Department activity as of 2/09/2021

A Smithville woman who allegedly stole a checkbook and passed three forged checks in October will make a court appearance on May 6. 32 year old Maranda Rose Smith of Andrew Street, Smithville is charged with three counts of forgery and three counts of theft under $1,000. She was further cited for simple possession of methamphetamine. Her bond is $12,000. On October 29 Smith stole a checkbook and forged the name of her victim on the check for $180 and then deposited the money into her account. Smith passed to other forged checks involving the same victim on October 31 for $450 and for $300. During a search at the jail, Smith was found to have hidden in the right side of her bra a small baggie containing 0.6 grams of a crystal like substance believed to be methamphetamine.

A Smithville man who allegedly cut open the trunk lid of a car to obtain a jack which he used to lift another vehicle to steal a catalytic converter has been charged with vandalism over $1,000 and theft. 47 year old Jeffery Lynn Sanders of Highland Drive, Smithville is under a $25,000 bond and he will make a court appearance May 13. On February 14 Sanders damaged a car by cutting the trunk lid open with a saw to obtain a jack which he used to jack up another vehicle to steal a catalytic converter. Sanders actually cut through one of the converters completely but only partially cut through another. After Sanders was confronted by the owner he took off running with a back pack and one of the converters. He was found later lying down in a tree line and the converter and backpack were recovered.

51 year old Billy Eugene Cook of Floyd Drive, Smithville is charged with criminal trespassing and theft of property. His court date is May 6. On January 5 Cook came onto the property of his victim on Lakeview Drive and took a Lodge cast iron skillet from the porch valued at $65.

47 year old Freddy Sylvester Stringer of Church Street, Liberty is charged with violation of the sex offender registry. He is under a $10,000 bond and his court date is May 6. On February 5 a deputy was dispatched to a residence on Church Street in Liberty due to a complaint of an unwanted guest. Upon arrival he spoke with Stringer, a convicted sex offender, and learned that Stringer was furloughed from the White County Jail three days earlier and had failed to comply under the state’s sex offender registry law to report his new address within 48 hours upon arrival.

29 year old Steven Ray Foster of Short Mountain Highway, Smithville is charged with bringing contraband into a penal institution. His bond is $3,500 and he will make a court appearance on April 15. On February 10 Foster was asked by correctional officers before entering the jail if he had anything on him that would be considered contraband and he replied no. He was later spotted on jail surveillance video removing something from his body cavity. Correctional officers searched Foster and found on him a white powdered substance believed to be methamphetamine that weighed 0.2 grams.

21 year old Gregory Michael Patton, Jr. of Lancaster is charged with driving under the influence. He was further cited for violation of the open container law and no insurance. His court date is May 6. On February 11 a deputy was called to a wreck on Robinson Road where he found a GEO Prizm in the yard of a residence and the driver, Patton, passed out behind the steering wheel. After being awakened by the deputy, Patton admitted to having been drinking earlier. Patton smelled of alcohol and a bottle of Smirnoff Ice was found in the floorboard on the passenger side. Patton submitted to but performed poorly on field sobriety tasks.

A man who got gas at the Liberty Stop N Buy without paying for it on February 8 was caught two days later when a sheriff’s department detective spotted his car at DeKalb Market where he and a passenger had accidentally locked themselves out of the vehicle. 22 year old Joseph Daniel Morgan of Woodbury is cited for property theft due to the gas drive off. His passenger, 31 year old Misty Dawn Gingerich of Holmes Creek Road was cited for theft after she removed an antenna from another vehicle at DeKalb Market to unlock Morgan’s car. Their court date is May 6. When confronted by the detective Morgan admitted to getting $25.24 worth of gas without paying for it while Gingerich confessed to taking the antenna.

