year old Richard Dean Lagle, II of Westmoreland was issued a citation for not having a drivers license, violation of the financial responsibility law (no insurance), and failure to maintain his lane of travel. He will appear in court on March 2nd. On Saturday, February 5th, Lagle was traveling west on Highway 70 near Allen's Ferry Road when he failed to maintain his lane of travel. After being stopped by an officer, Lagle could not produce a drivers license nor show proof of financial responsibility.

21 year old Cody Murphy of Sparta Highway, Smithville was issued a citation for operating an all terrain vehicle on the highway. He will be in court on February 16th. On Saturday, February 5th, an officer saw Murphy operating an ATV on Midway Road, in violation of the law.

Department activity as of January 31, 2011

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Two men were arrested by the Sheriff's Department Friday after a pursuit in the New Home Road/King Ridge Road area.

20 year old James Alan Harden of Old Casey Cove Road, Smithville is charged with reckless endangerment, evading arrest, vandalism over $500, driving under the influence, and resisting arrest. His bond totals $13,000. He was also issued citations for reckless driving and failure to maintain his lane of travel. His court date is February 24th.

On Friday, January 28th an officer spotted Harden operating a motor vehicle in the New Home Road/ King Ridge Road area. He tried to pull him over for violation of the light law and failure to maintain his lane of travel. However, when the deputy activated his emergency equipment, Harden accelerated, causing the officer to have to initiate a patrol pursuit for about four miles before Harden went off the road, struck a stop sign, three mail boxes, and crashed into a tree. A DTC pole was also damaged. After the wreck, Harden then got out of his vehicle and tried to flee on foot, but he was chased down by the officer, thrown to the ground, and handcuffed. Harden had an odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person and he was unsteady on his feet. Because of his condition, he wasn't subjected to any field sobriety tasks but he did submit to a blood test.

Meanwhile, a passenger with Harden, 21 year old Dustin Allen Pedigo of King Ridge Road, Dowelltown was charged with a second offense of DUI by allowance. His bond is $2,000 and he will be in court on February 24th. The automobile Harden was driving belonged to Pedigo's father but (Dustin) Pedigo allowed Harden to drive it, knowing he was intoxicated. Meanwhile, Pedigo submitted to field sobriety tasks and he performed poorly.

26 year old Raymond Austin Simpson of Church Street, Dowelltown is charged with driving on a suspended license. His bond is $1,000 and he will be in court on February 2nd. Sheriff Ray said that on Monday, January 24th, Simpson was operating a vehicle on Highway 70 when an officer stopped him, having prior knowledge that he had a suspended license. The same officer had written Simpson a citation for the same offense on January 23rd. A computer check confirmed that his license had been suspended on June 18th, 2010 in DeKalb County.

23 year old Joshua Lynne Batey of East Main Street, Smithville is charged with a first offense of driving on a suspended license. His bond is $1,000 and he will be in court on February 2nd . Batey was also issued a citation for violation of the financial responsibility law (no insurance) and failure to stop at a stop sign. On Wednesday, January 26th, a deputy saw an automobile run a stop sign at Juniper Lane and Highway 70 and at Juniper Lane and Wade Street. The officer stopped the vehicle and asked the driver, Batey, for his license. A computer check revealed that his license were suspended for failure to satisfy three citations. Due to his failure to pay the citations, Batey was placed under arrest. Batey also could not provide proof of insurance.

28 year old Matthew Allen Baker of Pine Orchard Road, Smithville is charged with driving on a revoked license. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court on March 3rd. Baker was also issued a citation for violation of the vehicle registration law, and violation of the financial responsibility law (no insurance). On Thursday, January 27th Baker was operating a vehicle on Bright Hill Road when he was stopped by a deputy who had prior knowledge that his license were revoked. The vehicle was also unregistered and Baker could not provide proof of insurance. A computer check confirmed that his license were revoked. He had been issued a citation only a few weeks ago for the same offense, driving on a revoked license.

41 year old Victor G. Gingerich of Brook Lane, Smithville was issued citations for driving on a suspended license, violation of the light law, violation of the open container law, possession of drug paraphernalia, and simple possession of a schedule VI controlled substance, marijuana. He will be in court on February 24th. An officer stopped Gingerich's automobile for a tail light violation. While speaking to the driver, Gingerich, the deputy detected an odor of marijuana. A search revealed an open Bud lite can, two glass pipes, and a small baggie of a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana. A computer check revealed that Gingerich's drivers license were suspended.

19 year old Abel C. Valazquez of Bright Hill Road, Smithville was issued citations for driving without a license and violation of the financial responsibility law, no insurance. He will be in court on February 9th. On Friday, January 28th, Valazquez was operating a vehicle on Students Home Road when he went off the road and struck a tree. He did not have a drivers license on him at the time and could not provide proof of insurance. There was no other property damage, other than damage to his own truck.

Department activity as of January 24, 2011

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Three people are facing drug charges after a county deputy allegedly found meth lab components in their vehicle during a traffic stop Saturday on Antioch Road.

20 year old Christopher Justin Garrett of Clear Creek Road, Liberty; 28 year old Brandon J. Gurley of Bell Street, Smithville; and Jamie Lee Hodges of Old Bildad Road, Smithville are each charged with initiation of a process intended to result in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Bond for each is $50,000 bond and their court date is February 10th. Garrett was further issued a citation for violation of the seat belt law and for failure to carry his drivers license while Gurley was also written a citation for violation of the seat belt law and littering.

On January 22nd, a deputy saw a vehicle on Antioch Road and noticed that the driver and passenger were not wearing seatbelts. As the officer was pulling over the automobile, one of the passengers, Gurley, threw some items out of the window. The deputy approached the vehicle, spoke to the driver, Garrett, and learned that he was on state probation. The officer received consent to search and found in Garrett's jacket pocket, nine lithium batteries. Inside the vehicle between Gurley's feet was a backpack which contained a plastic bottle with layered liquid and glass cookware. The deputy also found another backpack in the trunk, containing a plastic bottle with more layered liquid, a mason jar with layered liquid, acid, coffee filters, cold packs, and black insulated electrical tape. These items are consistent with the manufacture of methamphetamine. Garrett, Gurley and Hodges allegedly admitted to knowing what was in the bag between Gurley's feet and the bag in the trunk.

Meanwhile in a separate case, three people were allegedly caught cooking meth at a residence at the Loop on Sunday.

18 year old Wesley J. Hayes of Roach Hollow Road, Woodbury; 29 year old Scott B. Carroll, Jr. of Banks Pisgah Road; and 19 year old Francisco Bustamonte of West Bryant Street are charged with manufacture of a schedule II controlled substance (methamphetamine) and reckless endangerment for allegedly cooking meth in the presence of a sixteen year old female. Each is under a $60,000 bond and they will be in court on February 10th.

A deputy went to the Loop on January 23rd to check out a report of a possible meth lab. After receiving consent to search, the officer knocked on a bedroom door. Carroll opened the door and the deputy saw him and two other people standing by the door. All three were wearing black gloves and a strong chemical odor could be smelled coming from inside the room. In the bathroom sink were two Coleman propane tanks with cooking heads and the cookers were activated. Glass cookware was setting on the cookers. Meanwhile, in the bedroom the officer saw a jar, containing a tri layered liquid, a 20 ounce plastic bottle with tubing and an unknown liquid. Also found were backpacks containing bottles with liquid, cooking heads, a zip lock bag of ammonium nitrate, propane cylinders, baggies, and other components used to manufacture methamphetamine. Sheriff Ray said Hayes, Carroll, and Bustamonte were in the room during the cooking of the meth and placed a sixteen year old female in danger of serious bodily injury by cooking the meth which produces a strong chemical odor that is toxic.

In another case, 41 year old David Dewaine Anderson of Floyd Drive Smithville is charged with unlawful possession of a schedule II controlled substance (dilaudid) for resale; unlawful possession of a schedule III controlled substance (suboxone); and resisting, stop, frisk, halt, or search.

On January 21st., Anderson was a passenger of a vehicle which was stopped by a deputy. Anderson jumped out of the automobile and fled on foot toward a building on Highway 70 east. The officer yelled for Anderson to stop several times, but he refused. After a foot pursuit, the officer caught up with Anderson and placed him under arrest. A search of his person turned up wrapped cellophane in Anderson's right pocket which contained three and a half pills and a quarter of a pill, orange in color, believed to be suboxone; and five yellow pills believed to be dilaudid. In addition to the drugs, the officer seized $271.

43 year old Jorge Halberto Molina of Short Mountain Highway was issued a citation for allowing animals to run at large. He will be in court on February 24th. According to the citation, on January 21st Molina's cattle got out on two separate occasions and one of the cows was struck by an automobile in the middle of Short Mountain Highway. Molina admitted that the cows belonged to him.

26 year old Raymond Simpson of Church Street, Dowelltown was issued a citation for driving on a suspended license. According to the citation, a deputy pulled over Simpson's vehicle for a traffic violation and saw the driver switch places with the passenger. Simpson admitted to the officer that he had been driving but switched places with the passenger before pulling out of a business parking lot on Highway 70 west. His license was suspended in June 2010.

24 year old Amanda May Judkins of Page Drive was issued a citation on January 17th for no drivers license. Her court date is January 26th. An officer stopped her vehicle for speeding and swerving. A computer check revealed that she did not have a valid drivers license. She only had identification.

56 year old Mattie Patricia Parks of Hayes Ridge Road, Lancaster was issued a citation on January 17th for simple possession of a schedule II controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. She will be in court on March 10th. An officer stopped her vehicle on suspicion that the driver was intoxicated. The deputy conducted a search of the automobile and found a crack pipe and a white rock substance believed to be a schedule II drug (crack cocaine).

Matthew Lee Tinsley of Parkway Drive, Smithville was issued a citation for possession of drug paraphernalia. According to the citation, on January 18th a deputy responded to 898 Parkway Drive accompanying the Department of Children's Services on a home visit. The officer received consent to search the home and he found in the bedroom, a bag containing eight needles, several cut straws, two spoons, and a bottle. Tinsley allegedly admitted that these items belonged to him. He will appear in court on January 27th.

35 year old Christopher Eugene Miranda of Stergaze Lane, Baxter was issued a citation for driving on a suspended license and violation of the light law. He will appear in court on February 16th. An officer stopped Miranda on January 19th for violation of the light law. A check of his drivers license revealed that they were suspended for failure to satisfy a citation in Wilson County on June 23rd, 2006.

31 year old Aubrey Glenn Rigsby of Bethel Road, Smithville is charged with a third offense of driving on a suspended license; felony evading arrest; possession of drug paraphernalia; and vandalism under $500. His bond totals $14,500 and he will be in court on January 27th.

On Friday, January 14th a deputy saw Rigsby operating a motor vehicle on Bright Hill Road. Having prior knowledge that his license were suspended, the officer tried to stop Rigsby but he evaded. When the officer caught up with the vehicle on College Street, he activated his blue lights and sirens signaling Rigsby to stop, but Rigsby turned onto Hayes Street and then onto Short Mountain Highway, failing to yield to any of the stop signs. Rigsby continued onto Miller Road, then to Robinson Road before the officer terminated the pursuit in the interest of public safety. However when he got to Game Ridge Road, the officer started the pursuit again following Rigsby until he drove through a field on Whorton Springs Road, where the pursuit was terminated due to icy road conditions and Rigsby's reckless driving.

Rigsby was eventually arrested on Thursday, January 20th. On that day, Rigsby was operating a vehicle on Highway 56 north when an officer spotted him. The deputy had knowledge that Rigsby's license were suspended so he tried to stop him in order to serve a warrant. When Rigsby turned onto Poplar Street, the officer activated his blue lights. Instead of stopping, Rigsby accelerated, traveling about a quarter of a mile farther in his vehicle, before stopping. Rigsby then got out of his automobile and ran about 300 yards on foot before the officers caught him. During his run from the law on Poplar Street, Rigsby had driven his vehicle into the yard of a residence, spinning his tires and leaving deep tire marks in the yard, causing damage.

While conducting an inventory of the automobile for towing, the officer found a pouch between the seats and the console containing five used hypodermic needles and a glass pipe with residue A computer check confirmed that Rigsby's license were suspended for frequent traffic violations in DeKalb County.

23 year old Jose Rodrigo Soto of Big Wood Road, Smithville is charged with a first offense of driving under the influence. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court on February 10th. Soto was also issued a citation for driving on a suspended license; violation of the open container law; failure to maintain his lane of travel; and violation of the implied consent law. On January 20th while traveling on Highway 70 west, a deputy saw a vehicle cross both lanes of travel about six times. He stopped the automobile and spoke to the driver, Soto. The officer detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on him. Soto submitted to several field sobriety tasks and performed poorly on all. He also refused to submit to a blood alcohol test.

27 year old Brandon Ross Bogle is charged with driving on a suspended license and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bogle is under a $2,000 bond and he will be in court on February 3rd. According to Sheriff Ray, Bogle was operating a motor vehicle on Bright Hill Road on Thursday, January 20th. Having prior knowledge that Bogle's license were suspended, a deputy pulled him over. A computer check confirmed that Bogle's license were suspended for failure to satisfy a citation on January 5th, 2009. Upon a pat down search, the officer found in Bogle's pocket, a cut straw with a yellow powdery residue.

31 year old Christopher David Hall of Anthony Avenue is charged with a second offense of driving on a suspended license. His bond is $1,000 and he will be in court on February 9th. Sheriff Ray said that on January 21st, a deputy saw Hall operating a vehicle on Highway 70 east. Having prior knowledge that his license were suspended, the officer pulled him over. Due to his failure to pay fines in three citations and for assurance he would appear in court, a warrant was issued for his arrest on this charge. A computer check confirmed that Hall's license were suspended for failure to satisfy a citation.

24 year old Ashley Dawn Golden of Oak Drive, Smithville and 33 year old Jeremy Austin Scruggs of Highland Drive, Smithville are each charged with filing a false report. Bond for each is $1,500 and they will be in court on February 3rd. On January 22nd, two deputies went to Big Hurricane Road to serve an arrest warrant on Andy Scruggs. After knocking on the door, the officers asked Golden if Scruggs was there. She replied "no". Scruggs' brother Jeremy, also present, was asked and he too replied "no". Both were told that there was a warrant for Scrugg's arrest and that if they were being untruthful, they too could be arrested and charged. The officers then asked for consent to search the residence, but were denied. The deputies left but returned later on foot and saw Scruggs in the kitchen. The officers then made entry to the home and placed Scruggs under arrest.

New Crime Suppression Unit

2011-01-18T08:36:00.002-06:00

I am announcing the formation of a new Crime Suppression Unit at the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department. This new Unit will focus on a team concept that uses a variety of resources including the members of the Department and citizens of our communities in DeKalb County.

Members of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department’s Crime Suppression Unit will work a variety of assignments with the investigative division of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department. This unit is assigned by the Sheriff to work in areas where members of the community have expressed concerns about possible illegal activity or where there is a need for special tactical or unmarked patrol. Specific examples are: detection of traffic violators, conducting covert surveillance related to drug activity, completing field interviews on suspicious persons, executing search warrants, and seeking out and arresting individuals who violate state laws. This unit is designed by the Sheriff to attempt to deter criminal activity resulting in an improved quality of life for citizens throughout the county, and will have a direct positive impact on the communities’ safety and concerns.

I have appointed Officer’s within the Department to serve on the Unit. This unit includes members of the Sheriff’s Department’s Road Deputies, K-9 Unit, and Detective Division. Each member of the Unit will be an active, responsible, trained, and experienced officer of the Sheriff’s Department.

The Crime Suppression Unit of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department will focus on 5 major target areas, as well as other criminal activity that arises in the county.

The 5 major target areas are:

1.Manufacture, Sell, and Delivery of Illegal Narcotics
2.Problem-Oriented Policing Projects
3.Property Crime Suppression
4.Gang Enforcement and Suppression
5.Alcohol Beverage Control Enforcement

Community involvement is the key to making this initiative work. DeKalb County is a rural county with a growing population. As the population grows, so does the occurrences of crimes. Subsequently, our citizens’ “eyes and ears” are important tools in helping us detect criminal activities.

Department activity as of January 17, 2011

2011-01-18T06:39:00.001-06:00

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department has found three meth labs since last Wednesday, January 12th resulting in the arrest of five people.

In one of the cases, 24 year old Ricky Wilbert Hendrixson of Cooper Street, Smithville is charged with manufacture and unlawful possession of a schedule II controlled substance (methamphetamine). His bond totals $51,500 and he will be in court on January 27th.

On Wednesday, January 12th, a deputy received information that someone may be cooking methamphetamine at a specific address and he went to the home to investigate. The officer received consent to search and when he went through the residence he found components used to manufacture meth, including seven glass jars, twenty coffee filters, turkey basters, funnels, ph test solution, draino, heet, coleman fuel, bi-layer liquids, tri-layer liquids, plastic hoses, scales, and several plastic liter bottles of liquid. The officer also found in Hendrixson's room a plastic jar containing some methamphetamine. Hendrixson allegedly admitted that these items belonged to him.

Meanwhile, 52 year old Harold L. Hutchings of Sparta Highway, Smithville and 27 year old Charles James Davis of North Main Street, Sparta are each charged with manufacture and unlawful possession of a schedule II controlled substance (methamphetamine). Bond for each totals $51,500 and they will be in court on January 27th.

Deputies went to check out a report of a possible meth lab at the Lake Motel on Sparta Highway on Wednesday, January 12th. The officers received consent from Hutchings to search the room he was renting. Davis, who was also in the room, told the deputies that he had been staying there with Hutchings. Found in the room were components used to make meth, including bi-layer liquids, tri-layer liquids, lithium batteries, ph strips, cold packs, and hypodermic needles. In a glass bowl, officers discovered a powdery substance, which tested positive for methamphetamine. Hutchings allegedly admitted to having cooked methamphetamine in the room. Both men were placed under arrest.

24 year old Charlie Chad Barnes and 22 year old Terry Ray Barnes both of Red Road, McMinnville are each charged with manufacture of a schedule II controlled substance (methamphetamine). Bond for each is $50,000. They will appear in court on January 27th.

On Sunday, January 16th, a deputy went to Big Hurricane Road to investigate a possible meth lab. The officer spoke with Chad Barnes who answered the door. The deputy told him why he was there. Barnes gave consent to search. Terry Barnes was also there. Found in the room were components used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, including a two liter bottle containing a clear liquid with lithium strips boiling, batteries, cut up batteries, lye, draino, cold packs, eight foot long plastic tubing, and other items consistent with the manufacture of methamphetamine. The officer reported that when he approached the front of the residence, he noticed a chemical smell coming from inside the home.

38 year old Candida F. Davidson- Driver of Cill Street, Smithville is charged with violation of probation and resisting arrest. Her bond is $1,500 on the resisting arrest charge but she is being held without bond for the violation of probation. She will appear in court on January 27th. Davidson-Driver was also issued two citations for simple possession of a schedule II controlled substance, one for morphine and the other for dilaudid. She was further issued a citation for simple possession of a schedule IV drug (diazepam).

