Cumberland Co. Sheriff's Department - 2010 Press Release

Man charged with impersonating an officer

By Michael R. Moser / mmoser@crossville-chronicle.com

A Cumberland County man has been arrested after being accused of conducting a traffic stop on a Fentress County woman and impersonating an officer. If that weren't bad enough, the suspect is also accused of offering not to take the victim to jail, implying money or sex to let her go.

Kevin Edward Hinkle, 24, 665 Turkey Oak Rd., is charged with extortion, criminal impersonation and criminal imprisonment in connection with the incident.

The victim, a 37-year-old Clarkrange woman, told investigators that she was traveling on E. First St. last Thursday evening around 5 p.m. when her vehicle started acting up. She was able to drive across Peavine Rd. onto Chestnut Hill Rd. in the area of an antique shop.
She then observed a red 1996 Chevrolet S-10 pickup behind her vehicle with red and white flashing lights, attempting to pull her over. The victim traveled to a concrete plant before stopping her vehicle, according to Lt. Tom Howard's report.

A friend who was following her also stopped but the man in the truck told the friend to stay where he was.

She described the suspect as wearing an orange UT hoodie, blue jeans and wearing a gun. He asked for her driver's license and the victim told the man that her license was revoked. She told investigators she pleaded with the man to not take her to jail.

The man appeared walked back to his pickup with the victim's license and appeared to be talking on a hand-held radio. He then returned to the victim's car and told the woman that she would do prison time if he takes her to jail. 

He allegedly then told the woman that he would help her out.
"At first she was relieved that he was going to help her until he said that she would have to give him some money or something else (implying sex)," Howard wrote in his report.

The woman gave the man $40 and asked if she could try and get her car to her father's home. The man then followed the victim to her father's residence.

After relieving himself outside her father's residence, the man identified himself to the victim and also gave her his phone number before leaving.

The victim's daughter, son and grandson witnessed the incident, in addition to the friend who had followed her.

Investigators Casey Cox and Jeff Slayton were called to investigate the incident and took Hinkle into custody at a residence on Highland Lane.  Bond was set at $12,500.

Two charged in Rose's Grocery burglary

By Michael R. MoserEditor

CROSSVILLE — Two Cumberland Countians have been arrested in connection with the April 22 burglary of Rose's Grocery located on Hwy. 127 N during which thousands of dollars worth of goods and electronic equipment were stolen.

Charged with burglary and theft of property is Dallas Kent Brady Jr., 26, 301 Norris Rd. His bond was set at $6,500.

Charged with theft of property is Sam Tuttle, 32, also of 301 Norris Rd. His bond was set at $5,000. Both men are to make first appearances in General Sessions Court on May 10.

The arrests were a culmination of evidence developed from reliable sources and a calling card left at the scene of the break-in — one of the suspect's insurance cards.

Deputies responded to the rural convenience store on April 22 and learned someone had broken into the business overnight and had stolen approximately $1,200 worth of cigarettes and a computer and surveillance equipment.

While investigating the crime scene, Investigator Jerry Jackson discovered an insurance card lying in the parking lot near fresh tire tracks. The card had been issued to Brady.

A few days later information came that another man was trying to sell cigarettes for $10 a carton and was also trying to sell a computer and surveillance equipment.

Investigator Bo Kollros and Jackson pursued attempts to locate the two suspects and on April 28 recovered from the Norris Rd. residence cigarettes, loose change, knives, a computer and surveillance equipment.

The two were taken into custody and at least one of the suspects provided investigators with a statement.

DALLAS KENT BRADY

SAM TUTTLE

Store owner charged with meth conspiracy

By Michael R. MoserEditor  April 29, 2010

CROSSVILLE — A multi-county, multi-agency investigation into trafficking of components used in the clandestine manufacture of methamphetamine has led to the door step of a Loudon County feed store owner who was indicted this week by a federal grand jury.

The investigation originated in Cumberland County and quickly led local investigators to adjoining counties. Sheriff's investigators then sought the help of federal agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Department of Justice, and months of undercover operations culminated into the arrest this week.

Charged in the multi-county federal indictment is Eugene Allen Trent, 50, of Lenoir City. 

He faces charges of conspiring to manufacture more than five hundred grams of methamphetamine, conspiring to distribute iodine knowing or having reasonable cause to believe it would be used to manufacture meth, and eight counts of distribution of iodine knowing or having reasonable cause to believe it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine.

"For the past three years or so, my investigators have told me that nearly all of the iodine they were finding in labs in our county were coming from the same place," Sheriff Butch Burgess said Thursday. "This caused us to take a second look at that aspect of the meth problem and investigators were able to trace the iodine sales back to the source."

Trent is scheduled to appear in court April 30 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan K. Lee in Chattanooga. A trial date has yet to be set, according to a press release issued by the Department of Justice.

If convicted on the methamphetamine conspiracy charge, Trent could be facing a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison, up to a maximum of life in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine of $4 million and up to ten years in prison on each of the iodine charges.