37 year old Jennifer Elizabeth Chapman of West Main Street, Smithville is cited for fraudulent use of a credit card. Her court date is April 22. Through the month of December, 2020 to January, 2021 Chapman used the credit card of another without their consent for products or services through Infinity mobile and Amazon Prime totaling $375.38

Department activity as of 02/09/2021

A Dowelltown man is facing forgery, burglary, and theft charges. 25 year old Eric Lane Petty of Sims Street, Dowelltown is charged with forgery, theft of property, aggravated burglary, two counts of property theft under $1,000, and burglary. His bond totals $45,000 and his court date is May 6. On January 27 Petty allegedly broke into a trailer at a business on Nashville Highway at Liberty and took a propane tank and hose along with a 4,000 BTU Buddy heater. The total value of the items taken was almost $200.

The same day Petty allegedly broke into a residence on Sims Street at Dowelltown and took an Emerson television, weedeater, and other items with a total value of $690.

Five days later on February 1 Petty allegedly took a check out of a mailbox on Sims Street in Dowelltown, forged a name on the back of the check, and passed it at a business in Liberty in the amount of $300. The cases were investigated by sheriff’s department detectives.

A woman caught driving drunk with her three month old child in the car with her has been charged with child abuse or neglect, driving under the influence, and driving on roadways laned for travel. She was further cited for having no child restraint device in the vehicle and for violation of the open container law. 32 year old Jessica Leann Bain of Dry Creek Road, Smithville is under a bond of $11,500 and she will make a court appearance May 6.

On February 5 a deputy spotted a red Nissan Sentra traveling west on Nashville Highway. The car ran off the road near DeKalb Market before coming back onto the highway and leaving its lane of travel several times. The officer pulled over the vehicle and spoke to the driver, Bain who smelled of alcohol. Bain’s speech was slurred and she was unsteady on her feet. Bain submitted to but performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. She had two open containers of mixed drinks in the car and her three month old son, improperly restrained, was a passenger.

57 year old Michael Anthony Beasley of Johnson Ridge Road, Smithville is charged with driving under the influence. He was further cited for roadways laned for travel and simple possession of a schedule VI drug. His bond is $1,500 and he will make a court appearance May 6. On February 6 a deputy spotted a blue Nissan truck cross the white line of the road several times on Nashville Highway. The officer stopped the truck and spoke with the driver, Beasley who smelled of alcohol. Beasley submitted to but performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. A metal cup containing an alcoholic beverage was in the cupholder. While searching Beasley, the deputy found in his pocket an orange pill bottle which held one gram of a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana.

33 year old Jordan Michael Thomas of Hendersonville is charged with driving under the influence. His bond is $1,500 and he will make a court appearance May 6. On February 1 a deputy conducted a traffic stop and spoke with the driver, Thomas. The officer noticed that Thomas’ speech was slurred and he smelled of alcohol. As he got out of the vehicle, Thomas became unsteady on his feet. He submitted to but performed poorly on field sobriety tasks.

Department activity as of 02/03/2021

A confrontation with two other men at a job site has landed a father and son in trouble with the law. 67 year old Cleveland Bain and his son 29 year old Clay Andrew Bain of Smithville were arrested on aggravated assault charges after the incident on January 25. Clay Bain was also cited for simple possession of marijuana.

Cleveland Bain was backing down the road in his truck at a job site and allegedly turned into another man’s vehicle which led to a confrontation between Bain and the other man. Clay Bain, who witnessed the incident, allegedly intervened and got into his own clash with the other man. Meanwhile another bystander saw what was happening and allegedly tried to break up the fight.

During the incident, Clay Bain allegedly threatened the victims with a knife and a black powder pistol while Cleveland Bain allegedly struck one of the men with a large rock resulting in the victim suffering multiple lacerations and contusions to his head, face, and back areas. Clay Bain was also found with less than half an ounce of marijuana.

Cleveland Bain’s bond was set at $20,000, while Clay Bain’s bond was $30,000. They are both to appear in court April 8.

A woman is facing drug charges after she was found with 65 Alprazolam pills believed to have been packaged for sale and delivery during a traffic stop last week. 28 year old Rachel Danielle Overman is under a $5,000 bond for sale and delivery of a schedule IV drug and she was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia. She will make a court appearance on May 6.