On Saturday, January 15th officers went to a residence on E.H. Haas Road to serve a warrant on Davidson-Driver for violation of probation. While the officers were cuffing her, she began to resist arrest, fighting, kicking, and trying to pull away. She was finally taken down and cuffed. The deputies told her several times to stop resisting but she refused. Officers also found five medicine vials on a bed in the residence along with her keys. Davidson-Driver allegedly admitted that the vials belonged to her. The vials contained a half of a pill believed to be dilaudid, one and a half pills thought to be morphine, and eight blue pills suspected to be diazepam.

Department activity as of January 10, 2011

2011-01-10T13:52:00.001-06:00

A Foster Road man was arrested by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department Friday, January 7th after a meth lab was found in his apartment.

23 year old Christopher Eugene Layne of Foster Road is charged with manufacture of methamphetamine. He is under a $50,000 bond and his court date is Thursday, January 13th. Sheriff Ray said that on Friday, January 7th a deputy received a tip that meth was being made at an apartment complex on Foster Road. The officer obtained consent from the landlord to search the apartment. Upon conducting the search, the deputy found several components to manufacture methamphetamine. Layne allegedly admitted that these items belonged to him. The Haz Mat crew was called to the apartment complex to properly dispose of the chemicals. The apartment room where the meth lab had been located was also quarantined.

23 year old Coty Lynn McCormick of Bessie Gribble Road, Smithville is charged with two counts of violation of probation and one count of vandalism under $500. Deputies picked him up at his home on Tuesday, January 4th and he is now being held without bond for the violations. While he was in jail on Wednesday, January 5th, McCormick allegedly placed wet toilet paper over the camera lens so he could not be seen. He then allegedly broke the water sprinkler head, causing parts of the jail annex to be flooded. McCormick is under a $1,500 bond for the vandalism.

32 year old Don Eugene Griffith, Jr. of Circle Drive, Dowelltown was arrested on Wednesday, January 5th and charged with theft of property over $1,000. Griffith went to a residence at Preston Vickers Road on Wednesday December 1st where he allegedly took a craftsman drill driver set, power tools, two bags of assorted tools, and a chainsaw, all valued at more than $1,000. Griffith allegedly pawned these items at an area pawn shop. Griffith is under a $5,000 bond.

We asking for your help in catching the person or persons responsible for throwing eggs in the Cookeville Highway/ Pine Grove Road/ Rolling Acres Road area. A month and a half ago we had reports of someone throwing eggs in the Pine Grove Road/Cookeville Highway area. We also received a similar report this past weekend in the Highway 56 north/Rolling Acres Road area. They usually drive by and throw eggs, hitting houses and or automobiles. According to a witness, the eggs have been thrown from a black truck. That's the only description we have at this time. We ask the public to keep an eye open for any strange vehicles in the neighborhood and report any suspicious activity to central dispatch at 215-3000.

Anyone caught throwing eggs may be charged with projecting a missile (eggs) and or vandalism if there is damage.

Department activity as of January 03, 2011

2011-01-03T21:25:00.003-06:00

A DeKalb County woman and her boyfriend were charged Saturday with child abuse and neglect after her four year old child was found with bruises during a hospital visit.

24 year old Lois Nicole Cobble and 31 year old Carlos Lynn Godsey of Cleveland Way, Smithville are each under a $10,000 bond and they will be in General Sessions Court on January 13th

Cobble had taken the child to River Park Hospital in McMinnville on Saturday, January 1st for another medical reason when hospital staff apparently noticed bruises on the child's legs, back, butt, and head. The child also smelled strongly of urine.

Warren County authorities and members of the Department of Children Services were called initially called. A further investigation by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department revealed that the child had been whipped excessively with a belt and switch.

Meanwhile in another case, 19 year old Ray Darnell Underwood of Toad Road, Dowelltown is charged with initiation of a process to manufacture methamphetamine.

On Wednesday, December 29th, deputies checked out a tip about meth possibly being manufactured at a residence on Toad Road. The officers received consent to search Underwood's residence. Underwood accompanied the deputies to a back bedroom where they found a two liter bottle of components along with forty three other items used to manufacture meth.

Underwood will be in court on January 6th. He is under a $50,000 bond.

51 year old Kenny B. Stults of Pine Creek Drive, Smithville was charged on Thursday, December 30th with theft over $1,000.

On December 2nd Stults allegedly took from a location on Cookeville Highway, a backhoe bucket, a hydraulic cylinder, and two 48 inch forklift forks all valued at over $1,000 without the owner's consent.

Stults is under a $10,000 bond and he will be in court on February 10th.

Department activity as of December 27, 2010

2010-12-28T08:45:00.001-06:00

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

27 year old Matthew Malachi Lawson of Haley Road, Smithville is charged with sale of a schedule II controlled substance (dilaudid), aggravated burglary, and theft of property over $10,000. He is under a $70,000 bond and his court date is January 6th.

On December 8th, Lawson allegedly kicked open the back door of a residence on Antioch Road and took several items from the home including two jewelry boxes containing a gold waterfall ring, four leaf clover diamond pin, gold necklace with red, white, and blue charm and several other pieces of jewelry. All items were valued at over $10,000.

Meanwhile on July 7th, Lawson allegedly sold a schedule II drug (dilaudid) to a confidential source during an undercover drug operation by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department.

In another case, 37 year old Christie Michelle Willoughby of South Chancery Street, McMinnville was issued a citation for failure to drive within her lane, simple possession of a schedule IV controlled substance (xanax), violation of the financial responsibility law (no insurance) and driving on a suspended license. Her court date is January 6th.

Willoughby was stopped for failure to maintain her lane of travel on Highway 146 on Monday, December 20th. As the deputy walked up to the vehicle, Willoughby allegedly tried to swallow a pill and on the floorboard in plain sight, was a xanax (a schedule IV controlled substance). The officer searched Willoughby's purse and found another xanax. A computer check revealed that her drivers license were suspended and she did not have insurance.

46 year old Claude Trimble also known as Hoss Roller is charged with leaving the scene of an accident with property damage. He was also issued a citation for failure to give immediate notice of an accident. He will be in court on January 20th.

Trimble is further charged with failure to appear in general sessions court in a separate case on September 20th. He will appear in court on this charge January 6th.

His bond totals $6,500.

Trimble also faces charges from the Smithville Police Department.

On Christmas Day, Trimble was involved in a traffic accident on Highway 56 south and left the scene. He was later stopped by Smithville Police. In the accident, Trimble's vehicle struck a fence, tearing down the top strand of barbed wire. When stopped by police, Trimble admitted to hitting the fence and not stopping after the accident

Department activity as of December 20, 2010

2010-12-21T08:54:00.002-06:00

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department has charged a 34 year old Smithville man with aggravated assault after he allegedly stabbed his brother three times with a knife

34 year old Heladio Nunez Gutierrez of Campbell Road is under a $10,000 bond and his court date is February 3rd.

Gutierrez was arrested Friday, December 17th at a residence on Blue Springs Road, accused of assaulting his brother Ricardo Gutierrez by stabbing him in the side with a knife. After the first attack the victim began running, trying to get away, but Gutierrez chased after him and stabbed him twice again. Ricardo Gutierrez was taken to the hospital for treatment. His injuries were apparently not life threatening. Gutierrez, the assailant, admitted to the assault.

In another case, a man scheduled to serve a weekend sentence for driving under the influence, showed up at the jail drunk on Sunday and was charged with public intoxication.

32 year old Phillip Edward Miranda of Four Seasons Road, Smithville is under a $1,000 bond and he will be in court on December 22nd.

Miranda came into the jail to serve a sentence for driving under the influence. Upon his arrival, the correctional officers saw Miranda throw an empty beer bottle in a garbage can outside of the jail. Miranda admitted to the correctional officer that he was drunk. He had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person.

41 year old John Michael Turner of Short Mountain Highway, Smithville is charged with public intoxication and possession of a prohibited weapon.

Central dispatch received an anonymous call on December 16th requesting an officer on Short Mountain Road. Upon arrival, the officer made contact with Turner who was very irate and he had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person. Turner was punching his truck with his fist and he made verbal threats against another officer, who was not present during this incident. Turner was apparently upset that the officer he named had arrested a family member in a previous case and might be the officer who would arrest him. Turner was charged with public intoxication.

During the arrest, Turner placed his hands in his pockets. According to the arrest warrant, "When the officer asked him to remove his hands (from the pockets), Turner threw a knife onto the ground and the officer saw a silver object in his other pocket. Turner turned away from the officer and grabbed for it. The officer took the object from him and found it to be an expandable baton."

Turner is under a $2,500 bond and he will be in court on January 20th

29 year old Chris Michael Pack of Cookeville is charged with aggravated burglary and theft of property over $10,000. Pack was arrested on Monday, December 19th and he will be in court on December 22nd.

On December 8th, Pack entered a residence on Antioch Road by kicking the back door open. He then allegedly took two jewelry boxes containing a gold waterfall ring, a four leaf clover diamond pin, a gold necklace with a red, white, and blue charm, along with several other pieces of jewelry valued at more than $10,000.

Department activity as of December 13, 2010

2010-12-13T17:55:00.003-06:00

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department has received an award from the Governor's Highway Safety Office for fatality reduction during the year 2010.

We are very proud and honored to have received this award. We work with the Governor's Highway Safety Office in obtaining grants where we can get out and do sobriety checkpoints, where we can road block. They help us buy our equipment. So we are real fortunate to have those grants and we're very honored to receive this award for the reduction of fatalities for the year 2010.

Meanwhile, in this week's crime news, 51 year old Kenny B. Stults of Pine Creek Drive, Smithville is charged with theft of property under $500. He was arrested on Tuesday, December 7th.

On November 30th, Stults allegedly went to a residence on Cookeville Highway and took numerous shelving items without the owner's consent. He then allegedly took the shelving to a business on New Home Road and sold it. The value of the property taken was approximately $200. His court date is December 16th and he is under a $2,500 bond.

48 year old Connie Gail Chapman of Sycamore Road, Woodbury was issued a citation on Tuesday, December 7th for simple possession of a schedule III controlled substance. Chapman will be in court on January 13th. The deputy, assisting the probation office on a search of Chapman, found in her purse, an orange pill, believed to be suboxone.

31 year old Lafael Murrillo of Short Mountain Highway was issued a citation on Tuesday, December 7th for having an expired drivers license and violation of the financial responsibility law. Murrillo was involved in a two car wreck on Highway 56 and couldn't show proof of insurance. His license had expired on December 6th, 2006.

42 year old William Andrew Cantrell of Redman Road, Smithville was arrested on Thursday, December 9th for evading arrest. His bond is $3,500 and he will be in court on December 16th. He also has two other warrants against him for violation of probation. He is being held without bond on those offenses. A deputy driving down New Home Road noticed Cantrell in a vehicle that was pulling into a business. The officer, having knowledge of warrants against Cantrell, also pulled into the business to confront Cantrell. When Cantrell saw the officer, he got out of the vehicle and took off running. The officer called for Cantrell to stop. Cantrell was placed under arrest.

52 year old Gregory Scott Redmon of Midway Road, Smithville was issued a citation on Thursday, December 9th for two counts of simple possession. An officer stopped Redmon's vehicle for suspicion of driving under the influence. Upon a search of the vehicle, the officer found a red pill crusher. Inside the pill crusher were six pink oval pills believed to be xanax, a schedule IV controlled substance, and an orange pill believed to be suboxone, a schedule III controlled substance. Redman will be in court on January 6th.

36 year old James Mitchell Johnson of Fancy Farms, Kentucky is charged under a grand jury sealed indictment for forgery. He is under a $5,000 bond.

31 year old Richard Andrew Scruggs of Highland Avenue, Smithville is charged with public intoxication. He was arrested on Friday, December 10th and he will be in court on Thursday, January 6th. His bond is $1,000. While on routine patrol on Allen Ferry Road, a deputy saw a man walking in the roadway. The man was very unsteady on his feet. The officer stopped and spoke to the man, Scruggs, and noticed a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person and he had slurred speech. According to the officer, Scruggs was a danger to himself and for his safety, he was placed under arrest.

33 year old Bridgett Nicole Judkins was issued a citation for possession of a schedule II controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. She will be in court on January 6th. On Sunday, December 12th, Judkins was a passenger of a vehicle. In her lap was an open glasses case. Inside the case was a hypodermic needle and two glass pipes containing residue. Also inside the case was a pill container that held a baggie with a powdered substance which field tested positive for methamphetamine, a schedule II drug.

One of two escapees Sunday night from the DeKalb County Jail is back in custody.
24 year old Devin Anson French of Gallatin was apprehended Monday afternoon in Wilson County. The other escapee, 23 year old Gilberto Acuna of Foster Road, Warren County, remains at large.

The two inmates are believed to have escaped from the DeKalb County Jail Annex Sunday night around 11:00 p.m. The discovery of their escape was made Monday morning around 11:00 a.m. We discovered some time around 11:00 a.m. that two people had escaped from the jail annex. We think they got out around 11:00 p.m. Sunday night. A couple of the other inmates assisted Acuna and French by lifting them up on the air conditioner vents, located near the ceiling of the dormitory cell. Acuna and French then busted out a corner of one of the fiberglass skylights, and were able to squeeze between a corner of a metal grid and the skylight to make their escape.

French has been in jail for probation violation for contributing to the delinquency of a minor while Acuna has been incarcerated for driving on a suspended license. Both have now been charged with felony escape. Bond for each is $50,000.

This is the first escape from the DeKalb County Jail Annex since October, 2007 when four inmates broke through a skylight and fled. They were arrested a short time later.

After the October, 2007 incident, we had sheets of tin installed over the skylights from the outside to guard against further escapes. But the state asked that they be removed to keep the facility from being de-certified. We complied and had the sheets of tin removed. Instead, we had metal grids installed across the bottom of the skylights, as recommended by the state, as a measure to prevent further escapes.

Acuna is 5 feet tall and weighs 150 pounds. He has short brown hair, brown eyes, and medium complexion. If you have information that could lead to the arrest of Acuna, contact the Sheriff's Department at 597-4935.

More arrests are pending.

Department activity as of December 6, 2010

2010-12-06T13:45:00.000-06:00

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department has charged 18 year old Travis Mark Melton of Johnson's Chapel Road, Sparta with theft of property over $1,000

Melton, on or about November 23rd, allegedly took from a residence on the Old Sparta Highway without the owner's consent, a dirt tamper, a gas engine, spot welder, air compressor, and tractor weights all valued at over $1,000. Melton was arrested on November 29th. His bond is $5,000 and he will be in court December 16th.

Meanwhile, 56 year old Darrell Wayne Malcolm of Kendra Drive, Smithville is charged with a first offense of driving under the influence. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court December 16th.

On November 30th, a deputy responded to a one car accident on the Old Mill Hill Road. Upon arrival and speaking with the driver, Malcolm, the deputy noticed a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person. Malcolm was unsteady on his feet. He was asked to submit to several field sobriety tasks, which he performed poorly. Malcolm admitted to drinking one quart of beer. He also refused to submit to a blood alcohol test. Malcolm was issued a citation for violation of the implied consent law, for refusing to give blood.

Department activity as of November 29, 2010

2010-11-29T11:09:00.000-06:00

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department has arrested a Smithville man for statutory rape.

24 year old Mark Fish, Jr. of Holmes Creek Road is charged with statutory rape. He is under a $50,000 bond and his court date is December 16th.

On or about October 12th while at a residence on Blue Springs Road, Fish allegedly unlawfully had sex with a 15 year old female without her consent. Sexual penetration was made by force. The female stated that she was asleep at the time of the incident and when she awoke, she told him to stop, but he did not.

Meanwhile, 28 year old Nathan Joseph Trower of Baxter is charged under an April 16th, 2007 sealed indictment with sale and delivery of a schedule III controlled substance. He is under a $10,000 bond and he will be in court on December 13th. Trower has been out of state in another correctional institute and was only recently arrested.

Department activity as of November 22, 2010

2010-11-22T13:18:00.001-06:00

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department arrested a 36 year old Dowelltown woman Saturday after doing a welfare check of a vehicle at a business location in Smithville and finding her intoxicated and in possession of pills.

Autumn Danielle White of Old Mill Hill Road is charged with driving under the influence and possession of a schedule II and III controlled substance for resale. White is under a $26,500 bond and she will be in court on December 2nd.

On Saturday, November 20th at a place of business on Highway 70 west in DeKalb County, a deputy was doing a welfare check on a vehicle beside the building. The engine was running and the lights were on. White was the only occupant of the vehicle. She had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on her person and she was unsteady on her feet. White performed poorly on all field sobriety tasks and refused to submit to a blood test. She was placed under arrest.

When the officer arrived with her at the jail, she handed over her purse and a bottle containing seven and a half hydrocodone pills and one roxycodone pill. There was also another bottle with two and a half oxycodone pills and three hydrocodone pills. White also had $596 in cash which was seized.

Meanwhile, 28 year old Lori Ann Lewis of Johnson's Chapel Road, Sparta is charged with public intoxication. Her bond is $1,000 and she will be in court on December 1st.

On Wednesday, November 17th, an officer responded to a complaint of a woman getting into her neighbor's cars on Johnson's Chapel Road. A description was given and upon arrival, the deputy saw a woman fitting the description standing in the roadway. After speaking with her, the officer determined that she was intoxicated and appeared to be a danger to herself and or others so she was placed under arrest.

22 year old Raymond Howard Rollins of Jackson Hollow Road, Lancaster is charged with driving on a suspended license. His bond is $1,000 and his court date is December 1st. He is being held without bond for violation of probation. He will be in court on the VOP on November 29th.

A deputy was on Highway 70 when he spotted Rollins. The officer knew that Rollins had a violation of probation warrant against him so he made a traffic stop and ran a computer check of his drivers license and found they were suspended for failure to satisfy a citation against him in Putnam County.

Department activity as of November 15, 2010

2010-11-16T09:40:00.002-06:00

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department uncovered a shake and bake meth lab while assisting the Department of Children Services on a home visit last Monday, November 8th.

36 year old James Walton (J.W.) Goodman of Lowery Road, Smithville is charged with initiation of a process intended to result in the manufacture of methamphetamine

A deputy made the discovery while assisting the department of children services on a home visit at the Lowery Road residence, where Goodman was staying. An 18 year old who answered the door told authorities that his parents were not at home, and when asked, said the vehicles parked in the driveway belonged to Goodman, who was inside the house sleeping. The deputy asked the 18 year old to wake up Goodman and have him come outside. In the meantime, the officer noticed some clothes and bags piled up in Goodman's truck. When Goodman came outside, the deputy asked him if the truck belonged to him. He replied "yes" but that the vehicle was for sale. The officer and Goodman walked over to the truck and in plain view, the officer saw several mason jars in a black bag and a turkey baster in the seat. In the floor of the truck was a blue funnel, Coleman propane fuel, rubber gloves, and a two liter bottle containing a white substance. He also noticed a strong chemical smell coming from the vehicle. The officer searched further and found more components to make meth.