U.S. District Attorney James R. (Russ) Dedrick applauded the efforts of the multi-jurisdictional and multi-agency investigation probe. In addition to DEA and Cumberland County sheriff's investigators, the Loudon, Rhea and Roane county sheriff's departments, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Tennessee Meth Task Force were involved in the investigation.

The probe has been ongoing for over the past year and it has involved numerous undercover purchases, two federal search warrants, numerous traffic stops and other investigation techniques developed by the Tennessee Meth Task Force, the press release stated.

The indictment, which remains sealed, also includes numerous other individuals in the Eastern District of Tennessee who have been charged with conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and other related violations.

"There has been a resurgence of methamphetamine manufacturing in the Eastern District of Tennessee and the cooperative spirit of these sheriff's departments and other agencies is an excellent example of the type of effort needed to combat this very serious problem," Dedrick said in the release.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Perry H. Piper will represent the United States in prosecution of the case.

The Department of Justice, in the release, stated that the public should be reminded that an indictment constitutes only charges and that every person is presumed innocent until their guilt has been proven in court.

Sheriff's Department opens Pleasant Hill substation

Staff writer

PLEASANT HILL — The Cumberland County Sheriff's Department and the City of Pleasant Hill have joined together to bring Cumberland County's first fully operational station of the sheriff's department. Sheriff Butch Burgess and Mayor Jim Olds would like to extend an invitation to attend the Pleasant Hill Station Open House on Friday, April 30 beginning at 10 a.m.   

The Pleasant Hill Station is staffed Monday through Friday, 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m.  The station is located in the building formerly occupied by the Pleasant Hill Child Enrichment Center, 18 Clearview Avenue at the corner of Main St.

PLEASANT HILL RAMBLINGS: Sheriff’s Dept. opens first substation in PH

By Jean Clark / Chronicle contributor

The residents of Pleasant Hill and indeed everyone living in this western part of Cumberland County are really pleased that Sheriff Butch Burgess and his staff have opened the first fully operational sub-station in the county here. It is located in the building which formerly housed the Pleasant Hill Child Enrichment Center, 18 Clearview Avenue at the corner of Main St. The sub-station is staffed Monday through Friday from 8:45 a.m. until 4 p.m. by Henrietta Kerley, an 18-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Department. The telephone number is 277-5911 and fax 277-5811, but anyone is welcome to stop in during the hours of operation.
Henrietta stressed that she will take or print reports regarding anything that might be reported to the Sheriff’s Department in Crossville. These reports might involve theft, vandalism, animal control, assault, violence, accidents, misuse of four wheelers, etc. She emphasized that the sub-station is also a great resource for people who have concerns, but are not sure what to do about them. Henrietta can steer them in the right direction for the specialized services offered by the Sherrif’s Department. 
The western part of Cumberland County is Zone 1, which encompasses the territory from the Crossville city line west to White County and south to Bledsoe County. Those officers patrolling Zone 1 regularly are Tim Tutor, Anthony Loshbough, Kevin Davis, Adam Wyatt, and James Scott. The two investigators for Zone 1 are Bo Kollrus and David Hamby. The officers and investigators can file reports from the sub-station and stay on patrol in Zone 1. The Virtual Private Network allows all information transmitted by computer to be secure. 
Sheriff Butch Burgess envisions the sub-station as a place to meet with citizen groups concerned about particular problems. It is a convenient place to talk with an officer trained in specialized services. Chief Gary Howard heads up Neighborhood Watch groups and would meet with those interested in setting up such a group in Pleasant Hill or environs training them in proper techniques. A Community Nuisance Enforcement Team (CNET) is an elite group that concentrates on an area experiencing particular problems. Some officers are certified storm watchers and trained in disaster control. The sheriff wants input from the community and is planning an open house in the sub-station near the end of April using questionnaires to help pinpoint those needs.
***
Sharron Eckert of Pleasant Hill was chosen to be Cumberland County's recipient of the 2010 National Women's History Award. State Senator Charlotte Burks and state Representative Eric Swafford read the proclamation that had been authorized by the state legislature. Mayor J.H. Graham read and presented a Certificate of Commendation. Other speakers were Jean Hoyt of CACE — Cumberland Artisans for Creative Expression and Ann Looney, board member of the Tennessee Arts Commission.
***
The Rural Health Clinic of the Cumberlands announces an Open House on Saturday, April 17, 10 a.m. to noon at the clinic on 9400 Sparta Highway in Pleasant Hill. Rep. Lincoln Davis and state Rep. Charles Curtis will be there. All are welcome to come celebrate and tour to see the completion of their renovation and expansion project thanks to the USDA grant/loan they received last year. Refreshments will be provided and a brief dedication ceremony will take place. Call the clinic at 277-5992 to RSVP.
***
A Candidate Forum for Trustee of Cumberland County will take place on  Monday, April 19, at 8 a.m. in the Pleasant Hill Community House at Main and Church Streets. Refreshments will begin at 7:30 a.m. There are 10 candidates for the office to replace Carolyn Turner who has served unopposed for 20 years and is retiring. The trustee office collects all taxes and accounts for and disburses county funds to 13 county entities as well as invests idle funds. Early voting begins April 14 and ends April 29 for the May 4 Primary.