Overman was a front seat passenger of a white Chevy Malibu which was stopped by two detectives on January 26 after they spotted the car crossing the yellow line in the turning lane on West Broad Street in Smithville. The driver, who was not arrested, is on community corrections and gave the detectives consent to search the car. Found in a paper towel rolled up beside Overman’s leg in the car was a clear pipe with residue. Meanwhile on the driver ‘s side between the car door and seat was a plastic baggie containing 20 Alprazolam pills and on the passenger side between the car seat and door was a bottle with a purple lid which held 45 Alprazolam pills. The pills were packaged in two separate containers and believed to have been made ready for sale and delivery. Overman claimed the pills and the pipe all belonged to her but she could not produce a prescription for the pills.

31 year old Eric Dean Morgan of Smithville is charged with violation of an order of protection. His bond is $3,500 and he will be in court April 15. On January 26 a deputy spotted Morgan talking with the person in front of the hospital he was supposed to be keeping away from under terms of the order of protection against him. Another officer was called to the scene to investigate and learned from Morgan that he had picked up the petitioner the day before in Cookeville and they had been hanging out together since then. A background check through NCIC confirmed that Morgan was still under an active order of protection to keep away from this person he was found with at the hospital.

47 year old James Dewey Harris of Monteagle is charged with driving under the influence and sale and delivery of a schedule I drug, simple possession of a schedule IV drug, and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond totals $37,500 and he will make a court appearance May 6. On January 29 a deputy spotted a silver 4 door vehicle in a parking lot at the corner of McMinnville Highway and Old Blue Springs Road. The driver, Harris was slumped over the steering wheel with the engine running. The officer stopped and tried to get Harris’ attention but he was unresponsive. After knocking on the driver’s side door several times, Harris woke up. He was asked to get out of the car. The officer noticed that Harris had urinated on himself and that he was unsteady on his feet. Harris was so intoxicated he was unable to perform field sobriety tasks. In his left front shirt pocket, Harris had a syringe.
Before it was towed, Harris’ car was inventoried and found was a yellow pill believed to be Alprazolam for which Harris had no prescription. The officer also discovered two separate bags containing a crystal like substance believed to be methamphetamine with a total weight of 12.5 grams.

22 year old Courtney Marie Watson of Academy Avenue, Alexandria is charged with bringing contraband into a penal institution. Her bond is $5,000 and she will make a court appearance April 15. On January 31 a correctional officer was informed that Watson had retrieved a baggie from her shirt and placed it inside her body cavity. Two female correctional officers searched Watson and found the baggie which contained 4 grams of marijuana.

Department activity as of 01/29/2021

A drunk driver was found with pills during a traffic stop last week in Smithville. 31 year old Alicia Blair Collins of West Market Street is charged with DUI and cited for violation of roadways laned for travel and simple possession of a schedule IV narcotic and drug paraphernalia. Her bond is $1,500 and she will be in court April 15. On Wednesday, January 20 a deputy answered a complaint of a reckless driver on McMinnville Highway and spotted the vehicle, a white Hyundai on South Congress Boulevard. As the car was turning onto Bright Hill Road it ran off the road. The officer spoke with the driver, Collins and found her speech to be slurred. She also submitted to but performed poorly on field sobriety tasks.

The deputy found in the car a pill grinder, pen with white residue, 12 green pills, 12 white pills, 12 half white pills , one ¾ white pill, and one ¼ white pill.

43 year old Michael Ray Emler of McMinnville Highway, Smithville is charged with domestic assault. His bond is $2,500 and he will be in court April 15. On January 20 a deputy was dispatched to a domestic complaint and upon arrival spoke with Emler and a woman. The officer learned that Emler and the woman had been arguing and pushing each other and that during the confrontation Emler struck her in the left eye with his elbow causing bruising and swelling. He was determined to have been the primary aggressor and was arrested.