Goodman is under a $2,500 bond and he will be in court on November 18th.

A 41 year old man has been arrested by the Sheriff's Department after being found in possession of items taken from a vehicle parked at the Smithville Cumberland Presbyterian Church on Sunday, November 7th.

Robert (Bobby) Atnip, Jr. of Allen Ferry Road is charged with burglary and theft under $500. Atnip has also been issued two citations for simple possession, one citation for possession of drug paraphernalia, and a citation for driving on a suspended license.

A deputy recently pulled over Atnip on a traffic stop and found on him, Xanax, Ambien, a needle, a container of water solution, and a straw. A computer check of his license revealed them to be suspended for numerous traffic violations. The deputy also noticed inside the vehicle, a basketball bag from DeKalb Middle School and a GPS unit, which were believed to have been stolen. Upon a further investigation, the deputy located the owner of the items found in Atnip's vehicle.

The burglary charge states that on Sunday, November 7th, Atnip allegedly entered a vehicle without the owner's consent with intent to commit a theft. The vehicle was parked at the Cumberland Presbyterian Church on South College Street.

The theft charge states that Atnip allegedly took items from the vehicle including a GPS and a blue bag containing DeKalb Middle School girls basketball uniforms. The total value is $325.

Bond for Atnip is $6,500 and his court date is November 18th.

Meanwhile 33 year old Darryl Wayne Cantrell of Morgan Drive, Smithville was arrested on Monday, November 8th and charged with violation of parole, evading arrest, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

A deputy stopped to do a welfare check on a vehicle he saw parked by the side of the road on Highway 53 in Liberty. Three people were inside, including Cantrell who was in the back seat. Suspecting that Cantrell had a parole violation against him, the officer called central dispatch to make sure. Cantrell, who got out of the vehicle, was instructed by the deputy to get back inside while he was answering dispatch. Cantrell started running. The officer called for Cantrell to stop but he refused. After chasing him on foot for about 60 yards, Cantrell was caught and placed under arrest.

Upon arrival at the jail, a pat down search was conducted on Cantrell and officers found in his front right pants pocket, a spoon and a used hypodermic needle wrapped in a paper towel.

Bond for Cantrell on the evading and drug paraphernalia charges is $3,500 and he will be in court November 18th. He is being held without bond on the violation of parole.

27 year old Tommy Lynn Parsley of Mount Juliet is charged with evading arrest and a sixth offense of driving on a suspended license. He is under a $6,000 bond.

on Wednesday, November 3rd, a deputy saw Parsley operating a motor vehicle on Highway 70 west in the Snow Hill area. Having prior knowledge that his license were suspended, the officer activated his lights and siren but Parsley did not stop. The deputy followed Parsley for about three miles, before terminating the pursuit due to weather conditions and the speed of the pursuit which was 60-70 miles per hour. A computer check revealed that Parsley's license were suspended for failure to satisfy citations in Wilson County and Smith County.

Parsley was arrested on Monday, November 8th.

23 year old Auston Corey Wood of Dale Ridge Road, was arrested for theft of property under $500 on Monday, November 8th after he obtained the services of a tow truck operator to haul off a truck for scrap from property on the Cookeville Highway. But what the tow truck operator did not know was that Wood was actually stealing the truck. The value of the truck is $450. Wood told the tow truck operator that he had bought the truck and that he wanted to haul it off to a scrap yard on the Cookeville Highway. The truck was already loaded on the wrecker and ready to go when officers arrived. The tow truck operator had no knowledge that Wood was trying to steal the truck.

Bond for Wood is $2,500 and he will be in court on November 18th.

25 year old Stephen Hunter Pugh of Gassaway Road, Woodbury is charged with unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond is $1,000 and he will be in court on November 18th.

On Tuesday, November 9th while on routine patrol, a deputy saw a female in the backseat of a vehicle on West Broad Street, Smithville. Having prior knowledge that the female had an active warrant against her, the deputy stopped the vehicle at a business on West Broad Street. Pugh was a passenger. The officer noticed Pugh putting something in his pocket. Pugh was asked to step out of the vehicle and to keep his hands out of his pockets, but he kept putting his hand in his right pocket. According to the officer, Pugh was combative. The deputy conducted a pat down search and found three syringes and a cut straw in Pugh's right pocket. He also found a pill bottle with water.

19 year old Matthew Anthony Murphy is charged with criminal trespassing. His bond is $1,000 and he will be in court on December 2nd.

On Friday, November 12th, the DCHS school resource officer saw Murphy approaching the school from the adult high school area. According to the SRO, he and the assistant principals have told Murphy several times not to come onto the school property. No trespassing signs are posted and Murphy knew he was not to be there.

52 year old Edwin Dale Evans of Smith Road, Smithville is charged with a first offense of driving under the influence. His bond is $1,000 and he will be in court on December 2nd.

On Saturday, November 13th, a deputy was called to check out a possible impaired driver. Dispatch reported that the vehicle was all over the roadway. The officer got behind the automobile on Broad Street, Smithville and saw the vehicle cross the yellow line several times. After stopping the vehicle and speaking to the driver, Evans, the deputy noticed that his speech was slurred. Evans was asked to perform several field sobriety tasks. He performed poorly. Evans was also unsteady on his feet and he had poor motor skills. Evans admitted to taking Xanax about 30 minutes prior to the stop. He submitted to a blood alcohol content test.

Sheriff’s Department Launches High Visibility Patrols to Curb Fatalities

2010-11-09T08:46:00.002-06:00

Drunk driving, speeding and failure to wear seatbelts has become a deadly combination in Tennessee and DeKalb County. This year fatalities are up statewide. While not all of those have been alcohol or speed related many of them could have been prevented by simply buckling a seatbelt.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department will be joining with the Governor’s Highway Safety Office, Tennessee Highway Patrol and other agencies across the county this holiday season to ensure motorists reach their destinations safely.

Our message is simple. Always wear your seatbelt, drive the speed limit and don’t drink and drive. If motorists will take just a moment and think about these things before they get behind the wheel of a car, there would be less injuries and fatalities should a crash occur.

Driving without a seatbelt is illegal in Tennessee. Driving with a BAC of .08 or higher is illegal in every state. Although fatalities were at a record low last year across the state, this year has proved to be different. Statewide fatalities are up by 53.

Drunk driving is simply not worth the risk. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for impaired driving can be significant. Violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, attorney fees, time away from work, and dozens of other expenses.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department in conjunction with the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Governor’s Highway Safety Office and other law enforcement agencies is planning high visibility patrols in problem areas throughout the county over the holiday period. We are urging everyone to buckle up and drive smart and enjoy the holidays.

Department activity as of November 8, 2010

2010-11-09T08:36:00.002-06:00

Two employees of the City of Smithville have been charged with theft of property after allegedly taking scrap brass from the water treatment plant on three occasions and selling it to a recycling center.

45 year old Kenny Waymon Dyal, Sr. of Floyd Drive, Smithville and 42 year old Christopher Derrick Ferrell of North Mountain Street, Smithville are each charged with two counts of theft over $500 and one count of theft under $500.

Dyal was the supervisor of the Smithville Water Treatment Plant and Ferrell was a city maintenance employee and water meter reader. Mayor Taft Hendrixson said both men have been discharged.

The warrants against them allege that on Thursday, October 21st., Wednesday, November 3rd. and Thursday, November 4th Dyal and Ferrell took scrap brass from the city water treatment plant without consent and took it to a recycling place where they sold it for $514.50 on October 21st., $156 on November 3rd. and $677.51 on November 4th..

The brass scrap is part of the materials being removed from the water plant, which is undergoing a renovation.

Bond for each is $9,500 and they are scheduled to appear in General Sessions Court on November 18th.

32 year old Travis Brent Shoemake of Hickman is charged with theft of property over $1,000. His bond is $2,500 and he will be in court on November 18th.

Shoemake allegedly took a four wheeler from a residence on Lower Helton Road in Alexandria on Sunday, October 24th. He was arrested on Tuesday, November 2nd.

Other thefts have been reported in that area and more arrests may be forthcoming.
The sheriff's department has received reports of thefts in the Lower Helton area about four wheelers having been stolen. After an investigation, Shoemake was arrested for stealing one of the four wheelers. Other arrests are pending. The investigation continues.

Meanwhile, if you should be contacted about purchasing a four wheeler at a price too cheap, contact the Sheriff's Department at 597-4935.

40 year old Frederick Michael Hughes of Barnes Mill Road, Smithville is charged with unlawful possession of a schedule II controlled substance (morphine). His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court on December 16th.

On Saturday, November 6th, a deputy stopped a vehicle on Jefferson Road, having prior knowledge that a passenger in the automobile had two state warrants on him. Upon placing the passenger in custody, the officer noticed that Hughes, who was the driver, was trying to hide something in the console. Thinking it might be a weapon, the deputy asked Hughes to step out of the vehicle. He also asked Hughes if he had anything illegal in the vehicle. Hughes replied "no". The officer further inquired, asking Hughes if he had anything on his person. Hughes began emptying his pockets and two green pills, believed to be morphine, dropped from his pocket.

Hughes was then placed under arrest.

41 year old Robert Todd Hendrixson of Sparta Highway is charged with reckless endangerment. His bond is $3,500 and he will be in court on November 18th.

On Sunday, November 7th, Hendrixson got mad at his girlfriend at their residence on Sparta Highway, took his pistol from the closet, and shot several times into the ceiling of their bedroom. Hendrixson's actions placed his girlfriend and her children in danger. Two deputies responded to a 911 call and when they arrived, Hendrixson had left. Inside the bedroom on the bed were six shell casings and six holes were found in the ceiling. Hendrixson was later located at a cemetery on Johnson's Chapel Road and he was placed under arrest. Authorities have not found the gun.

Department activity as of November 1, 2010

2010-11-01T16:13:00.000-05:00

A 22 year old homeless man has been charged with the aggravated rape of two male children, ages 6 and 10 in Liberty

Joshua Taylor Cook, who has been staying in Liberty, was arrested on Thursday, October 28th.

Cook allegedly performed sexual acts on a six year old and a ten year old male child on Church Street in Liberty and then he allegedly had the two children perform sexual acts on him. These events allegedly took place on September 15th.

Cook is under a $100,000 bond and he will be in court on November 4th.

Meanwhile, in other county crime news, 18 year old Richard Lee Sloan of Douglas Avenue, Murfreesboro is charged with three counts of simple possession of a schedule II, III, and VI controlled substance.

On Tuesday, October 26th on Highway 70 in DeKalb County, a deputy assisted another officer on a traffic stop. The officer received consent to search from the owner of the vehicle and upon a pat down search of Sloan, the passenger, a bulge was found in his left front pocket. Sloan told the officer that the bulge was a cell phone. The officer checked and found the cell phone but also a plastic bag containing methamphetamine, two hydrocodone pills, and marijuana.

Sloan is under a $4,500 bond and his court date is November 4th.

31 year old Charles Barton Seals, Jr. of Old Smithville Highway, Sparta is charged with leaving the scene of an accident and disorderly conduct.

On Wednesday, October 27th, Seals was involved in an automobile accident on Sligo Bridge. He was stopped by an officer on Highway 70 in the city limits of Smithville, about five miles from the scene of the accident. Seals was very loud, used vulgar language, and refused to comply with what the officer instructed him to do.

Seals is under a $3,000 bond and he will be in court on December 16th.

Department activity as of October 25, 2010

2010-10-25T19:22:00.002-05:00

A 29 year old Smithville man was arrested by the Sheriff's Department last week after witnesses saw him setting fire to the woods near Indian Creek Boat Ramp and then trying to run from the law.

Jesse A. Golden of New Home Road, Smithville is charged with setting fire to personal property or land, reckless endangerment, felony evading arrest, and driving under the influence.

On Friday, October 22nd at Indian Creek Boat Ramp and parking lot, witnesses saw Golden setting several fires in the woods. An officer got behind Golden's automobile and turned on his emergency equipment signaling Golden to stop but he accelerated to speeds up to 90 miles per hour. The chase continued for about two miles. While running from the officer, Golden almost hit a county fire engine and another vehicle head-on before pulling over. The officer found an empty gas can and a package of matches in Golden's vehicle. During questioning concerning the fire, the deputy noticed that Golden was unsteady on his feet. He admitted to drinking beer and performed poorly on all field sobriety tasks. He also submitted to a blood test. The total bond for Golden is $16,000 and he will be in court on October 28th.

In other crime news, 47 year old Ricky Lynn Cantrell of Liberty is charged with leaving the scene of an accident. On Friday, October 15th, a deputy responded to an accident where the driver left on foot. After speaking to several witnesses, the officer learned that Cantrell had run out of gas on Highway 70 west. He pushed the vehicle into the parking lot of Crook's Used Cars, hitting another automobile. He then left on foot before an officer arrived on the scene. Witnesses said Cantrell appeared to be intoxicated. He was arrested on Saturday, October 16th. His bond is set at $1,500 and he will be in court on November 4th.

29 year old Christopher Shawn South of Woodbury is charged with driving on a suspended license. He was arrested on Monday, October 18th. His bond is set at $1,500and he will be in court on Wednesday, October 27th. South was operating a motor vehicle at Sonic Drive-In on South Congress Boulevard that matched the description of the automobile of another person who was wanted for questioning. A computer check revealed that his license were suspended for failure to pay child support on October 10th, 2009.

23 year old Austin Corley Wood of Dale Ridge Road, is charged with a third offense of driving on a suspended license. He was arrested on Tuesday, October 19th. Bond for Wood is $3,000 and he will be in court on October 27th. Wood was operating a vehicle on Highway 56 and was stopped for a traffic offense. A computer check revealed that his license were suspended for driving on a suspended license on April 6th, 2009 and other offenses that day and on August 20th, 2007.

41 year old Sherry Lynn Chandler of Page Drive, Smithville is charged with driving on a suspended license. Her bond is $1,000 and she will be in court on November 3rd. Chandler was operating a motor vehicle on Midway Road on Tuesday, October 19th and was stopped for a traffic offense. A computer check revealed that her license were suspended for failure to provide evidence of financial responsibility on September 10th, 2010 in DeKalb County.

25 year old Michael Andrew Snyders of West Main Street Smithville is charged in five warrants for violation of probation. He was arrested on Wednesday, October 20th. He is also named in a sealed indictment from April 12th, 2010 charging him with sale and delivery of a schedule II controlled substance and two counts of violation of the drug free school zone. Snyders is under a $50,000 bond in the drug cases.

25 year old Scotty Randall Hendrixson of McMinnville Highway is charged with simple possession of a schedule II controlled substance. He was arrested on Thursday, October 21st. Hendrixson was a passenger of a vehicle on Cecil Hale Road, which was pulled over by an officer. A K-9 unit was requested to come to the scene. The dog indicated on the vehicle. A search was conducted and half of a dilaudid pill was found in the floor of the passenger side where Hendrixson was sitting. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court on November 4th.

Meanwhile, 23 year old Gary Christopher Ponder of Old Mill Hill Road, Dowelltown is charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. Ponder was the driver of the vehicle in which Scotty Randall Hendrixson was a passenger. During the search, a loaded hypodermic needle was found under the drivers seat where Ponder was sitting. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court on November 4th.

22 year old Priscilla Leann Roberts of Sparta Highway, Smithville is charged with introduction of drugs into a penal institution. Her bond is $5,000 and she will be in court on October 28th. On Friday, October 22nd, Roberts reported to the county jail to do 24 hours of drug court time. During a search prior to her being locked up, a correctional officer found two whole pills and sixteen half pills of xanax on her person.

22 year old Justin Andrew Cantrell of Adcock Cemetery Road, Smithville is charged with driving on a suspended license. He is under a $2,500 bond and he will be in court on November 18th. On Saturday, October 23rd, Cantrell was operating a motor vehicle on Adcock Cemetery Road and was stopped because the officer had prior knowledge of his license having been suspended. A computer check confirmed that Cantrell's license were suspended for failing to provide evidence of financial responsibility on July 9th, 2010.

39 year old Shawn Edward Richardson of Salem Road, Lebanon is charged with driving on a revoked license. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court on November 4th. On Saturday, October 23rd on Locust Street in Alexandria, Richardson was operating a motor vehicle and stopped for traveling the wrong direction on a one way street. A computer check revealed the his license were revoked for a DUI on August 24th, 2006 in Rutherford County.

50 year old Clifton Eugene Brown of Wesley Chapel Road, Sparta is charged with driving on a revoked license. On Sunday, October 24th, Brown was operating a motor vehicle on Highway 70 and stopped for failing to maintain his lane of travel. A computer check revealed that his license were revoked for a DUI on December 18th, 2009 in White County. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court on November 4th.

33 year old Tara Leann Aughinbaugh is charged with simple possession of a schedule II controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Her bond is $4,000 and she will be in court on November 4th. On Monday, October 25th. Aughinbaugh was operating a motor vehicle on Highway 70 and was stopped for erratic driving. She gave the officer consent to search and he found, in a change purse, a plastic bag containing methamphetamine and a hypodermic needle.

34 year old Steven Craig Banfield of College Street, Lebanon is charged with driving on a suspended license, simple possession of a schedule VI controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. On Sunday, October 24th, Banfield was operating a motor vehicle and stopped for crossing the center line of the highway several times. A computer check revealed that his license were suspended for failure to provide evidence of financial responsibility. Banfield gave the officer consent to search and inside the back seat was a pill bottle containing marijuana and a pipe with marijuana residue. His bond totals $4,500 and he will be in court on November 4th.

27 year old Brandon Ross Bogle of Jefferson Road, Smithville is charged with public intoxication. His bond is $1,000 and he will be in court on November 4th. On Monday, October 25th on Big Rock Road, the sheriff's office received a call that someone was knocking on a door of a residence. An officer responded and found Bogle on the porch of the complainant. He had an odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person and he was unsteady on his feet.

The DeKalb County Jail and Annex has again passed certification for minimum standards for local correctional facilities for 2010-2011. The certification remains valid until next year's inspection.

Department activity as of October 11, 2010

2010-10-11T14:11:00.002-05:00

Two people allegedly conducting a shake and bake meth lab were arrested during a traffic stop on Coconut Ridge Road last Thursday, October 7th.

43 year old Robert Ernest Rochefort of Doe Lane, Smithville and 39 year old Sandra Lee Clark of Backbone Ridge Road, are each charged with initiation of a process intended to result in the manufacture of methamphetamine.

Clark is also charged with tampering with evidence, simple possession of a schedule VI controlled substance (marijuana), possession of drug paraphernalia, and unlawful carrying or possession of a prohibited weapon.

Rochefort is under a 25,000 bond. The bond for Clark is $32,500. Both will appear in General Sessions Court on November 4th.