Fighting child abuse

Staff writer

CROSSVILLE — More than 100 balloons representing victims of child abuse were released outside of the Palace Theatre on Thursday as part of the 2010 Cumberland County Blue Ribbon Ceremony. Local child services agencies, businesses and concerned residents participated in the annual event to bring awareness to the increasing number of child abuse cases reported in Cumberland County — 1,892 last year compared to 267 in 1999. Highlights included musical performances from the Kids on the Rise Choir and an emotional speech by child abuse survivor Donny McDonough, with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department.

Multi-county burglary ring busted

Investigators of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department are working with several city and county law enforcement agencies throughout the state after a rash of thefts and burglaries were solved last week. 
Sheriff’s investigators worked diligently to solve and return stolen property to numerous victims after James Mitchell Roysdon, age 33, of
Chestnut Hill Rd., was arrested and charged with multiple counts of burglary, theft and assault. Roysdon is currently being held within the Cumberland County Justice Center on a “hold without bond” status.
On March 14, deputies and investigators responded to a burglary of the Wildwood Stables in the Fairfield Glade area. While en route to the stables, Investigator Jerry Jackson was notified that the Wilson County Tennessee Highway Patrol had recovered a vehicle that had been reported stolen from the stables. The vehicle had been abandoned
on the side of I-40 West bound around the 249 mile marker. 
Jackson processed the crime scene at the Wildwood Stables and then traveled to Lebanon to process the stolen vehicle. After processing the vehicle, the victim was contacted concerning the recovery of the stolen vehicle.
Upon Sheriff Butch Burgess receiving information directly from a confidential informant, Investigators Jackson and Chad Norris were sent to Springfield, TN, concerning the approximate location of further stolen property from the stables.
While en route to Springfield, the investigators passed a flea market in Greenbrier, TN, where Jackson was able to spot a horse trailer matching the description of the one stolen from Wildwood Stables. Upon verifying the vehicle identification number through the national crime information center, investigators were able to recover the horse trailer with Greenbrier Police and Robertson County Sheriff’s Department assisting in the recovery process.
After recovering the horse trailer, investigators discovered several more stolen items within the flea market which included several utility trailers that had been reported stolen from Franklin Place Storage on Peavine Road and a camper trailer stolen out of Humphrey County.
Investigators David Gibson, Scott Griffin, Jackson and Deputy Scott Davis returned to the Greenbrier flea market the following day and successfully recovered numerous other items including nine saddles from Wildwood Stables, four push leaf blowers, four trailers
including one stolen from Cookeville Freewill Baptist Church, one stolen from Carthage, one stolen from Nashville Storage units and one unidentified trailer.
Burgess also sent Investigator Gibson to Putnam County after
receiving further information from a confidential informant of additional stolen goods.
Gibson was able to recover a 2008 Chevy Colorado pickup from a Putnam County motel which had been stolen from the Heatherhurst Golf Course in Fairfield Glade. Investigators Scott Griffin, Jackson and Gibson processed the vehicle for forensic evidence.
A welder reported stolen out of Putnam County belonging to Cookeville Heating and Cooling was recovered in the Dripping Springs area as well as an auto belonging to Mastercorp which was recovered in Fentress County.
Within the last three weeks, investigators of the Sheriff’s Property Crimes Unit have been able to shut down at least three large scale theft and burglary rings having recovered and retuned numerous items to victims.
Burgess said, “I am thankful to have such a dedicated group of men that work long, tireless hours to help make Cumberland County
safer.
"This is an ongoing investigation that is continuing to progress with further arrests being anticipated," Burgess said. "We request that anyone having additional information that may assist in this or any other investigation please contact the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department’s Crime Tip Hotline at 484-4444.

April 2, 2010

Stolen truck probe leads to second stolen vehicle

The theft of a company vehicle loaded with thousands of dollars worth of telephone communication equipment led sheriff’s deputies to recover a second stolen vehicle and to develop a suspect in both thefts. The stolen Frontier Communications van remains missing. Deputies were called to a Knollwood Trail residence where the homeowner told police that someone broke into his personal vehicle, obtained keys to his work truck and stole it, according to Deputy Richard Tinch’s report. The white mid-90s Chevrolet S-10 truck has the name ‘Frontier Communications’ on the cab in red letters. A short time later, while investigating the truck theft, Tinch spotted a stolen 2006 Chevrolet car parked off Old Claysville Rd. some distance behind the residence where the company truck was stolen. As a result of that discovery, a suspect has been identified and investigation into the thefts is continuing.