35 year old Casey Laraine Emerton of Sparta is charged with driving under the influence. She is under a $1,500 bond and her court date is April 15. On January 21 a deputy was dispatched to Turtle’s Bar where a vehicle had ran off into a ditch. Upon arrival the officer confronted the driver, Emerton after observing her almost fall as she got out of the automobile. Emerton was unsteady on her feet and she smelled of alcohol. Emerton admitted to having consumed too much alcohol and she submitted to field sobriety but couldn’t complete the tasks because of her level of intoxication.

32 year old Kimberly Ann Blanchfield of Nashville Highway, Dowelltown is charged with domestic assault and violation of bond conditions. Her bond is $4,500 and she will be in court May 6. On January 22 a deputy responded to a domestic assault complaint on Nashville Highway. Upon arrival the officer spoke with a man who said that he and his daughter, Blanchfield got into an argument which became physical as she hit him in the face and bit his hands causing lacerations. Blanchfield was also determined to be in violation of active bond conditions ordering her to keep away from another person, other than her father, who was also at this home.

37 year old Samuel Cardin of Short Mountain Highway, Smithville is charged with driving under the influence. He was further cited for no insurance and failing to give immediate notice of an accident. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court May 6. On January 24 while responding to another call a deputy happened upon a wreck on Cecil Hale Road. He stopped and spoke with the driver, Cardin who admitted that he had been drinking and smoking marijuana. Cardin smelled of alcohol and was staggering. He refused to submit to field sobriety tasks and was placed under arrest.

Department activity as of 01/03/2021

A Silver Point man will be making a court appearance in February for being where he wasn’t supposed to be on Christmas Day. 67 year old Matthew Edwin Riihimaa of Captains Point Road, Silver Point is charged with 2 counts of bond condition violations and one count of violating an order of protection.

On December 25 a deputy was dispatched to a residence on Captain’s Point Road due to an unwanted person complaint. Upon arrival the officer found Riihimaa there along with the woman who has a court order of protection against him. Under the order and bond conditions, Riihimaa is supposed to keep away from this woman. A records check revealed the Riihimaa was also on bond from a previous charge of violating an order of protection due to a domestic assault on November 27. His bond totals $70,000 and he will be in court February 18.

49 year old Scottie Wayne Blalock of Lee Braswell Road, Smithville is charged with domestic assault. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court January 28.

On December 27 a deputy was dispatched to the emergency room of the hospital due to a possible domestic incident which occurred at a home on Lee Braswell Road. Upon arrival the officer spoke to a woman who said that she and her boyfriend, Blalock got into an argument and that he punched her in the mouth causing her lip to bleed and stomped on her ankle causing it to swell.

47 year old Shawn Edward Soales of Blue Springs Road, Smithville is charged with a second offense of driving on a suspended license. His court date is January 21.

On December 17 a detective pulled over a green Toyota Camry for a light law violation ( rear taillights not functioning properly). Soales, the driver, did not have a valid license. His license was suspended for failure to appear in Alabama with an action date of January 9, 2012. Soales also committed the same offense and was cited on April 25 2019 in DeKalb County.

41 year old Josh Wayne Gaw of Maxwell Street, Baxter is charged with domestic assault. His bond is $2,500 and his court date January 28.

On December 18 a deputy was dispatched to a domestic complaint on Smithville Highway. Upon arrival the officer spoke with a woman who said she and her former boyfriend, Gaw were coming home from Baxter when he slapped her and began pulling her hair. She had a red mark on the left side of her face. Gaw was determined to have been the primary aggressor.

44 year old Kevin Mansfield Curtis of White Bluff is charged with 2 counts of sale and delivery of a schedule II drug and is under a $60,000 bond. He was indicted by the grand jury for these offenses on November 24, 2014.

Holiday Tips to Guard Against being a Victim of Crime

Thefts and break-ins may increase during the holidays, since thieves often know that many families travel leaving their homes unattended or stocked with high-priced gifts.

Please guard against becoming a victim by following a few tips.