A deputy was on routine patrol on Coconut Ridge Road when he saw a vehicle stopped in the road. When the officer stopped, the vehicle began to leave. The deputy then activated his lights signaling the vehicle to stop. After making the traffic stop the officer spoke with the driver, Clark and the passenger, Rochefort and they appeared to be nervous. The deputy received consent to search but when Rochefort, the passenger, got out of the automobile, the officer saw him place something on the ground. There, the deputy found a two liter bottle with a three layered substance which is normally used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Rochefort emptied his pockets and produced a two liter Pepsi label. A plastic bag was found inside the vehicle. The bag contained 30 pseudoephedrine pills and four lithium batteries, which are also normally used in the manufacture of meth. Several other items used to make meth were also in the vehicle, including turkey basters, Ph test strips, coffee filters with residue, salt, water, and more.

As a background check for warrants against Rochefort and Clark was being conducted, the deputy saw Clark pick up a mason jar from the back seat of the car and empty the contents on the ground. The contents were found to be lighter fluid, which is commonly used to manufacture methamphetamine.

During the search, the officer found in her purse a switchblade knife and a container which held rolling papers and a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana A glass pipe with residue was confiscated from her makeup bag which was in the floor board on the driver side.

In other cases, 34 year old Jimmy Allen Atnip, II of Gene Vaughn Road, Smithville was charged on Wednesday, October 6th with simple possession of a schedule VI controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond is $2,500 and he will be in court November 4th.

A deputy, while on routine patrol, stopped to check a vehicle he saw parked on the side of the road on Students Home Road, Two people were inside. As he approached the automobile, the officer noticed an odor of alcohol coming from inside. Both persons admitted to drinking beer and the passenger was in the process of drinking a tall boy.

The deputy conducted a pat down search of Atnip and felt an object with the texture of marijuana in his front right pocket. When the deputy asked to see what it was, Atnip pulled out two plastic bags that contained a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana. Also found in Atnip's left pocket was a pipe containing marijuana residue.

25 year old Johnna Maynard of Banks Pisgah Road, Smithville was charged on Wednesday, October 6th with possession of a schedule III controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Her bond is $2,500 and she will appear in court on November 4th.

Probation officers spoke with Maynard while conducting a home visit in the parking lot of City Walk Apartments. They found in her pants pocket, a cellophane cigarette wrapper with 20 white pills believed to be Hydrocodone and a hypodermic needle containing residue.

24 year old Antonio Cezar Wilford of Bell Street, Smithville is charged with unlawful carrying or possession of a weapon by a felon and alteration of items, permanent distinguishing number, and possession of such items.

A deputy accompanied a probation officer on a Bell Street home visit to check on a woman and during a search of the bedroom, the officers found a gun in a dresser drawer, which Wilford said belonged to him. The gun, which was actually stolen, had been defaced. The serial number had been scratched off. Wilford, a felon, was convicted of aggravated assault by a jury on January 12th, 2005.

26 year old Jeffrey Edward Dawes of Miller Road was charged on Thursday, October 7th with unlawful possession of a schedule II controlled substance (methamphetamine). His bond is $2,500 and he will be in court on November 4th.

A deputy saw Dawes in the parking lot of Royal Oak Apartments and having knowledge of a warrant against him, the officer stopped and placed Dawes under arrest. The deputy checked Dawes' jacket pocket and found a small plastic bag containing a yellowish powder substance believed to be methamphetamine.

Department activity as of October 4, 2010

2010-10-04T06:53:00.002-05:00

Beware of a telephone scam seeking your debit card number. Never give out your personal financial information in response to an unsolicited phone call, fax, or email, no matter how official it may seem. We've been getting some calls here at the jail about people receiving telephone calls from a solicitor asking for their debit card numbers. Its an automated service that tell the caller that their debit card is on lock down for security reasons and if they wish it to continue to be locked down then press (2) on their phone or if they want to unlock it press (1). The automated system then asks them to punch in their debit card number. We just want to warn people that this is a scam. We want to warn people to not give out their debit card numbers.

If you have been a victim of the scam or have questions about it contact the Sheriff's Department at 597-4935.

25 year old John Bryan Pedigo of Lee Homer Road, Smithville was charged Friday, October 1st with a first offense of driving on a revoked license. A deputy, while on routine patrol on Dry Creek Road, noticed Pedigo operating a motor vehicle. Having prior knowledge of Pedigo's license being revoked, the officer made a traffic stop. A computer check confirmed that Pedigo's license were revoked for failure to file security after an accident on May 10th. Bond for Pedigo is $1,500 and he will be in court on October 28th

25 year old Brandon Keith Thomas of West Broad Street was charged with a first offense of driving under the influence on Friday, October 1st.. An officer was on West Bryant Street when he met a vehicle coming from the opposite direction. After passing the officer, the vehicle then ran off the road. The deputy turned around and stopped to investigate. He noticed that the driver, Thomas, had slurred speech and he was unsteady on his feet. Thomas submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed but he refused to submit to a blood test. Bond for Thomas is $1,500 and his court date is October 21s. Thomas was also issued a citation for violation of the implied consent law for failure to submit to a blood test.

49 year old Jesse Lynn Epps was charged Saturday, October 2nd with driving on a revoked license. A deputy, while on routine patrol saw a vehicle turn into a business on Highway 70 east. The officer stopped the vehicle and made contact with the driver, Epps who said his license were revoked. A computer check verified that his license were revoked for a DUI conviction on August 25th, 2005 in in Warren County. Bond for Epps is $1,500 and his court date is November 3rd.

Department activity as of September 20, 2010

2010-09-20T14:16:00.002-05:00

A DeKalb County mother is charged with harboring a runaway after allegedly trying to hide her son who ran away from the Indian Mound Home for boys earlier this month. 31 year old Michelle Lee Culwell of Parsley Road, Smithville is charged with driving on a suspended license and hiding and harboring a juvenile child. She is under $6,000 bond and she will be in court October 7th.

Culwell's son, who is in state custody, ran away from the Indian Mound Home for boys on Wednesday, September 1st. On Saturday, September 18th, a deputy saw the boy in an automobile with his mother, Ms. Culwell on Highway 56 south near Mystik Market.

Ms. Culwell was the operator of the vehicle seen leaving Mystik Market heading northbound on Highway 56 south. Upon getting the vehicle stopped, the juvenile jumped out and ran. Sheriff Ray says his mother knew that he was a runaway and she had been hiding him.

The deputy arrested Culwell for harboring a runaway and a check of her license found them to be suspended for failure to satisfy a citation in Hamilton County.

Meanwhile in another case, 52 year old Katrina Jo LaLiberte of Circle Drive, Dowelltown was arrested on Monday, September 13th and charged with reckless endangerment and public intoxication. Her bond is $4,500 and her court date is September 30th.

A deputy was called to investigate a vandalism at a residence on Hunt Hollow Road. LaLiberty had allegedly fire rounds from a 22 caliber pistol at the victim's vehicle causing him to fear for his safety.

Upon arrival, the officer found a female (LaLiberte) on the porch wearing only a shirt and underpants. She was very unsteady on her feet and she had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on her person. She was so intoxicated that the officer had to pick her up and put her in the patrol car. The deputy took the weapon and placed her under arrest.

34 year old Sharon Kay Skinner of Sparta Highway, Smithville was arrested on Wednesday, September 15th on a warrant charging her with violation of community corrections. She was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. Skinner is under a $1,500 bond on the drug charge and she will appear in court October 7th. She is being held without bond on the other offense pending a court hearing on Monday September 20, 2010.

A deputy was summoned to Wal-mart after another officer called him to report that Skinner was there. The officer was aware that Skinner had active warrants against her. Upon arrival and speaking to Skinner, the deputy placed her under arrest and found four syringes in a purse during a search of Skinner's person.

31 year old Russell Shannon Estes of Kendra Drive, Smithville was arrested on Thursday, September 16th and charged with a second offense of driving under the influence Estes is under a $3,000 bond and his court date is September 30th.

A deputy responded to Highway 56 south to check out an oncoming vehicle in which the driver was possibly intoxicated. Having received a description, the deputy spotted the automobile and then he got behind it. While following the vehicle, the officer witnessed it almost run off the roadway once and at one point, the automobile completely ran off the roadway. At this time, the deputy activated his lights and stopped the vehicle. While speaking to the driver, Estes, the officer noticed his speech to be slurred. He was asked to step out of the vehicle and perform several field sobriety tasks. Estes was very unsteady on his feet but he submitted to the tests and performed poorly. He also submitted to a blood alcohol test.

35 year old Keith Gordon Saliski of Lower Helton Road, Alexandria is charged with vandalism. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court on September 30th.

On Sunday, September 19th, a deputy responded to a residence on High Street in Alexandria to take down a report of a vandalism. The complainant reported that a man named Keith had broken the glass to his storm door. The deputy then went to another residence where he found Saliski. While speaking with him, Saliski admitted to going to the victim's residence, throwing a large rock, and breaking the glass to the door.

22 year old Billy D. Ferrell of R. Arnold Road, Smithville is charged with driving under the influence, evading arrest, and resisting arrest stop, frisk, and halt. His bond is $6,500 and he will be in court on October 7th.

A deputy was called to check out a domestic complaint on Sunday, September 19th in which a woman with a small child was in a car with her boyfriend but he wouldn't let her out of the vehicle.

The officer spotted the vehicle, driven by Ferrell, coming toward him on R. Arnold Road. The deputy activated his blue lights and Ferrell stopped. Ferrell then put his car in reverse and backed up at a high rate of speed. The deputy noticed a woman and child in the back seat of Ferrell's car. After backing up, Ferrell turned into the graveled driveway of his residence and pulled in behind a trailer, stopped in a tree line, got out and fled on foot.

After a long foot pursuit, the deputy caught up with Ferrell, but he continued trying to resist arrest, failing to comply with orders to put his hands behind his back or to get on the ground.

The deputy, upon placing Ferrell in custody, noticed that he was unsteady on his feet and he had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person. Ferrell submitted to a blood alcohol test. He admitted to drinking and taking hydrocodone.

Department activity as of September 13, 2010

2010-09-13T14:07:00.002-05:00

A 32 year old Dowelltown man is accused of going to the same farm on Banks Pisgah Road twice within five days and committing thefts. Aron Dewayne Ponder of Old Mill Hill Road, Dowelltown was arrested on Tuesday, September 7th and charged with a first offense of driving on a suspended license, theft of property over $500, and theft of property over $1,000. He will be in court on September 30th and his bond totals $41,000.

On Tuesday, September 7th, a deputy saw Ponder operating a motor vehicle on New Home Road and having prior knowledge that his license were suspended, the officer stopped the automobile. After making the traffic stop, the deputy checked through central dispatch and learned that Ponder's license were suspended for failure to pay child support on November 15th, 2008.

In regard to the thefts, on Thursday, September 2nd Ponder allegedly went to the farm on Banks Pisgah Road and stole a tobacco setter, horse drawn mower, a single wing turning plow, a trail behind turning plow, along with various other types of turning plows with a total value of 825.00.

Ponder allegedly went back to the same farm on Tuesday, September 7th and stole a 1959 Ford pickup truck, valued at $1,500. Ponder allegedly sold the truck to a scrap yard.

In a separate investigation, 18 year old Terry L. Jones of Chapman Hollow Road, Dowelltown is charged with burglary and theft of property. Jones will be in court October 7th and he is under a $7,500 bond. On Saturday, September 11th Jones was arrested for entering a vehicle on Church Street in Dowelltown and stealing a portion of the radio. Jones allegedly confessed to the crimes, stating that he had a radio just like this one and needed the piece he stole for his own radio. The value is less than $500.

Meanwhile, 32 year old Phillip Edward Miranda of Cecil Hale Road, Smithville is charged with a second offense of driving under the influence and a second offense of driving on a revoked license. His bond is $5,000 and his court date is October 7th.

On Saturday, September 11th a deputy, while on routine patrol, saw a vehicle on Short Mountain Highway that appeared to be abandoned. After stopping to check, the officer saw a man inside the automobile who was apparently passed out. The deputy opened the door and had to yell several times to awaken the man, identified as Miranda. The officer also detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on the man's person. Miranda submitted to several field sobriety tasks and performed poorly on all. He was also very unsteady on his feet. Miranda further submitted to a blood alcohol test.

During Miranda's arrest, the officer ran a computer check which revealed that Miranda was charged with his first DUI offense on June 17th, 2008. He was convicted on August 20th, 2008 in DeKalb County. The background check also revealed that his drivers license were revoked on February 22nd, 2010 for failure to file security after an accident on October 4th, 2009 in DeKalb County. Miranda was first charged with driving on a revoked license on October 3rd, 2009 and he was convicted March 31st, 2010 in DeKalb County.

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department has arrested two men for promoting the manufacture of methamphetamine. 32 year old David Wayne Gaines of Short Mountain Street Smithville and 27 year old Bradley Shane Redmon of A.B. Frazier Road, Smithville were arrested on Wednesday, September 8th and they will appear in court on September 30th. Bond for each is $25,000

A deputy went to Gaines' home on Short Mountain Street in answer to a complaint of methamphetamine being cooked there. After arrival, the officer received consent to search the home. Redmon, who was also present, told the officer that he had a glass pot with him. Found in a spare bedroom of the home where Redmon was staying were the glass pot, heating element, plastic bottle with liquid residue, and a plastic bag that contained new and used wet coffee filters.

A search of the bathroom turned up a black bag that held a two liter bottle, which contained black and white substances, and there was a 16 ounce bottle containing a bi-layer liquid. The officer also found fans, tools, lithium batteries, tape, lighter fluid, and other items to manufacture methamphetamine.

Meanwhile, in a separate case, 24 year old Justin Lynn Murphy of 625 Restview Avenue, Smithville was arrested on Friday, September 10th and charged with unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful manufacture of a schedule VI (marijuana), unlawful possession of a schedule IV controlled substance (xanax), and unlawful possession of a schedule II controlled substance (morphine). Murphy is under a $9,000 bond and his court date is September 30th.

On Thursday, September 9th detectives accompanied probation officers to the home of Murphy to check on him. Found in the kitchen inside a planter pot were three marijuana plants. One larger marijuana plant was found growing outside the home by the steps. Authorities searched Murphy and found a pocket screwdriver. When the lid to screwdriver came off, a pill believed to be xanax was found inside. Also found on Murphy and in his bedroom were a total of five hypodermic needles and six straws. The search of the bedroom further yielded a pill believed to be morphine.

Department activity as of September 7, 2010

2010-09-08T09:14:00.003-05:00

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department broke up a suspected drug transaction just as it was taking place Thursday, September 2nd.. Three men were arrested, 31 year old Scottie Wayne Knowles of Jacobs Pillar Road, 44 year old Riley Anthony Bullard of Adcock Cemetery Road, and Dennis C. Ellis of Anthony Avenue.

A deputy was preparing to pull over a car for a traffic violation when he saw it pull into a cul de sac driveway on Hickory Street. The officer followed the car, driven by Ellis. Bullard, a passenger of the car, allegedly could be seen counting out nineteen whole dilaudid pills and three half pills. At the time of his arrest, Bullard also had on him ninety dollars in cash.

Knowles, who was also parked there, apparently had gotten out of his vehicle and approached Ellis' car with a handful of cash, allegedly to make the purchase from Bullard.

After making the arrests, the deputy received consent to search Knowles' vehicle and found a used hypodermic needle under the seat where he had been sitting.

Knowles is charged with criminal responsibility for facilitation of a felony and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond is $27,500 and he will be in court on September 16th.

Bullard is charged with possession of a schedule II controlled substance (dilaudid) for resale. His bond is $50,000 and he will be in court on September 16th

Ellis is charged with possession of a schedule II controlled substance for resale.

Meanwhile, in a separate case, a prisoner in the DeKalb County Jail, 39 year old Timothy Wade Ford of Brush Creek Road, is charged with possession of prohibited weapons. Correctional officers went into the jail annex and conducted a search. There they searched Ford's belongings and found four shanks or knives that he had made while in jail. Bond for Ford is $5,000 and his court date is September 16th.

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department arrested a man and his girlfriend for manufacturing methamphetamine on Monday, August 30th after going to the woman's residence on Old Bildad Road to investigate a domestic complaint and finding a meth lab.

27 year old Brandon Gurley of 648 Foster Road is charged with manufacture of a schedule II controlled substance and domestic assault. His bond totals $27,500 and he will be in court on September 30th.

Gurley's girlfriend, 22 year old Jamie Lee Hodges of Old Bildad Road, Smithville is also charged with manufacture of a schedule II controlled substance. Her bond is $25,000 and she will be in court on September 30th.

Deputies responded to a domestic call at Hodges' residence on the Old Bildad Road. A witness had reported seeing Gurley assaulting Hodges. By the time officers arrived, Gurley had left. During the investigation, deputies discovered a meth lab at the residence. Hodges was placed under arrest and Gurley was later picked up and charged.

Both Gurley and Hodges admitted to buying the components to make meth, had knowledge that meth was being manufactured there, and they shared in the proceeds.

Gurley was also charged with assaulting Hodges by grabbing her by the neck and pushing her head against a car door leaving red marks on her neck.

Department activity as of August 23, 2010

2010-08-23T18:54:00.002-05:00

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department has arrested two more people, believed to have been accomplices with 38 year old Craig Hill in the robbery of Liberty State Bank on August 3rd.

45 year old Ricky Estes of Whorton Springs Road, Smithville and 26 year old Roxanna Landis of Andrew Street, Smithville were both arrested on Friday, August 20th and charged with aggravated robbery. Each is under a $100,000 bond and they are scheduled to appear in General Sessions Court on Monday, September 13th.

Estes aided in the robbery of Liberty State Bank by being involved in the planning of the robbery and driving the get away car. He also shared in the proceeds from the robbery."

Landis aided by being involved in the planning of the robbery, freely leaving in the get away vehicle, and sharing in the proceeds of the robbery.

Hill, who was accused of actually committing the robbery, made a brief court appearance last week but the case was continued until September 13th in DeKalb County General Sessions Court. Hill is under a $100,000 bond on the aggravated robbery charge but he is being held without bond on charges of violation of probation in other cases against him.

Hill, a resident of Holmes Creek Road, Smithville turned himself in at the DeKalb County Jail on Saturday, August 14th for violation of probation.

On August the 3rd, through an investigation into the robbery, Hill was identified through bank surveillance video tapes and other investigative tools to be the person responsible for the robbery. Lawmen had been searching for Hill ever since. Hill, who had been living out of town since this incident, came to the DeKalb County Jail to turn himself in on a violation of probation warrant. While there, he was questioned by Sheriff's Department Detectives about the robbery and admitted his involvement in the robbery of Liberty State Bank.

The warrant alleges that "On or about the 3rd day of August 2010, Craig Anthony Hill did enter the Liberty State Bank in Liberty Tennessee presenting the teller with a note stating "Give me the money in 20's and 100's, I have a gun" thus putting the teller in fear of her life. The teller at that point took the cash from her drawer and gave it to Craig Hill as instructed. The amount of money taken during the robbery was in excess of $6,000."

Meanwhile, in other crime news, 30 year old Carlos Lynn Godsey of LaVergne Street, Alexandria was charged Tuesday, August 17th with theft of property under $500 and theft of property over $1,000. His court date is September 16th and he is under a $35,000 bond

Godsey went to a location on Rosewood Lane, Smithville on Tuesday, August 10th and took a door to a Chevy S-10 pickup truck, a metal milk jug, and a set of metal car ramps, valued at about $200.

The next day, Wednesday, August 11th, Godsey went to a location on the Alexandria to Dismal Road, Alexandria and stole a 20 horsepower boat motor, an air compressor, a truck and car transmission, and a 1976 International scout body, valued at $1,500.

27 year old Dustin David Yates of School Land Road, Van Cleave Missouri was charged Tuesday, August 17th with theft of property. His bond is $5,000 and he will be in court on September 2nd. Yates took a vehicle in Missouri and brought it to Tennessee. We got a report that the vehicle was on Miller Lane, Smithville at a residence. A deputy went to Miller Lane, found the vehicle, and learned that he was the driver of the vehicle. Authorities in Missouri have placed a hold on Yates for the charges against him there.

35 year old Karen Lynn Welsh of Bobby Hayes Road, Dowelltown was charged on Thursday, August 19th with a first offense of driving under the influence. Deputies received a call from dispatch of a be on the lookout for a black Forerunner. One of the deputies got behind the vehicle on Highway 56 south and observed it cross the center line four times. The officer then pulled it over. The driver, Welsh, had slurred speech and her pupils were pin pointed in size. She submitted to field sobriety tasks which she failed. Her bond is $1500 and she will appear in court on September 2nd

52 year old Danette Louise Paulic of Oakley Road, Liberty was charged Thursday, August 19th with aggravated burglary, theft of property under $500, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Her bond is $16,000 and she will be in court on September 2nd. Deputies were called to a break-in on Sparta Highway and found Paulic there. She had taken a leather jacket, a bottle of bleach, and a basket full of cleaning supplies. When they did an inventory of the vehicle before it was towed, they found two pipes used to smoke illegal drugs.

45 year old Claude Patrick Trimble of Tabernacle Road, Smithville was charged on August 20th with a second offense of driving on a revoked license and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond is $3,000 and his court date is September 30th.. Trimble was operating a motor vehicle on Banks Pisgah Road and was stopped for almost hitting another vehicle head-on. When the deputy asked to see his drivers license, Trimble handed him a parole card and stated he did not have a license. A computer check of his license revealed that they were revoked for a DUI and other offenses on May 1st, 2003 in Warren County. The deputy also found between the driver side seat and console a used hypodermic needle.

31 year old Scotty Wayne Knowles was charged on Sunday, August 22nd with driving on a suspended license. His bond is $1,000 and his court date is September 30th.

A deputy was on routine patrol on Jacobs Pillar Road when he observed a vehicle cross the center line several times. Upon stopping the vehicle, the deputy found the driver to be Knowles. The officer asked for a drivers license check through central dispatch and it showed Knowles' license to be suspended for failure to show a drivers license on March 17th in DeKalb County.

Department activity as of August 16, 2010

2010-08-16T12:12:00.002-05:00

Three people were arrested Saturday after officers of the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department found meth lab components while serving a state warrant at the residence on Andrew Street in Smithville.

27 year old Michael Eugene Lattimore and his wife 25 year old Amanda Kay Farless, both of Andrew Street, and 31 year old Michael Shone Saylors of Village Place, Smithville were all charged with manufacturing a schedule II controlled substance (methamphetamine).

Lattimore is also charged with evading arrest while Farless and Saylors were charged with prevention or obstruction of service of legal process.

Bond is $30,000 for Lattimore and $27,500 each for Farless and Saylors.

The discovery of the meth lab components was made on Saturday, August 14th as two deputies went to the Lattimore home on Andrew Street to serve a state warrant on Lattimore in a separate matter. When the deputies knocked on the door and identified themselves as being deputies from the sheriff's department, no one came to the door. A deputy then looked through the window and saw Saylors looking right at him. He instructed Saylors to open the door but again no one answered the door. After about ten minutes of knocking, another officer was called to the scene. That's when Lattimore ran out the back door of the residence. He was later arrested.

Farless later said the reason she did not answer the door was because Lattimore had told her not to. Farless gave officers consent to search the premises and they found a bag under the kitchen sink, which contained components used to manufacture meth. Farless then admitted to making meth.

Among the items found were jars of tri-layer liquids, a jar of blue liquid, a two liter plastic bottle with a white binder, lithium battery strips, wet coffee filters, four turkey basters, two funnels, bottles with ph solution, bottles with sulfuric acid, four razor blades, bottles of water, plastic bag with amonia nitrate, rolls of black tape, gloves, drain opener, about 60 coffee filters with a white residue powder, cold compresses, and four empty pseudoephedrine packs

All three will make a court appearance on September 2nd

25 year old Sebrena Michelle Wright of Lower Helton Road, Alexandria is charged with Introduction of drugs in a penal institution where prisoners are quartered. She is under a $5,000 bond and her court date is August 19th.

Wright was trying to smuggle pills into the jail on Monday, August 9th. She came into the sheriff's department and dropped off an item for an inmate that was here. She signed in the item she was dropping off. One of the correctional officers checked the item and found a baggie that contained some pills. One was a small, green pill believed to be oxycontin. Three other pills, orange in color, were believed to be suboxone. A note signed by her was also in there.

In another case, 44 year old Tony J. Reeder of East Main Street, Smithville is charged with evading arrest, a fifth offense of driving under the influence, and resisting arrest. Reeder was also issued a citation for violation of the implied consent law. He is under a $12,000 bond and his court date is August 26th.

Arrest made for Aggravated Robbery of Liberty State Bank

2010-08-15T09:57:00.002-05:00

The man believed to have been responsible for the bank robbery of Liberty State Bank on Tuesday, August 3rd has been arrested. More than $6,000 was taken in the robbery.

38 year old Craig Anthony Hill of Holmes Creek Road, Smithville turned himself in at the DeKalb County Jail Saturday for a violation of probation.

Hill had been a suspect in the bank robbery since the day of the offense, and he allegedly confessed to the crime during questioning on Saturday. Hill was subsequently charged with both violation of probation and aggravated robbery. Hill is under a $100,000 for the robbery but he is currently being held without bond for the violation of probation

He will make a court appearance Monday, August 16th on the violation of probation and Thursday, August 19th for the aggravated robbery

On August the 3rd, through an investigation into the robbery, Hill was identified through bank surveillance video tapes and other investigative tools to be the person responsible for the robbery. Hill, who had been living out of town since this incident, came to the DeKalb County Jail to turn himself in on a violation of probation warrant. While there, he was questioned by Sheriff's Department Detectives about the robbery and admitted his involvement in the robbery of Liberty State Bank.

The warrant alleges that "On or about the 3rd day of August 2010, Craig Anthony Hill did enter the Liberty State Bank in Liberty Tennessee presenting the teller with a note stating "Give me the money in 20's and 100's, I have a gun" thus putting the teller in fear of her life. The teller at that point took the cash from her drawer and gave it to Craig Hill as instructed. The amount of money taken during the robbery was in excess of $6,000."

On that day the robber was described by witnesses as a white male, wearing an orange plaid shirt and blue jeans. He was also wearing a camoflagued hat with sunglasses on the cap. The man had no covering over his face. He was approximately five feet, five inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds.

The man did not display any weapon during the robbery and no one was injured. After he left, a bank employee called 911 at 1:18 p.m. Within a minute of the call, an officer of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, who was on Highway 70 in Liberty, arrived at the bank.

Department activity as of August 9, 2010

2010-08-09T12:33:00.001-05:00

Two men were arrested on drug charges by the Sheriff's Department Friday, August 6th after being stopped for a traffic violation on Highway 70.

34 year old Robert Douglas Tedrow of Hiwassee Road, Lebanon and 30 year old Mark William Green of Stoutown Road, Blaine Tennessee are each charged with manufacture of a schedule II drug (methamphetamine), simple possession of a schedule II drug (cocaine), and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond for each is $28,500 and they will be in court on August 19th. Tedrow was also issued a citation for violation of the seat belt law.

After stopping Tedrow's vehicle for the traffic offense, the deputy walked up to the vehicle and noticed a two liter bottle on the back floor board of the vehicle. The bottle contained a milky substance. Suspecting that the men had components of a shake and bake meth lab in the vehicle, the officer asked for and received consent to search. In the vehicle, the deputy found a blue bag with a spoon wrapped in plastic that contained a white powdery substance believed to be cocaine. Five used needles were also found along with other components used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.

Meanwhile in another case, 25 year old Scotty Randall Hendrixson of McMinnville was charged on Friday August 6th with driving on a suspended license. He was also issued a citation for violation of the financial responsibility law (no insurance) and violation of the vehicle registration law for having the wrong tags on his vehicle. A deputy responded to an accident with property damage on New Home Road in Dowelltown. A computer check of his drivers license revealed they were suspended for failure to satisfy a citation in Warren County earlier this year. He also had Cannon County charges against him from cases in 2008. His bond totals $2,000 and his court date is August 25th.

48 year old Virginia Kay Jones of Holloway Road, Smithville was named in a grand jury sealed indictment last week for TennCare Fraud. She was arrested on Thursday, August 5th. Her bond is $2,500 and she will appear for arraignment in criminal court on August 16th.

Sheriff's Department is investigating a robbery which occurred Tuesday afternoon at Liberty State Bank in Liberty.

2010-08-04T10:13:00.002-05:00

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department is investigating a robbery which occurred Tuesday afternoon at Liberty State Bank in Liberty.

A man, believed to be in his mid-twenties, walked into the bank and handed one of the employees a note demanding cash. The teller gave him an undisclosed amount of money and the man fled on foot in an unknown direction of travel.

The man was described as a white male, wearing an orange plaid shirt and blue jeans. He was also wearing a camoflagued hat with sunglasses on the cap. The man had no covering over his face. He is approximately five feet, five inches tall and weighs about 130 pounds.

The man did not display any weapon during the robbery and no one was injured. After he left, a bank employee called 911 at 1:18 p.m. Within a minute of the call, an officer of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, who was on Highway 70 in Liberty, arrived at the bank.

No arrests had been made at this time.

If you have information that could help solve the crime, contact the Sheriff's Department at 597-4935.

Department activity as of August 2, 2010

2010-08-02T20:28:00.002-05:00

A DeKalb County man was arrested last Tuesday, July 27th after a witness spotted him at the scene of a burglary in progress in the Jefferson Community. 25 year old Edward Lee Judkins, Jr. of Jefferson Road is charged with theft of property over $500, aggravated burglary, and vandalism less than $500.

The witness noticed a vehicle at the residence on Jefferson Road, stopped to investigate, and saw Judkins running away. Officers were notified and quickly arrived on the scene and found that someone had broken the door glass and made entry into the home. A weedeater, chainsaw, some horse drawn equipment (double tree), and an axe were taken from the home and loaded onto Judkins'vehicle. Judkins was later arrested and charged in the case.

Meanwhile in a separate investigation, Judkins has been charged with criminal impersonation and leaving the scene of an accident, which occurred last month. A deputy was called to investigate a two vehicle wreck on Creek Road in the Keltonburg Community on July 12th. Upon arrival, one of the persons involved in the accident said that the driver of the other vehicle, who called himself Joe, left the scene. He was later identified in a photo line-up as Edward Lee. Judkins, Jr. Total bond for Judkins in all the cases is $22,000 and his court date is August 5th.

Meanwhile, Judkins' grandfather, 74 year old John Allen Judkins, Sr. of Jefferson Road, Smithville has been charged with assault as a result of the burglary investigation involving his grandson. Bond for Judkins is $1,000. He was also issued a citation for failure to stop, halt, and frisk. While the deputy was enroute to investigate the July 27th burglary involving Edward Lee Judkins, he came upon a vehicle near the crime scene, occupied by John Judkins and other Judkins family members. Knowing that Edward Lee, Jr. was a suspect in the burglary, the officer stopped the Judkins vehicle to make sure he wasn't in there. After making the traffic stop, John Judkins allegedly became upset. He began cussing and then raised his walking cane in a threatening manner toward the officer. John Judkins was arrested and charged as a result of the incident. Edward Lee Judkins, Jr. was not in the vehicle.

Meanwhile, in other crime news, 24 year old Amy Lynett Knowles of Jacobs Pillar Road, Smithville is charged with possession of a schedule II controlled substance for sale and delivery under a sealed indictment returned by the April term of the Grand Jury. Her bond is $30,000. She was arrested on Monday, July 26th.

In another case, a 28 year old Alexandria woman has been charged with aggravated assault for allegedly stabbing her boyfriend with a steak knife. Amanda Lynn Vanatta of Arnold Lane, Alexandria will be in General Sessions Court on the charge August 5th. Her bond is $5,000 A deputy was called to High Street in Alexandria for an assault on Wednesday, July 28th. Upon arrival, the officer learned that Vanatta had stabbed her boyfriend with a steak knife several times. He was treated for non life threatening injuries.

Meanwhile in another case, 33 year old Billy Jason Lackey has been charged with simple possession of marijuana after allegedly throwing a bag of pot out the window of his vehicle as a county deputy was trying to pull him over Sunday, August 1st. The officer was in the process of trying to stop Lackey's vehicle on Highway 70 for a traffic violation when he saw a plastic bag come out of Lackey's car window After making the traffic stop, Lackey allegedly admitted to throwing a bag of marijuana out of the window. Lackey's bond is $1,500 and he will be in court August 12th.

48 year old James Allen Hargrave of Four Seasons Road, Smithville was arrested on Saturday, July 31st and charged with a second offense of driving on a revoked license. His bond is $2,000 and his court date is August 11th. While on routine patrol, a deputy spotted a vehicle driving recklessly on Bryant Street. Hargrave was pulled over and allegedly admitted that his drivers license were revoked. A computer check revealed that his license were revoked for a 2009 DUI conviction. He also has other offenses in DeKalb County.

31 year old Jason Richard Skaroupka was arrested on Sunday, August 1st and charged with evading arrest and driving on a revoked license. Skaroupka's bond is $15,000 and his court date is August 12th. An officer spotted Skaroupka on Old Snow Hill Road running through a stop sign and driving erratically. When the deputy turned on his emergency equipment, Skaroupka fled but was caught when he ran his vehicle off the roadway. A computer check revealed that Skaroupka's license were revoked in DeKalb County and he has other offenses in Rutherford County.

Department activity as of July 26, 2010

2010-07-26T11:55:00.001-05:00

A 24 year old man, who used somebody else's houseboat several times this summer without the owner's permission to entertain friends on the lake, has been charged with theft and vandalism.

Zach Ross Hendrixson of Lebanon was arrested on Monday, July 19th. The owner of the boat has taken a warrant against Hendrixson for theft of property over $1,000 and two warrants for vandalism over $10,000 for damage caused to the interior and exterior while Hendrixson was using the boat. The houseboat, valued at approximately $100,000, is docked at Hurricane Marina.

Hendrixson took the boat out on the lake several times since Memorial Day weekend. " He has been going down there since Memorial Day, taking people out on that boat, falsely claiming it belonged to his family. He even published pictures of the outings on his Face Book account.

When the owner discovered that Hendrixson had been using the boat, he had him charged in the case.

Hendrixson was spotted by a deputy on Highway 70 west last Monday. Knowing there were warrants against Hendrixson in the case, the officer stopped him and also discovered that his license was suspended.

After a further investigation, Hendrixson was also charged with theft of property over $1,000 for allegedly taking items off another boat. We started an investigation and found that he had stolen a surf board, a wake board, and life jackets from a boat at Cove Hollow Marina, valued at $1,180.

Hendrixson is also accused of committing a theft at a residence on Mullican Drive, where tools and a battery charger were taken, valued at $250. Those items have been recovered in Mount Juliet.

More charges are pending against Hendrixson. We have more cases of wake boards which have been stolen and recovered, and more charges are pending against him.

Hendrixson is currently charged with one count of theft under $500; two counts of theft over $1,000; vandalism over $10,000; and driving on a suspended license. His bond totals $76,000 and he will be in General Sessions Court on July 29th

Meanwhile, in another case 28 year old Ricardo Rodriguez of Cecil Hale Road was issued citations on Saturday, July 24th for no drivers license, for no insurance, and for crossing the center divider line of the roadway. A deputy, while on patrol on Highway 70 east, spotted a vehicle driving erratically, crossing the center dividing line of the roadway. The officer stopped the vehicle and found Rodriguez to be the driver. He asked for his drivers license but Rodriguez couldn't produce it. His bond is $1,000 and he will be in court on August 25th.

58 year old Cynthia Kaye Brooks of Genesa Shockley Road, Sparta was arrested on Sunday, July 25th for a first offense of driving under the influence. A deputy spotted a vehicle on Highway 70 east weaving in the roadway. He pulled over the vehicle and found Brooks to be the driver. She had an odor of alcohol on her person, slurred speech, and she was unsteady on her feet. She submitted to field sobriety tasks which she failed. Her bond is $1500 and she will be in court on August 5th.

Department activity as of July 19, 2010

2010-07-19T14:12:00.004-05:00

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department has apparently solved a rash of recent burglaries in the Lakeview Mountain Estates area with the arrest of a 23 year old Smithville man.

Kenny Waymon Dyal, Jr. of Floyd Drive, Smithville is accused of breaking into a total of fifteen homes between March 30th and July 10th. He is formally charged with fourteen cases of aggravated burglary, twelve cases of theft of property, and one count of vandalism.

Dyal was arrested last Monday, July 12th and he appeared for a bond hearing in General Sessions Court on Thursday, July 15th where Judge Bratten Cook, II doubled his bond to $1-million, 070-thousand dollars. Dyal will be back in General Sessions Court on July 29th.

All these break-ins were assigned to a detective to investigate. Dyal was later identified as a suspect in the case and was arrested. According to Sheriff Ray, Dyal has admitted to committing all the break-ins, some of which were at weekend homes, and others at permanent residences.

Some of the items taken in the burglaries have been recovered. If you have purchased anything from Dyal or believe you may have bought something that you suspect may be stolen, Sheriff Ray is asking you to contact the Sheriff's Department at 597-4935 to let officers check it out to make sure.

Sheriff Ray says Dyal is accused of committing the following crimes:

On March 30th, Dyal allegedly took two rifles, valued at $620, from a home on Floyd Drive. He is charged with aggravated burglary and theft of property over $500

On March 29th, Dyal allegedly took TV's, a DVD player, chain saw, camping equipment, and DVD's from a home on Oak Drive, valued at $4,020. He is charged with aggravated burglary and theft of property over $1,000

On April 4th, Dyal allegedly broke into a house on Oak Drive and took a camera and jewelry valued at over $500. He is charged with aggravated burglary and theft of property over $500.

On April 4th, Dyal allegedly broke into a house on Mullican Drive but did not take anything. He is charged with aggravated burglary.

On April 8th, Dyal allegedly tried to break-into a home on Poplar Place, causing damage to the home. He is charged with vandalism.

On April 21st, Dyal allegedly broke into a home on Lake View Drive and took TV's and a DVD player, valued at $950. He is charged with aggravated burglary and theft over $500.