We always want you to be on alert and keep an eye on your neighborhood especially this time of year because most thieves will travel about to see what cars or houses and garages are easy targets. If you should spot a strange vehicle in your neighborhood get a good description of it and a tag number and let us know. We’ll check it out.

If you don’t already have one, I suggest investing in a home alarm system and security cameras.

If you have an alarm system make sure it is working properly. Its also good to have security cameras. Those serve a dual purpose. If your alarm goes off you can go back quickly and pull up an app on your phone to look in your house and see if someone is there. It also gives law enforcement something to go back and look at to see if we can identify the person or their vehicle. If you can’t afford a camera system in your home you can always get a game camera and hide them around your home but make sure they have an infrared flash on it and not a bright flash because if a thief sees that he will steal the camera. We have actually solved some cases where people have used game cameras and captured a picture of the suspect or a tag off their car so its very helpful to us to have something like that.

Unoccupied houses can be potential targets for burglary, but hiding the signs of vacancy may fool thieves into thinking you’re still home. Leaving lights on, asking a neighbor to get your mail and setting automatic timers on holiday lights and decorations may give the appearance of being home. It may also be a good idea to do a home security check and consider making any necessary updates before you leave.

Keep your home safe by locking up. When leaving your home, keep in mind that thieves don’t always enter through the front door. Make sure all the doors, including back and patio doors, are locked. And finally, check your windows periodically to make sure the hardware is secure.

If a thief is able to break into your home, chances are they will be looking for guns, tools, jewelry and electronic devices. I urge you to make sure you record serial numbers to your weapons, televisions, DVD players, laptops or desk computers, shop tools, etc and don’t leave money or jewelry out in the open. Mark wrenches and socket sets and other items because they are easy to steal. Keep your valuables secure.

It just amazes me sometimes how many people don’t write their gun serial numbers down. Without the serial number it is almost impossible to solve the theft of a weapon. In time a stolen gun will probably be sold or traded to a gun dealer so make sure the serial numbers are recorded so they can be traced. Don’t leave weapons out in the open. Lock them in a secure gun safe that is bolted to the floor or a wall where someone can’t just pick it up and take it off. Some gun owners even hide their weapons and often forget where they are hidden which can cause confusion. They’ll forget where they hid them and think they are stolen. They will come to us to report a theft and then discover later the guns were hidden under a mattress or in a dresser drawer and they forgot. You need to know where your weapons are anyway in case you need them. We also give away gun locks.

Keep your walk in door to your garage shut and locked at all times. Also keep your garage doors down at all times and locked.

Keep Christmas presents and packages, whether inside or outside your home, out of plain sight. Many people will buy presents and pile them under their Christmas tree which they place in front of a window to be seen. Remember if someone is wanting to break into your home they can go up to the window and see the tree and what is under it. If they see a lot of Christmas presents there it may entice them to break in.

If you prefer to do your holiday shopping online, it might be a good idea to start customizing the delivery times and locations for your packages to help deter theft.. Most shipping carriers may allow you to have a package dropped off at your home by a back or side door instead of the front door. You can also choose to have your packages held at a carrier’s location so you can pick them up at a time convenient to your schedule.

If you are not at home when packages are delivered we encourage you to have them delivered to a neighbor or family member who is home during the day. I drove by a house last year and noticed three or four boxes piled up next to the front door. It was obvious they had something delivered there. How easy would it be for a thief to pull up there and load up those boxes and drive off.

Other tips to keep in mind:

*When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.

*Do not post on social media about being out of town.

YOUR VEHICLE

*Park your vehicle under a street light or under some kind of lighting.

*Avoid driving alone or at night

*If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area

*Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows

*Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of where you parked

*Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside

*Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while out of your car. Make sure to set your car alarm

*Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.

*Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car

*Keep secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. Do not put them down or on top of the car in order to open the door.

*When approaching or leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings

*Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area. Ask a store security officer for an escort before leaving your shopping location.