On May 17th, Dyal allegedly broke into a home on Mullican Lane and took TV's, radios, DVD players, household items, a chain saw, and tools, all valued at over $6,688. He is charged with aggravated burglary and theft of property over $1,000.

On May 17th, Dyal allegedly broke into a home on Mullican Lane and took a TV, DVD player, weed eater, flashlights and household items, valued at over $1,020. He is charged with aggravated burglary and theft over $1,000.

On May 30th, Dyal allegedly broke into a home on Lakeview Drive and took a flat screen TV, and a DVD/VCR combo, valued at over $500. He is charged with aggravated burglary and theft of property over $500.

On June 4th, Dyal allegedly broke into a home on Neil Drive and took a TV and DVD player valued at over $200. He is charged with aggravated burglary and theft of property under $500.

On June 11th., Dyal allegedly broke into a home on Oak Drive and took numerous tools, a DVD/VCR player, DVD's and loose change, valued at over $625. He is charged with aggravated burglary and theft over $500.

On July 2nd, Dyal allegedly broke into a home on Floyd Drive and took a TV and cable box, valued at over $250. He is charged with aggravated burglary and theft under $500

On July 9th, Dyal allegedly broke into a home on Cleveland Way by going through a kitchen window. The victim was at home asleep at the time. The victim heard a noise, woke up and turned on a light, and saw the burglar in the kitchen. The intruder stated he made a mistake and ran out of house. Dyal is charged with aggravated burglary in that case.

On July 10th, Dyal allegedly entered a home on Oak Drive and took various pistols, rifles and shotguns and jewelry, valued at $2,250. He is charged with aggravated burglary and theft of property over $1,000.

On July 10th, Dyal allegedly broke into a home on Neil Drive and took a flat screen TV and jewelry, valued at $1,230. He is charged with aggravated burglary and theft of property over $1,000

More arrests are pending.

Meanwhile, in another case a 25 year old woman was arrested Sunday, July 18th after a county deputy found some methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia while serving a warrant.

Scarlet Lawrence is charged with unlawful possession of a schedule II drug (methamphetamine) and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Her bond is $2,500 and she will be in court on July 29th.

The officer made contact with Lawrence, who was at a campsite near a bridge on New Bildad Road, not far from her home. He says the deputy was there to serve the warrant and to investigate the presence of a possible meth lab.

The officer asked Lawrence if there were any illegal substances around. She instructed him to go over and check by the stove. He did and found a pouch that contained a baggie of a white powdery substance believed to be methamphetmine. The officer also found two hypodermic needles and a straw.

In another case, 34 year old Lonnie Wheeler of Lincoln Street, Smithville was arrested on Sunday, July 18th for leaving the scene of an accident. Bond is set at $3,500 and Wheeler will be in court on August 5th.

On Sunday a deputy responded to complaints of a hit and run on Keltonburg Road and Belk Road. He says on Belk Road, someone had struck a state road sign and a mailbox while on Keltonburg Road, a truck was found to have struck an embankment. It was left abandoned near a bridge. The truck was totaled. Wheeler was later identified as the owner of the vehicle and he was located and arrested.

Beware of a New Scam

2010-07-13T09:44:00.002-05:00

Please beware of a scam that has been occurring here and in some counties surrounding DeKalb.

The way this scam operates is a caller telephones a residence and tells the person answering the phone that their child, spouse, grandchild, or other relative has had some kind of accident and needs the family to wire money to them. Most of the people that I have talked to about the scam here in our county said that the caller has given the correct name of the relative who is supposedly the victim of the accident. It is unknown at this time how the caller is getting that information and name of the relative. In one case, the caller told a grandparent that their grandchild had been in a terrible car accident and that the child was in a hospital and needed money wired to them so that he could get medical treatment. In this case, the grandparent did not fall for the scam.

Do not panic if you get one of these calls and try to contact the family member (alleged accident victim) first before you do anything. If you need assistance in contacting the victim, let us help you and never wire any money or give anyone your credit or debit card numbers.

Numerous Cases of Burglarized Vehicles Reported at Lake Boat Ramps

2010-07-13T09:41:00.002-05:00

Due to numerous reports of burglarized automobiles at lake boat ramps recently, I am issuing a warning to all lake visitors to alert and cautious.

In the last few weeks we have received numerous reports of vehicles that have been burglarized around the boat ramps here in the county. The burglars are breaking into parked vehicles, bursting out windows, and stealing items such as pocketbooks, radios, compact discs, ratchet straps, and other items.

I know when people go to our lake access points, they are excited and ready to swim or go fishing or pleasure riding in their boats. I would ask that you take a few minutes and look at your surroundings and go by the following safety tips which might detour a thief from breaking into your vehicle:

Try to park in well lit areas such as under a street light or next to a well lit building.

Always lock your vehicle and do not leave valuables such as pocketbooks or jewelry in your vehicles that are in plain site.

Try to park close to the front of the parking lot and try to avoid parking far away from other vehicles.

If you see any suspicious people in the parking lot, call central dispatch so a deputy can be dispatched to your location. The number is 215-3000.

Department Activity as of July 12, 2010

2010-07-13T09:39:00.000-05:00

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department arrested an 18 year old man Friday after being called to investigate an altercation in the Midway community.

Clay Andrew Bain of Lake View Drive, Smithville is charged with evading arrest, unlawful carry or possession of a weapon, and possession of a schedule VI drug (marijuana). His bond is set at $7,500 and he will appear in court on July 29th.

A deputy received a call from central dispatch about an altercation on Midway Road in Smithville. The complainant said that Bain was at a residence on Midway Road and was armed with a gun. An officer spotted Bain's vehicle at the Midway Community Center. As Bain drove off the deputy activated his blue lights but Bain did not stop. The officer pursued Bain for approximately a ¼ of a mile before he pulled into the residence of the complainant. Upon approaching Bain's automobile, the officer noticed inside the vehicle a club or stick that had duct tape rolled around one end of it. Bain was then taken into custody. When asked if he had anything in his pockets, Bain produced a small bag containing a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana.

43 year old Todd O. Hindsley of South Mountain Street, Smithville is charged with a second offense of driving under the influence, a first offense of driving on a revoked license, and simple possession of a schedule III drug (Hydrocodone). His bond is set at $4,000 and he will appear in court on July 22nd. Sheriff Ray says a deputy, while on patrol Thursday, July 8th, saw an automobile in the parking lot of a gas station on Highway 56 south moving in a reckless manor. The vehicle almost hit two vehicles and the gas pump. After stopping it, the deputy noticed that Hindsley was behind the wheel and that he was under the influence. Hindsley submitted to field sobriety tasks, which he failed. A check of Hindsley driver's license revealed that they were suspended for a DUI conviction in Fentress County. Hindsley also was found to have in his possession three Hydrocodone pills which he tried to throw on the ground in order to hide them from the officer.

39 year old Michael Edward Brown of Bright Hill Road Smithville is charged with an eighth offense of driving on a revoked license. His bond is set at $7,500 and he will appear in court on July 22nd. According to Sheriff Ray, on Friday deputies received a BOLO or be on the look out from central dispatch for a vehicle that was driving recklessly. An officer spotted the vehicle and stopped it on Vaughn Lane in Smithville. Brown was the driver. A check of his license revealed them to be revoked.

Department Activity as of July 5, 2010

2010-07-05T11:17:00.000-05:00

A 51 year old Smithville man is charged with the theft of three purses, taken from an unattended vehicle parked at Holiday Haven Boat Ramp last month.

Gwyn Greer Prater of Jerry Walker Road, Smithville was arrested on Tuesday, June 29th and charged with theft of property under $500. According to Sheriff Ray, detectives received a report that three purses were stolen on Wednesday, June 23rd. Detectives later identified Prater as a suspect and questioned him. During the questioning, Prater allegedly admitted to committing the crime. Prater's bond is $1,000 and his court date is July 15th.

42 year old Kimberly Ann Patterson of Fisher Avenue, Smithville is charged with possession of a schedule II controlled substance (Dilaudid) for resale and possession of drug paraphernalia. Sheriff Ray says on Wednesday, June 30th, detectives executed a warrant for violation of probation against Patterson. Officers saw Patterson in a vehicle parked at Citgo on Highway 70 east, where they placed her under arrest. Found in the vehicle were 28 Dilaudid pills and a used syringe. Detectives also seized $235.86 believed to be proceeds from drug sales. Patterson's bond on the drug charges is $ 27,500. She is being held without bond on the violation of probation charge until her court date July 15th.

41 year old William Andy Cantrell of Redman Road, Smithville is charged with a fifth offense of driving in a revoked license. His bond is $5,000 and he will be in court on July 14th. Sheriff Patrick Ray says a detective was on Short Mountain Highway Tuesday, June 29th when he spotted a vehicle pulling out of Miller Road onto Short Mountain Road. He saw that the driver was Cantrell. Knowing that Cantrell's license were revoked, the detective turned around to stop the vehicle. Cantrell turned onto Adams Street where he was stopped

Department Activity as of June 28, 2010

2010-06-28T18:25:00.001-05:00

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department arrested a Dowelltown woman for statutory rape last week after she admitted to having sex with a young boy.

25 year old Jessica Marie Tittle of South Mill Street Dowelltown was charged on Tuesday, June 22nd after an investigation into allegations that she had sexual relations with a 15 year old boy on June 12th at her residence. Detectives interviewed Tittle last Tuesday and she admitted to the crime. Bond for Tittle was set at $5,000.

Meanwhile, in other crime news, 23 year old Kenny Waymon Dyal Jr. of Floyd Drive Smithville was arrested on Wednesday, June 23rd for theft of property under $500. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court on July 1st. While on patrol last Wednesday, a deputy stopped a vehicle on Eagle Creek Road off the Cookeville Highway for weaving. The officer asked Dyal, the driver, for his license. As Dyal was retrieving his driver's license, the officer noticed that Dyal had a debit card that belonged to another person. The deputy inquired about the card and Dyal told him that it belonged to a member of his family and that another family member had given it to him to buy some items at the store. The officer contacted the family and found that Dyal did not have permission to obtain the card.

Also on Wednesday, June 23rd, the Sheriff's Department executed a search warrant at the home of 32 year old Lisa Michelle Porterfield at 4812 McMinnville Highway. Detectives obtained the search warrant after Porterfield was found to be selling the drug Dilaudid from her home. During the search, officers confiscated 35 used hypodermic needles, a crack pipe, used straw containing a white residue, rolling papers, a plastic bag containing marijuana, a Xanax pill, 6 Suboxone pills, 9 Hydrocodone pills, 3 Dilaudid pills, and $494.52 in cash. Detectives seized the money along with Porterfield's Chevy Lumina that she was allegedly using to transport the drugs. Porterfield was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a schedule II drug for resale, 2 counts of possession of a schedule III drug for resale, possession of a schedule IV drug for resale, and possession of a schedule VI drug for resale. Her bond was set at $175,000 and she will appear in court on July 1st.

On Thursday, June 24th, a deputy received a call that a man was trying to sell the drug LSD to people. After obtaining a description of the vehicle, the officer spotted it on Allen's Ferry Road. After making the traffic stop, the deputy noticed that the driver, 19 year old Robert Tucker Treadway of Peach Tree Street, Nashville, had slurred speech. The officer also detected the smell of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. After receiving consent to search the vehicle, the deputy found a bag of marijuana and a pill bottle containing sugar cubes. Treadway was charged with a first offense of driving under the influence and possession of a schedule VI drug (marijuana) for resale. Treadway's bond was set at $6,500 and he will appear in court on July 15th. The sugar cubes will be sent to the T.B.I. crime lab for analysis to determine if they contain the drug LSD.

22 year old Billy D. Ferrell of R Arnold Road Smithville was charged Thursday, June 24th with violation of an order of protection after deputies were summoned to check out a domestic call. When deputies arrived at the residence, they found Ferrell and his mother's husband in an argument. Ferrell had an order of protection against him. He was under a court order to stay away from the residence. Ferrell was taken into custody and his bond was set at $2,500. He will appear in court July 1st.

On Friday, June 25th, a deputy while on patrol on McMinnville Highway, stopped 25 year old John Bryan Pedigo for a traffic violation. Pedigo was found to be driving on a revoked license. Pedigo's license was revoked for failure to file security after an accident on January 16th in DeKalb County. Pedigo was charged with a first offense of driving on a revoked license and his bond was set at $1,500.. He will appear in court on July 14th.

Department Activity as of June 14, 2010

2010-06-15T08:30:00.001-05:00

Two McMinnville men were arrested by the Sheriff's Department last week, charged in connection with the burglary of a houseboat at Pates Ford Marina.

19 year old John Houston Simons of Nortcutt Cove Road, McMinnville and 24 year old Luther J. George of Greenwood Drive, McMinnville were charged on Wednesday, June 9th with aggravated burglary and theft of property over $1,000. Bond for both men was set at $10,000 and they will appear in court on July 15th. A deputy responded to a call at the Pates Ford Marina and arrested the two men after they were found to have entered a houseboat without the owner's consent and removed two televisions from the boat.

Meanwhile in another case, 19 year old Donald E. Yarbrough, Jr. of Luttrell Drive Smithville was charged Wednesday, June 2nd with statutory rape. Deputies were called to answer a complaint on Woodbury Highway in Liberty After arrival they spoke to Yarbrough about allegations the he had sexual contact with a 14 year old female. Yarbrough admitted to deputies that he had been having sex with the girl. After an investigation into the crime, Yarbrough was arrested. His bond was set at $5,000.

52 year old James Herbert Thomen of Capshaw Drive, Cookeville and 35 year old Sean Keller of Window Cliff Road, Baxter were charged Monday, June 7th with driving under the influence. Keller was also issued a citation for refusal to submit to a blood alcohol test. Bond for both was set at $1,000 and they will appear in court on June 17th. A deputy received a call about a fight in the Austin Bottom area of the county. Upon arrival, the officer spotted two vehicles driving away from the area. He stopped one of the cars on the Austin Bottom Road. The other car stopped behind them. The deputy noticed that the driver of the first car, Thomen, had an odor of alcoholic beverage. Thomen submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed and he was very unsteady on his feet. The deputy then checked the driver of the second vehicle, Keller, and detected an odor of an alcoholic beverage on him. Keller also submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. Keller was unsteady on his feet and he refused to take a blood alcohol test.

46 year old Gary Wayne Ponder was arrested Tuesday, June 8th on a sealed indictment charging him with two counts of sale and delivery of a schedule II drug and two counts of sale and delivery of a schedule II drug in a drug free zone. The charges against Ponder are the result of the Sheriff's Department's Drug Round Up back in April. Bond for Ponder was set at $60,000 and he will appear in court on June 18th.

21 year old Aaron Preston Battle of Lakeridge Run Nashville was arrested on Saturday, June 12th and charged with theft of property over $1,000. His bond is set at $8,500 and he will appear in court on June 24th. A deputy received a report of a stolen four wheeler at the Four Seasons Marina. Following an investigation, the officer arrested Battle for the theft. Battle admitted that he took the four wheeler from the marina without the owner's consent.. The four wheeler was valued at $3,000.

Department Activity as of June 1, 2010

2010-06-03T14:39:00.001-05:00

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department arrested two people from Pikeville on drug charges last Wednesday, May 26th after a deputy checked out a suspicious vehicle setting behind a building on Allen Street.

61 year old Glenda Walters and 32 year old Anthony Herbert Walters, both of Grove Road, Pikeville were arrested. Glenda Walters is charged with simple possession of a schedule II controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Her bond is $3,000 and she will be in court on June 24th. Anthony Herbert Walters is charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court on June 24th.

A deputy, while on patrol, spotted a suspicious vehicle on Allen Street setting behind a building. After checking the vehicle, the officer found Glenda Walters to be in possession of a loaded hypodermic syringe. Walters had the syringe tucked into her waistband. The syringe contained a yellow substance believed to be dilaudid.

Also in the vehicle was Anthony Herbert Walters. Deputies arrested him after he was found to have a used needle, hemostats, and a tourniquet in his possession.

35 year old Tracey Lavonne Guthrie of Cherry Point Court was arrested on Thursday, May 27th and charged with a first offense of driving under the influence. Bond was set at $1,500. She was also issued a citation for refusing to submit to a blood alcohol test. Guthrie will appear in court on June 10th.

A deputy received a call of a reckless driver on Cookeville Highway. When the officer spotted the vehicle, he noticed the driver to be operating at a high rate of speed. The vehicle was also crossing the traffic lines. Guthrie was identified as the driver. Upon stopping the vehicle, the officer discovered that Guthrie had slurred speech and her eyes were red and watering. Guthrie submitted to field sobriety tasks which she failed. Guthrie also refused to submit to a blood alcohol test.

36 year old John Allen Judkins Jr. was charged Thursday, May 27th with theft of property over $1,000 after he was found to be in possession of stolen items that were taken from a barn on Big Rock Road. Through an investigation, detectives discovered that Judkins took items such as tractor weights, scrap iron, and a bucket of bolts to a scrap business here in DeKalb County. The items were found to be stolen from the Big Rock barn. Bond for Judkins was set at $25,000.

Department Activity as of May 24, 2010

2010-05-25T13:47:00.002-05:00

Three people accused of cooking meth at the swimming hole on Dry Creek at Dowelltown were arrested on Friday, May 21st by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department..

34 year old Terry Wayne Daniels of Cemetery Street, Alexandria and 39 year old Timothy Wade Ford of Brush Creek Road, Brush Creek are charged with manufacture of a schedule II drug (methamphetamine). Bond for each is set at $50,000 and they will appear in court on June 17th..

23 year old Lydia R. Judkins of Jefferson Road, Smithville is charged with manufacture of a schedule II drug methamphetamine and introduction of illegal drugs into a penal institution. Her bond was set at $60,000 and she will appear in court on June 17th..

Deputies received information on Friday of persons cooking methamphetamine at the swimming hole on Dry Creek Road in Dowelltown. After arrival, the officers found Daniels and Judkins and spoke with them. During the conversation, noises could be heard coming from nearby. When one of the officers checked the area, he found Ford and in his possession were items that are used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Authorities obtained consent to search and found where Ford was located and in Daniels' vehicle items such as a 2 liter bottle, tubing, drain cleaner, gloves, cold packs, jars that contained 2 layered liquids, coleman fuel, funnels, alcohol, electrical tape, and other items used to manufacture methamphetamine. Ford also had in his pant's pocket a bag that contained a powdery substance believed to be ephedrine.

Meanwhile, as an officer was transporting Judkins to jail, he noticed her moving in a suspicious way. When Judkins was brought into the jail and released to a female correctional officer, she was striped search. During the search, the female correctional officer spotted an item in one of Judkins' body cavities but Judkins refused to give up the object. A search warrant was issued and she was taken to DeKalb Community Hospital for the removal of the object. While there, Judkins was asked to get undressed and while doing so, the female correctional officer noticed Judkins with something in her hand. The correctional officer retrieved the item and it was found to be a prescription bottle. Found in the bottle were drugs such as dilaudid, diazepam, marijuana, and methamphetamine.

In another case, 27 year old Jonathan Kyle McCormick of Allen Bend Road, Smithville is charged with simple possession of a schedule II drug (morphine) and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond is $3,500 and he will be in court on June 17th. A deputy while on patrol on Monday, May 17th spotted a vehicle setting beside the roadway on Students Home Road. The officer approached the owner of the vehicle, McCormick, and noticed him trying to hide something under the seat. After receiving consent to search, the officer opened the door and spotted a hypodermic needle beside McCormick's seat. The needle was filled with a liquid substance. A green pill believed to be morphine was also found in the floor board. McCormick had in his pocket another morphine pill, a spoon, and cut straws.

21 year old Brandon Wayne Hutchings of Young Ridge Road, Sparta was charged Monday, May 17th with burglary and theft of property over $1,000. On May 12th, detectives received a report of a burglary and theft from a tackle shop on the Nashville Highway. Through an investigation, it was determined that Hutchings had entered the business by breaking out a front window and while inside he took lots of fishing lures, flashlights, and the building's security system all valued at $2,100. The items have since been recovered. Hutchings is being held without bond and he will appear in court on June 10th.

Three people were arrested last Tuesday, May 18th at the home of 37 year old Melisha Cantrell on West Main Street, including Cantrell, 40 year old Donna Sue Blankenship Overall, and 35 year old Earnest Paul Barnwell. Cantrell is charged with unlawful possession of a schedule II drug (methamphetamine), possession of a schedule IV drug (Xanax) for resale, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond for her was set at $10,000 and she will appear in court on June 17th. Overall is charged with unlawful possession of a schedule II drug (Dilaudid) and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Her bond was set at $5,000 and she will appear in court on June 17th. Barnwell is charged in warrants issued against him in a May 7th case.

A deputy and a Smithville Police officer went to the home of Cantrell to execute a state warrant on Barnwell who was staying there. There, they saw Overall sitting in her vehicle in front of the home with the interior light on. They also noticed that she was holding a loaded hypodermic needle. After obtaining consent to search, the officers retrieved the needle, which was filled with a yellow liquid believed to be dilaudid. Overall was placed under arrest along with Barnwell, who was found in the residence.

Two of the three warrants against Barnwell stem from a case on May 7th in which a deputy spotted him driving a motor vehicle and tried to stop him. When Barnwell stopped, he got out of the vehicle, fled on foot, and escaped in the woods. The deputy then returned to the jail and took warrants against him for a third offense of driving on a revoked license and evading arrest. Bond was set at $4,500 on those charges.

While in the home where Barnwell was found, officers obtained consent to search from Cantrell, the owner, and found 179 hypodermic needles, some used cut straws, and baggies containing a white powdery substance believed to be methamphetamine. Cantrell also had a box that contained 11 pills and 8 half pills believed to be Xanax and a small plastic wrapper with a white powder believed to be methamphetamine.

Department Activity as of May 17, 2010

2010-05-17T15:38:00.001-05:00

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department charged two men last week with driving under the influence.

33 year old Gary Ashford of Goodner Lane, Alexandria was arrested Monday, May 10th for a second offense of driving under the influence and simple possession. A deputy found Ashford in his vehicle parked in the roadway on Snow Hill Road, Dowelltown. While speaking with him, the officer noticed that Ashford had a smell of an alcoholic beverage on his person. Ashford also had red blood shot eyes and he was very unsteady on his feet. Ashford submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. At times, the officer had to assist Ashford in keeping his balance while walking. Ashford admitted to drinking alcohol and taking prescription drugs together. Upon an inventory of Ashford's vehicle, a marijuana cigarette was found in the console. Bond for Ashford was set at $3,000 and he will appear in court on June 16th.

Meanwhile on Tuesday, May 11th a detective spotted a vehicle on Midway Road Smithville driving erraticly. After stopping the vehicle, the detective found the driver, 44 year old, Tony J. Reeder to be under the influence of an alcoholic beverage. Reeder had an odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person and he was very unsteady on his feet. Reeder submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. Reeder was arrested and charged with a seventh offense of driving under the influence.

Reeder had been convicted here in DeKalb County for driving under the influence on the dates of March 21st, 1984, April 11th, 1984, December 14th, 1994, and August 25th, 2006. He was also convicted of driving under the influence on August 28th, 1990 in Haywood County and on October 13th, 1997 in the state of Kentucky. Bond for Reeder was set at $10,000 and he will appear in court on the charges May 27th.

Department Activity as of May 10, 2010

2010-05-10T16:40:00.002-05:00

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department has made several recent arrests after discovering three separate methamphetamine labs.

In the first case on Monday, May 3rd, our department received information about a possible meth lab at a residence on New Home Road. After arrival, deputies, spoke to 30 year old Tawanna Ann Petty, the person who was renting the residence, and she gave them consent to search.

Others at the residence were 35 year old Kevin Donald Bogle of Barnes Mill Road Smithville, 32 year old Angela Jean Atnip of Green Hill Road Smithville and 31 year old Shawn Bradley Patton of Oak Drive Smithville along with Petty's three children ages five, eleven, and thirteen years old.

During a search of the bedroom and bathroom area of the home a methamphetamine lab was discovered in two bags. Items included pseudoephedrine packs, glass cook ware, coffee filters, lithium batteries, lye, layered liquids, tubing, muratic acid, p h strips and other components that are used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.

Petty, Bogle, Atnip, and Patton were all charged with manufacture of a schedule II drug (methamphetamine) and reckless endangerment for the production of methamphetamine in a residence where children are present. Bond for all four was set at $50,000 each and they will appear in court on May 20th.

A hazardous waste removal company was summoned to remove the harmful components from the home. The Petty residence has been quarantined until a hazardous waste control company tests the home for harmful or deadly toxicants.

Meanwhile on the same night, deputies received information of another methamphetamine lab at a motel on highway 70 east. Upon arrival, the officers received consent to search the motel room of 31 year old David Wayne Gaines of Sparta Highway Smithville. During the search deputies found a stained 2 litter bottle, empty pseudoephedrine packs, hot plate, coffee filters, lithium batteries, needles, Coleman fuel, tubing, muratic acid, layered liquids, and several other components that are used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Gaines was arrested for manufacture of a schedule II drug (methamphetamine) and his bond was set at $25,000. He will appear in court on May 20th.

A hazardous waste removal company was brought to the scene to remove harmful components. Gaines' room and the adjoining motel office and storage room have been quarantined until a hazardous waste control company tests for harmful or deadly toxicants.

In yet another meth case, three people, 29 year old Misty Dawn Barnes of Highland Avenue, Smithville, 23 year old Jeffery Lynn Smith of Blues Hill Road, McMinnville, and 27 year old Christopher White of Short Mountain Highway, Smithville were arrested on Monday, May 10th after a rolling meth lab was found in their vehicle on Smith Road. They have each been charged with manufacture of a schedule II drug (methamphetamine). Bond for all three was set at $25,000 each and they will appear in court on May 20th..

While on patrol, a deputy stopped a vehicle on Smith Road in Smithville for a traffic violation and asked for consent to search. During the search, the officer found a black back pack that contained coffee filters, glass ware, needles, lithium batteries, Coleman fuel, a butane tank, a propane tank, a butane torch, muratic acid, p h strips, layered liquids and other components that are used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. A hazardous waste removal company was called to remove the harmful components from the vehicle.

It appears the production of methamphetamine is on the rise again in Tennessee. This new method to our area is called "shake and bake" where the offenders can easily make methamphetamine in a shorter amount of time with fewer products needed for the cook.

I have asked Chief Mark Collins of the Alexandria Police Department and Chief Randy Caplinger of the Smithville Police Department to join us in hosting a methamphetamine class for anyone who wants to know more about the manufacture of methamphetamine and the hazards of where methamphetamine has been manufactured. This class is open to everyone, especially people who rent homes or motel rooms here in DeKalb County. We are all very concerned about the growing methamphetamine problem in the State of Tennessee and here in DeKalb County. The place where the event is to be held and time will be announced later to our local news media.

I would also like to encourage anyone who has information of any drug activity to please feel free to call or come by and see me. You can also report this or any crimes to our Sheriff's Department Crime Tip line at 464-6400.

Meanwhile in other cases, 28 year old Juan Carlos Cassillas of Williamsport Pike Columbia was arrested on Tuesday, May 4th for driving without a valid license. Bond for Cassillas was set at $1,000 and he will appear in court on May 26th. A deputy was patrolling the school zone at DeKalb West when he noticed a car going through at a high rate of speed. After stopping the vehicle, the officer asked Cassillas for his driver's license, but he could not produce one.

19 year old Elisha James Jenkins of Marshall Creek Road, Auburntown was arrested on Wednesday, May 5th for disorderly conduct. He was also issued citations for a seatbelt violation, under age consumption, and possession of an alcoholic beverage under 21 years of age. Jenkins' bond was set at $1,000 and he will appear in court on May 20th. According to Sheriff Ray, a deputy, while on patrol on Short Mountain Highway, stopped Jenkins for a traffic violation. Jenkins became very belligerent and he had a smell of alcohol on his person. Jenkins, who is under 21 years old, was also in possession of a jug of Vodka.

26 year old Daniel John Pendergraph of Shellsford Road was arrested Thursday, May 6th and charged with two counts of theft at the Pates Ford Marina. The theft occurred on March 8th. Detectives charged Pendergraph after he was found to be in possession of a stolen boat. He also allegedly had 60 stolen CD's and DVD's, a set of walkie talkies, and a Direct TV box from another boat at the marina. Bond for Pendergraph was set at $18,500.

30 year old Robert Paul Brawley of Felts Road Sparta was arrested Friday, May 7th and charged with two counts of violation of probation in DeKalb County. Brawley was found to have in his possession a bag that contained 4 pills believed to be dilaudid, 19 pills believed to be Xanax, a baggie that contained a white powder believed to be methamphetamine, a used hypodermic needle, and a pill crusher. Brawley was charged with two counts of simple possession of a schedule II drug, possession of a schedule IV drug for resale, and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond on the new charges was set at $37,500 and he will appear in court on May 20th.

21 year old Timothy "Tyler" Patrick was charged Friday, May 7th with theft of property over $500 after an investigation into a theft of an H P Vista laptop computer valued at $900 from a residence on The Loop Road Smithville. The theft occurred on March 26th. After the theft, Timothy Patrick went to a pawn shop in Warren County and pawned the computer. Bond for Patrick was set at $5,000 on the charge and his court date is set for May 13th.

Two More Persons Named in Grand Jury Sealed Indictments Arrested

2010-05-03T15:50:00.001-05:00

The Sheriff's Department has arrested two more people who were named in Grand Jury sealed indictments resulting from the recent undercover drug investigation.

28 year old Elijah "Eli" B. Arnold of Bunk Lane, Elmwood is charged with two counts of sale and delivery of a schedule II controlled substance and four counts of violation of the drug free zone. His bond is $60,000.

44 year old Tammy Denise Miller of Kings Court Trailer Park, Smithville is charged with one count of sale and delivery of a schedule II controlled substance. Her bond is $70,000

Department Activity as of April 26, 2010

2010-04-26T18:46:00.002-05:00

A 24 year old man was arrested on drug charges last week after admitting to gathering items for someone else to make methamphetamine. Clent Lee Shehane of Sparta Highway was charged Wednesday, April 21st with promotion to manufacture a schedule II controlled substance (Methamphetamine). His bond is set at $10,000 and his court date is April 29th.

Detectives went to the home of Shehane to do an investigation and found 2 hot plates, ph strips, lye, several empty cans and bottles, and a propane tank which were believed to be used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Shehane said he was getting the items for someone else to manufacture methamphetamine.

Meanwhile, in other cases 20 year old Travis Matthew Pezak of Ridgeview Lane, Baxter is charged with domestic assault, possession of a schedule II controlled substance (Dilaudid) and possession of a schedule IV drug (Xanax) for sale and delivery. His bond is set at $10,000 and he will be in court on May 6th. On Tuesday, April 20th, a deputy responded to Ridgeview Lane, Baxter to a domestic call. Upon arrival, the officer spotted Pezak running off in the woods. Through an investigation, the officer discovered that Pezak had assaulted his girlfriend. The woman had blood coming from her mouth and there were marks on her back. Pezak was arrested for domestic assault and when he was searched, a container was found in his pocket with 4 Dilaudids and 10 Xanax. The officer also seized $870.00 from Pezak, believed to be proceeds from drug sales.

32 year old Amy Janette Lawson of South College Street Apartments is charged with a first offense of driving under the influence, a second offense of driving on a suspended license, and possession of drug paraphernalia. On Friday, April 23rd, a deputy spotted Lawson operating a motor vehicle on College Street in Smithville and noticed that she was weaving all over the roadway and almost struck a mailbox. Lawson had slurred speech, her eyes were squinted, and she had very slow reactions to the officer's questions. She submitted to field sobriety tasks which she failed. A computer check of Lawson's drivers license revealed that they were suspended for failure to satisfy a citation in DeKalb County. A search of Lawson's purse turned up a hypodermic syringe. While transporting her to the jail, the officer noticed Lawson trying to hide something as she sat in the back of his patrol car. Upon inspection of the back seat , the deputy found yet another hypodermic needle. Prior to her arrest on Friday, Lawson had been in General Sessions Court, where she was ordered by Judge Bratten H. Cook, II not to be driving. Since her arrest, Judge Cook has ordered Lawson to be held without bond until her next court date on April 29th.

37 year old Gary Edward Matthews of Four Seasons Road Smithville is charged with public intoxication and introduction or possession of drugs in a penal institution where prisoners are quartered. Matthews came into the DeKalb County Jail on Friday, April 23rd to serve his weekend sentence. As he entered, correctional officers noticed Matthews to be under the influence of drugs. They also found a yellow pill believed to be an Oxycodone in his sock. This is not the first time Matthews has been charged with bringing drugs into the jail. On March 27th, 2009 Matthews allegedly tried to smuggle 19 pills believed to be Hydocodone into the DeKalb County Jail after he was arrested on other charges. Bond for Matthews was set at $11,000 and he will appear in court on May 6th.

32 year old Joel Thomas Hayes of Bobby Hayes Road, Dowelltown is charged with public intoxication after he came to the jail on Friday, April 23rd to serve his weekend sentence. Correctional officers noticed Hayes to be unsteady on his feet and he had slurred speech. Hayes admitted to taking Hydocodone and Percocet, before coming to the jail to serve his time. Bond for Hayes was set at $1,000 and he will appear in court on May 6th.

42 year old John Anthony Poss of Poss Road, Smithville is charged with a fourth offense of driving under the influence, a first offense of driving on a revoked license, evading arrest, and reckless endangerment. His bond is set at $10,500 and he will be in court on May 6th. On Sunday, April 25th, a deputy responded to a complaint of a reckless driver on Evins Mill Road Smithville. When the officer spotted the suspected vehicle, he noticed it was swerving in the roadway and almost hit other oncoming vehicles. The deputy activated his blue lights and siren, but the driver of the vehicle refused to stop. The officer pursued Poss for approximately three miles until he (Poss) hit a light pole on Prater Road. Poss appeared to be under the influence of an intoxicant having a smell of alcohol on his person. He was also unsteady on his feet. Poss refused to perform field sobriety tasks telling the deputy that the reason he ran from the law is because he was intoxicated. A computer check of Poss' driver's license revealed them to be revoked for a driving under the influence conviction on October 15th, 2009 in DeKalb County.

Meanwhile, the latest to be arrested in the recent drug round-up are:
34 year old Andre Ronrico Watson of Oriole Drive, McMinnville charged with 2 counts sale and delivery of a schedule II drug. Bond $50,000.00
25 year old Shannon Ray Herman of Author Hollis Lane, Woodbury charged with 4 counts of sale and delivery of a schedule II drug and 4 counts violation of the drug free act. Bond $70,000.00

Department Activity as of April 19, 2010

2010-04-20T12:15:00.002-05:00

Two more defendants have been picked up on grand jury sealed indictments returned last week as the result of local undercover investigations.

36 year old Brad Elliott Johnson of Carter Street, Smithville is charged with three counts of sale and delivery of a schedule II drug and one count of sale and delivery of a schedule III drug. Bond for Johnson is set at $80,000.

48 year old Danny Wayne Caldwell of Avant Circle, Alexandria is charged with three counts of sale and delivery of a schedule III drug and six counts of violation of a drug free zone. His bond is $70,000
With the arrest of Johnson and Caldwell, a total of 50 defendants have been arrested.

(Click here to see pictures of each defendant) http://www.wjle.com/node/10295

Meanwhile, in his weekly update on crime news, Sheriff Ray reports that 19 year old Robert A. Paele of Flat Rock Road, Lebanon is charged with possession of a schedule VI controlled substance for resale and possession of drug paraphernalia. 19 year old Jordan L. Bennett of Lebanon Highway, Lebanon is charged with simple possession of a schedule VI drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

On Friday, April 16th, a deputy, while on patrol on Highway 70 west, saw a suspicious vehicle setting beside of an office building. The officer stopped to check the automobile and after obtaining consent to search, found Paele, the driver, to be in possession of 1.01 ounces of marijuana and a marijuana pipe. Bennett, the passenger, was found to be in possession of a small amount of marijuana, rolling papers, and a pair of hemostats. Paele's bond was at $6,000. Bond for Bennett is $2,000. Both men will appear in court on April 29th.

30 year old Tracy Nicole Henry of Rogers Lane, Lebanon is charged with criminal impersonation. Her bond is set at $1,000 and she will be in court on April 29th. Sheriff Ray says on Wednesday, April 14th, a deputy was dispatched to Highway 56 south to investigate a suspicious female walking down the roadway. After locating the woman, the officer asked for her name. She replied that her name was Tracy Daniels and she provided a social security number. After checking the information, the officer discovered that the social security number was for someone else. He also learned that the woman is actually Ms. Henry and that the reason she gave a fake name is because she is wanted in Wilson County on state warrants.

24 year old Jordon Thomas Adams of Game Ridge Road Smithville is charged with a second offense of driving under the influence. His bond is set at $3,000 and he will be in court on April 29th. On Thursday, April 15th, a deputy answered a suspicious person call on Students Home Road where a man appeared to be intoxicated, going door to door asking for work. Upon arrival, the officer found Adams slumped over the steering wheel of his vehicle on Students Home Road in a driveway. Adams had slurred speech and he was unsteady on his feet. Adams also failed field sobriety tasks.

44 year old Kenneth Lavon Teeples of Vickers Ridge Road, Baxter is charged with a second offense of driving under the influence and he has been issued citations for violation of the implied consent law and for not changing his address on his driver's license. His bond is set at $2,500 and he will appear in court on May 6th. On Thursday, April 15th, an officer received a call of an accident on Austin Bottom Road in the Rock Castle area of the county. Upon arrival, the deputy found Teeples to be the driver of the vehicle. Teeples appeared to be intoxicated having a smell of alcohol on his person and he was unsteady on his feet. Teeples also failed field sobriety tasks.