ATM MACHINES

*If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located inside a mall, store, or a well-lit location. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need.

*Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you.

*Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location

SHOPPING

*Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.

*Avoid wearing expensive jewelry

*Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible

*Always carry your Driver License or Identification Card along with necessary cash. Checks, and or a credit card you expect to use.

*Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings

*Avoid carrying large amounts of cash

*Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.

*Keep cash in your front pocket

*Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen, or misused

*Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home

*Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping

*Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, “con-artists” may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking money or belongings.

CHILDREN

*If possible, leave small children at home with a trusted babysitter

*Teach your child to go to a store clerk and ask for help in case your child is separated from you

*Teach children to stay close to you at all times while shopping

*Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the restroom

*Children should never be allowed to go to the car alone and they should never be left alone in the car

*Teach children their full name, address and telephone number to give to law enforcement. Teach children to immediately inform you if a stranger is bothering them.

Department activity as of 12/01/2020

A Sparta man was found with methamphetamine during a recent traffic stop by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department.

46 year old Marty Eugene Lance of Sparta is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver and driving on a revoked/suspended license. He was further cited for improper passing. He is under a $75,000 bond and his court date is December 10.

On November 24 a detective pulled over a white 1995 Ford F-350 dually truck on Nashville Highway for passing a vehicle on a double yellow line. Lance, the driver, has a revoked license. After he consented to a search of his truck, the detective found a magnetic box under the bed of the truck which contained three baggies of a crystal like substance believed to be methamphetamine. The baggies weighed 0.28 ounces, 0.43 ounces, and 1.03 ounces. Along with the narcotics were digital scales. Lance’s driver license was revoked on March 25, 1992 due to several DUIs and other offenses.

A total of $121 in cash and Lance’s truck were seized in the investigation.

42 year old James Frederick Summers of Rock Island is charged with theft of property and burglary. His bond is $9,500 and he will be in court December 10.

On June 30 Summers broke into a white 1994 Jeep on Midway Road and took a Sony Explode radio, a chrome/orange 300 watt amp, 2-12 inch kicker subs in a box, and a black DOT motorcycle helmet. Total value of the stolen items is $500.

67 year old Matthew Edwin Riihimaa of Captain’s Point Road, Silver Point is charged with domestic assault and violation of an order of protection. His bond totals $8,000 and he will make a court appearance on the charges December 10 & 17.

On November 27 a deputy responded to a 911 domestic assault call from a residence on Captain’s Point Road. Upon arrival the officer spoke with Rhiihimaa and the victim and learned through a further investigation that Rhiihimaa had assaulted the woman by forcibly grabbing her left arm and pushing her down on the couch all the while verbally threatening her. The couple had been in a domestic relationship and he was determined to have been the primary aggressor. A records check through central dispatch revealed that the victim in this case had an active order of protection against Rhiihimaa and that he was in violation of the order by coming to the woman’s home and assaulting her.

Two days later, on November 29 a deputy was called back to the woman’s home due to an unwanted guest. Upon arrival the officer found Rhiihimaa asleep in an upstairs bedroom and he was there in violation of the order of protection.

48 year old Candida Faye Davidson of Eagle Creek Road, Smithville is charged with a violation of a no contact order. Her bond is $2,500 and she will be in court December 10.

On November 25 a deputy was called to a residence on Frosty Point Road, Dowelltown due to reports of a woman possibly being assaulted. Upon arrival the officer found Davidson and another woman and he learned through central dispatch that Davidson was under a Wilson County no contact order to keep away from this woman. Davidson was placed under arrest.

40 year old Donald Glen Bain of Ferrell Road, Smithville is charged with domestic assault. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court December 3.

On November 23 a deputy was dispatched to a residence on Ferrell Road due to an unwanted guest. Upon arrival he spoke with Bain who said that he and his sister had gotten into an argument over a gun. The deputy then went to a separate residence on Ferrell Road and spoke to the woman who said that she had gone to Bain’s home because he had previously been screaming at her over the phone. During the encounter between the two, the woman said that Bain pushed her and that she pushed back. Bain then hit her. The woman had a cut to her forehead and her left eye was swollen.