33 year old Tiffany Hendrixson of Hurricane Ridge, Smithville is charged with leaving the scene of an accident with property damage and driving on a suspended license. She has also been issued a written citation for driving a motor vehicle with no insurance. Her bond is set at $3,500 and she will appear in court on April 29th. On Thursday, April 15th, a deputy was dispatched to a hit and run accident at a business on Tiger Drive in Smithville. The officer was told that a woman had pulled up to the outside teller window and struck the tellers roll out drawer, as she left, causing damage to it. The woman then left the scene. Thirty to forty five minutes after the deputy left the business, he was called back there again and was told that thewoman had returned with another person in a different vehicle. This time, she came inside trying to do business.

27 year old Jessica French Hale of Walker Drive, Smithville was charged Friday, April 16th with seven counts of forgery. Detectives allege that Hale took checks from another woman and passed them at several businesses in Smithville. The checks totaled $502.59. Bond for Hale was set at $35,000 and she will appear in court on April 29th.

20 year old Cassidy Rianna Hazzard of Lucky Lane, Sparta is charged with leaving the scene of an accident with property damage. Her bond is set at $2,000 and she will appear in court on May 6th. Sheriff Ray says on Saturday, April 17th, an officer responded to a motor vehicle accident on Pine Grove Road where a vehicle had struck a mailbox, left the scene, and then struck a road sign at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Pine Grove Road. After investigating, Hazzard was charged in the case..

44 year old Tony lee Petty of Cainsville Road, Watertown is charged with driving on a suspended license. Petty has also been issued written citations for no vehicle insurance and violation of the registration law. Bond for Petty was set at $1,000 and he will appear in court on April 29th. On Saturday, April 17th, an officer stopped a vehicle on Highway 70 for a traffic violation. Petty, the driver of the vehicle, was charged in the case.

Undercover Drug Investigation Results 04/14/2010

2010-04-15T09:12:00.003-05:00

A lengthy investigation by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department, Alexandria Police Department, TBI and other law enforcement agencies into a drug running operation here and in other counties of the Upper Cumberland has resulted in grand jury indictments against sixty one people charged with the illegal sale or conspiracy to sell prescription drugs. Three others were indicted on unrelated charges of theft (stealing trailers).

A special session of the DeKalb County Grand Jury met Monday and returned indictments against people locally and from other counties, who either allegedly sold or conspired to sell drugs to undercover operatives in DeKalb County. Authorities believe the drugs were being supplied from a contact in New York.

Our department presented to the grand jury cases against forty people from throughout the county on drug charges, plus an additional twelve people in Alexandria, who were indicted as the result of a joint investigation between the sheriff's department and the Alexandria Police Department. The TBI presented cases to the grand jury against nine people, mostly from the Jackson, Overton, and Putnam County area who allegedly conspired to sell drugs in DeKalb County.

This was a three phase drug operation. One of the phases was with the Alexandria Police Department, where we've been focusing on the housing project down there. We have been getting complaints of illegal drug sales and drug use. We've netted twelve defendants out of there.

In addition to the Alexandria investigation, our department worked with the TBI on it's cases and conducted a probe of it's own. We worked probably a nine month to a year long investigation with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. It focused on our local drug dealers here. It also focused on other places within our drug task force region. The investigation led into Nashville and from there to New York, the source of the drugs.

Our sheriff's department also did an investigation in which we made cases leading to indictments of three defendants charged with theft over $500, where they had taken some trailers. The other forty were drug cases. Altogether, there were sixty one indictments for drugs, including nine from the TBI, twelve from Alexandria, and forty from the sheriff's department. Those forty came from Alexandria, Liberty, some in Dowelltown, and in the Smithville area. We tried to go all over the county and buy drugs where we could. They've been bought on every end of the county this time.

We've bought everything from marijuana, oxycontin, dilaudid, suboxone, among other illegal drugs. The agencies involved in this operation were the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Task Force, the District Attorney General's Office, the Alexandria Police Department, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the THP Swat team, DeKalb County constables, federal marshals, and the county fire department for allowing us to use their main station on King Ridge Road to book the prisoners, and also from concerned citizens who have called and informed us of people who they thought were in the business of selling illegal narcotics. We appreciate every call that we had. We try to check every call we get on our drug tip lines. A lot of people think that they can call in a drug dealer and by morning we'll have them put in jail. That doesn't work that way all the time. It takes a lot of surveillance work. It takes the buys themselves. We have to obtain informants to go in and make the buys. Then all the legal paper work has to be done after that to get our indictments.

Some of the defendants were also charged with dealing drugs in what the law classifies as a "drug free zone" where children may be present. We charged people with being in violation of the drug free zone laws, which is being near any school, library, ball parks, or anywhere children could be present. There's a statute for that. We have numerous counts (charges) of those, where either the drug dealer lived in those areas and instructed our informants to come there to buy drugs or, in some cases, they told our informants to meet them at a certain location. Most of what we got has been in those drug free zones where some of them lived.

In order to make room for many of these extra prisoners, some of the state prisoners who were already in jail have been moved to other facilities. In the last few days, we have tried to prepare for this drug roundup because naturally some of these people are not going to be able to make bond. These sixty four people would overload the jail. Our inmate population is somewhere in the 90's. That's what it's been for the last few months and on the weekends we're running close to 100 with 103 beds in the jail. So yesterday (Tuesday) we sent some state prisoners to the Macon County Sheriff's Department to serve the remainder of their time there to give us some room at the jail to house these inmates here. We also sent some state prisoners to the Tennessee Department of Corrections this morning (Wednesday) so that we can hold some of these individuals that can't make bond. Some of them will have violations of parole or probation warrants that will be coming with no bonds on them so naturally they won't be able to get out of jail on those.

I am proud of his department and the teamwork shown throughout this operation. I want to commend my department. Every correctional officer that I have, every deputy, detective, all my administrative staff, court officers, every employee I have has played a very important role in this operation. Unity is the key to power. I want to stress this. All of our outside law enforcement agencies have come in and helped us. I don't think any one department or any one officer wants to take all the credit for the operation. It's not only our job, but it's our obligation, we're sworn to uphold the law and we want this done as a team effort.

As sheriff, I would like to dedicate our part of this operation to everyone who has lost friends and loved ones due to suicides or drug related deaths. This is the only way that law enforcement and the community can come together. If we'll bond together we can make things happen, just like it's happened today. We want to stress to everyone, keep calling in, keep working with us, and we'll hope to have another roundup real soon.

Those picked up on sealed indictments returned by the special session of the Grand Jury on Monday, April 12th. are as follows:

28 year old Garth Wayne Cantrell, Pine Grove Road Smithville - 3 counts of theft over $500 - Bond $30,000
30 year old John M. Alsup, Pine Grove Road Smithville - 3 counts of theft over $500 - Bond $30,000
32 year old Jason Zeen Cripps, Bethel Road Smithville - 2counts of theft over $500 - Bond $20,000
32 year old Jeremy Patrick Bandy, Old Givens Hollow Road Liberty - 2 counts of sale of a schedule II drug - Bond $100,000
36 year old Steve Franklin Mabe Jr, Old Givens Hollow Road Liberty - 3 counts of sale and delivery of a schedule II drug - Bond $75,000
38 year old Rachel Lynn Mabe, Old Givens Hollow Road Liberty - 2 counts sale and delivery of a schedule II drug - Bond $50,000
62 year old Sandra Heath, Lavergne Street Alexandria - 2 counts sale and delivery of a schedule II drug - 4 counts violation of drug free act - Bond $70,000
24 year old Danny Ray Prater, Pumpkin Hollow Road Liberty - 1 count sale and delivery of a schedule III drug - 1 count sale and delivery of a schedule IV drug - Bond $20,000
20 year old Randall Brett Bullard, North Washington Avenue Cookeville - 2 counts sale and delivery of a schedule VI drug - Bond $20,000
49 year old Nickey Reese Cantrell, Lakeview Drive Smithville - 1 count sale and delivery of a schedule II drug - Bond $30,000
48 year old Dennis C. Ellis, Anthony Avenue Smithville - 2 counts sale and delivery of a schedule II drug - Bond 60,000
43 year old Mark Alan Goodson, Midway Road Smithville - 2 counts sale and delivery of a schedule II drug - Bond 50,000
51 year old James Vernon Vaughn, Gentry Avenue Smithville - 2 counts sale and delivery of a schedule VI drug - 1 count possession of a schedule VI drug for resale - 4 counts violation of drug free act - Bond $5,000
18 year old Leslie Brooke Bailey, Brush Creek Road Alexandria - 1 count sale and delivery of a schedule II drug - 1 count sale and delivery of a schedule III drug - 1 count sale and delivery of a schedule IV drug - Bond $60,000
28 year old Robert Lee Prater, Pumpkin Hollow Road Liberty - 1 count sale and delivery of a schedule III drug - Bond $20,000
33 year old Tracie Lyndal Godsey - 2 counts sale and delivery of a schedule VI drug - 1 count possession of a schedule VI drug for resale - 4 counts violation of drug free act - Bond $60,000
20 year old Jerry Donald Johnson, Union Ridge Road Bloomington Springs - 2 counts of conspiracy to sell and deliver 50 grams or more of a schedule II drug - 2 counts violation of drug free act - Bond $70,000
34 year old John David Fagan, Bright Hill Road Smithville - 2 counts sale and delivery of a schedule III drug - 4 counts violation of drug free act - Bond $50,000
22 year old Joshua Lynne Batey, East Main Street Smithville - 1 count sale and delivery of a schedule II drug - 1 count sale and delivery of a schedule III drug - Bond $60,000
21 year old Caleb A. Hendrix, Old Snow Hill Road Dowelltown - 1 count of conspiracy to sell and deliver of a schedule II drug - 1 count theft under $500 - Bond $20,000
49 year old Marti Compton, Avant Circle Alexandria - 2 counts sale and delivery of a schedule III drug - 1 count sale and delivery of a schedule IV drug - 6 counts violation of drug free act - Bond $40,000
39 year old Vickie Ann Cantrell, Adcock Cemetery Road Smithville - 2 counts of sale and delivery of a schedule II drug - Bond $50,000. Cantrell was also issued a citation for simple possession of a schedule II drug Dilaudid after a ½ of a Dilaudid pill was found - Bond $50,000
22 year old Julie Marie Prater, Pumpkin Hollow Road Liberty - 1 count sale and delivery of a schedule IV drug - Bond $20,000
21 year old Timothy "Tyler" Patrick, The Loop Smithville - 4 counts of sale and delivery of a schedule II drug - 4 counts of violation of the drug free act - Bond $70,000
24 year old Stephen Kennedy, Tami Kay Road Smithville - 1 count of manufacture of a schedule VI drug - Bond $20,000
27 year old Chasity Jeannine Phillips, Shady Drive Smithville - 2 counts sale and delivery of a schedule II drug - 1 count of violation of the drug free act - Bond $70,000
Lance Edward Rollings, Earl Ave Smithville - 2 counts of sale and delivery of a schedule VI drug - Bond $20,000
45 year old Marla Adele Turner, Adcock Cemetery Road Smithville - 1 count sale and delivery of a schedule II drug - Bond $60,000
60 year old Harold Gene Blackwell, Jay Hutchins Road Sparta - 2 counts sale and delivery of a schedule III drug - 2 counts of violation of the drug free act - Bond $50,000
50 year old Victor W. Jones, Flemming Street Alexandria - 2 counts of sale and delivery of a schedule III drug - 3 counts of sale and delivery of a schedule II drug - 1 count sale and delivery of a schedule IV drug - 12 counts violation of a drug free zone - Bond $100,000
51 year old Tamara Sue Evensen, Flemming Street Alexandria - 1 count sale and delivery of a schedule II drug - 1 count sale and delivery of a schedule IV drug - 4 counts of violation of a drug free zone - Bond $70,000
34 year old Russell Allen Blackwell, Jay Hutchins Road Sparta - 2 counts sale and delivery of a schedule III drug - 2 counts of violation of the drug free act - Bond $50,000
52 year old Billy Joe Rigsby, Adcock Cemetery Road Smithville - 3 counts sale and delivery of a schedule III drug - Bond $60,000
41 year old Sherry Lynn Chandler, Page Drive Smithville - 2 counts sale and delivery of schedule III drug - Bond $30,000
18 year old Lataj K. Bass, Shady Drive Alexandria - 1 count sale and delivery of a schedule VI drug - Bond $10,000
47 year old Virginia Kay Jones, Flemming Street Alexandria - 3 counts sale and delivery of a schedule II drug - 6 counts violation of the drug free act - Bond $60,000
40 year old Timothy Edward Lawson, Avant Circle Alexandria - 3 counts sale and delivery of a schedule III drug - 6 counts violation of the drug free act - Bond $70,000. Lawson was also issued a citation for drug paraphernalia for being in possession of a pill crusher and 4 straws that contained a white powder in them.
21 year old Jamie Lee Beising, Old Snow Hill Road Dowelltown - 1 count conspiracy to sell and deliver a schedule II drug - 1 count theft under $500 - Bond $20,000
41 year old Dana Ledbetter Firth, Midnight Sun Circle Nashville - 2 counts sale and delivery of a schedule III drug - 1 count sale and delivery of a schedule IV drug - 6 counts violation of the drug free act - Bond $40,000. Firth was also written a citation for simple possession of marijuana after she was found to have marijuana in her possession.
26 year old Tabitha Elaine Wilson, Huddleston Street Cookeville - 1 count of conspiracy to sell and deliver 50 grams or more of a schedule II drug - 2 counts of violation of the drug free law - Bond $70,000
On Wednesday, 43 year old Christine Marie Moss of The Loop Smithville was arrested after she was found to have in her possession an unlabeled pill bottle that contained 119 and ½ pills believed to be Seroquel. Moss could not show a valid prescription for the pills. She was charged with possession of a legend drug without a prescription and her bond was set at $1,000. She will appear in court on April 29th. She was present at a drug defendant's house on Flemming Street in Alexandria at the time of their arrest.

Department Activity as of April 13, 2010

2010-04-13T17:32:00.002-05:00

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department arrested a woman for child abuse and neglect on Saturday after finding the residence in an unsanitary condition. Jamie Lee Beising will be in court on the charges April 22nd. Her bond is set at $10,000.

On Saturday a deputy was dispatched to the residence of Beising, who lives on Old Snow Hill Road in Dowelltown, in answer to a complaint of an unattended child who was left in the home. Upon arrival, the officer talked with the father of the two year old child. The father, who does not live at this residence, said he heard his child screaming when he approached the home and found the youngster there alone. The mother returned about fifteen minutes after the deputy arrived.

The officer entered the residence and was horrified to find loose trash, piles of dirty diapers, rat waste on uneaten food, mold in the refrigerator, flies and maggots throughout the home and in a bedroom where the child slept was loose trash piled up even with the bed.

The Department of Children's Service was called to assist in the case and the child was removed from the mother's care.

In other crime news, 37 year old Gary Edward Matthews of Four Seasons Road Smithville is charged with simple possession of a schedule III drug (Hydrocodone). His bond is $2,500 and he will appear in General Sessions Court on April 29th.

On Monday, April 5th, a deputy responded to a call at the Puckett's Point boat ramp and spotted Matthews who he knew had an active state warrant against him for failure to appear at the DeKalb County Jail to serve weekends. Matthews was arrested and during a pat down search, the officer found five pills believed to be Hydrocodone in his pants pocket.

31 year old James "Freddy" Summers of Hodges Road, Smithville and 25 year old Stephanie Jean Perry of Sparta Highway Smithville were charged Wednesday, April 7th with manufacture of methamphetamine.

A deputy stopped their vehicle for a traffic violation at the intersection of College Street and McMinnville Highway. After receiving consent to search, the officer found components used to manufacture methamphetamine. Found in the trunk of the vehicle were a plastic container wrapped in electrical tape that contained 30 pseudoephedrine pills, a gallon of muratic acid, lye, alcohol, charcoal lighter fluid, 2 packs of cold pack wraps, 2 mason jars, a glass measuring cup, black tape, duct tape, 10 lithium batteries, 3 knives, pipe cutter, screw driver, plastic funnel, aluminum foil, 28 feet of tubing, rubber gloves, a gas can, and a one liter bottle all packed in a duffel bag. Bond for Summers and Perry is $10,000 each and they will appear in court on April 22nd.

29 year old Nieka "Nikki" Patton of South College Street, Smithville was arrested on Friday, April 9th after she was stopped for a traffic offense at the intersection of Bright Hill Road and Sparta Highway. A driver's license check was conducted and Patton was found to be driving on a suspended license for failure to satisfy a citation on April 24th in DeKalb County. Her bond was set at $1,000 and she will appear in court on April 21st.

22 year old Brittney Danielle Barnes of West Church Street Smithville was arrested on Friday, April 9th and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, simple possession of a controlled substance (Xanax), and resisting arrest. Her bond is set at $4,500 and she will appear in court on April 15th.

A deputy spotted Barnes in a vehicle at the intersection of Allen Ferry Road and Cookeville Highway and had knowledge of an active warrant against her to serve a jail sentence for violation of probation. As the officer walked to the door of the vehicle he saw Barnes shoving something down her pants. Barnes said it was cigarettes. When the officer tried to remove her from the vehicle Barnes became combative. Before placing her in the back of the patrol car, the deputy conducted a search to make sure that there was nothing there. After arriving at the jail, the officer checked the back seat again after Barnes was removed and found cigarettes and a pill believed to be Xanax. Barnes also had two hypodermic needles in her purse.

23 year old Kenny Dyal Jr of Floyd Drive, Smithville was charged on Saturday, April 10th with two counts of theft of property and one count of aggravated burglary. Officers from the Sheriff's Department were dispatched that day to investigate a burglary on Oak Drive Smithville. They also had information about another break-in. Upon arrival at Dyal's home, deputies saw Dyal running through his residence and trying to hide a television. They obtained consent to search and found items in the home believed to be stolen. Dyal was taken to the Sheriff's Department for questioning and admitted to detectives that he broke into a residence on Lakeview Circle and that he also bought property which he had knowledge was stolen. Bond for Dyal was set at $7,000 and will appear in court on April 15th.. More arrests are pending.

22 year old Andres Loradeo Martinez of West Avenue, Crossville and 20 year old Juan Carlos Valencia of Joe Tabor Road, Crossville were arrested on Sunday, April 11th for public intoxication Officers received a call to break up a fight at a bar on Sparta Highway. These two men were found to be intoxicated having blood shot eyes. They were unsteady on their feet and had and an odor of an alcoholic beverage on them. Bond for both was set at $1,000 and they will they appear in court on April 22nd.

Meanwhile on Monday, April 5th the DeKalb County Grand Jury toured and inspected the DeKalb County Jail and Annex. The following is a statement from the Grand Jury:
"We the Grand Jury of April 5, 2010 visited the DeKalb County Sheriff's facility. We found the Sheriff to be cooperative and open with the running of his department. The facility was very clean. Sheriff Ray gave us a financial report that informed the group of his being well within his budget."
Signed by members of the Grand Jury and the Grand Jury Foreman.