19 year old Dylan Cripps of Cubbins Road, Dowelltown is cited for simple possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.

On November 25 an officer spotted Cripps traveling 60 miles per hour in a 45 mile per hour speed zone. He pulled over the vehicle and spoke with Cripps who surrendered a blunt that contained marijuana.

Alexandria Man Indicted in Rash of Arsons

An Alexandria man believed to have been responsible for a rash of fires in the western portion of the county in August and September has been indicted by the DeKalb County Grand Jury.

37 year old Joshua David Pitman of Pitman Road, Alexandria was named in a sealed indictment last week charging him with three counts of arson and three counts of setting fire to personal property. He is under a $60,000 bond and will be arraigned in criminal Court December 8.

The case was investigated by Sheriff Patrick Ray said Detective Brian Williams with assistance of the Fire Investigation Unit of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

During August and September, investigators learned that someone had been setting fires to abandoned houses, mailboxes, and a barn in the Lower Helton, Walker Creek, Jackson Hollow, Oakley Hollow, and Hickman Road.

A grainy surveillance video captured one of the mailbox arsons in progress at 10:51 p.m. September 7 on Walker Creek Road and a vehicle believed to be a light colored Nissan Altima could be seen in the video along with a suspect. Three other mailboxes were burned the same night, including another on Walker Creek Road, one on Hickman Highway, and one on Lower Helton Road along with a barn filled with rolls of hay and farm equipment on Lower Helton Road.

The 40’ x 60’ barn had an estimated value of $20,000 and sheltered 25 rolls of hay, a 6640 Ford tractor valued at $20,000, a 585 hay roller worth $10,000, and a 5408 New Idea disk mower valued at $2,500. All were destroyed. The fire also damaged a 489 hay bine worth $2,000 and a hay rake valued at $2,000. The barn and farm equipment were owned by separate individuals.

The abandoned houses were burned on the night of August 27 or early morning August 28 on Oakley Hollow Road and the night of September 6 or early morning September 7 on Jackson Hollow Road. Neither home had anything of value within nor any electricity. The value of the home on Oakley Hollow Road was estimated at $15,000 and the value of the house on Jackson Hollow Road is unknown.

Algood Man Charged in Drug-Related Death

A joint investigation by Special Agents with the Drug Investigation Division of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department has resulted in the arrest of an Algood man, in connection to the drug-related death of a Smithville woman.

In June, Agents joined deputies in investigating the death of 45 year old Jennifer Leighann Jacobs . She was found deceased on May 22nd in her Smithville home of a drug overdose, with fentanyl determined as a contributing factor. The investigation revealed that on May 18th, the victim had purchased drugs by an individual identified as Patrick Goolsby.

On Monday, the DeKalb County Grand Jury returned indictments charging 41 year old Patrick Goolsby with one count of Second Degree Murder and one count of Sale and Delivery of a Schedule II Controlled Substance. TBI Agents arrested Goolsby yesterday and he was booked into the DeKalb County Jail on a $400,000 bond.

He is scheduled for arraignment in DeKalb County Criminal Court December 8.

Count 1 of the indictment alleges that between the dates of May 18-22, 2020 Patrick Ryan Goolsby unlawfully and recklessly killed Jennifer Leighanne Jacobs by the unlawful distribution or unlawful delivery or unlawful dispensation of fentanyl, and the said fentanyl was the proximate cause of the death of Jacobs.

Count 2 alleges that Goolsby, on or about the 18th day of May, 2020 unlawfully and knowingly sold a controlled substance, to wit: fentanyl, a schedule II controlled substance.

Count 3 alleges that Goolsby, or or about the 18th day of May, 2020 unlawfully and knowingly delivered a controlled substance, to wit: fentanyl, a schedule II controlled substance.

Scammers are stepping up efforts to swindle local residents

If you get a phone call supposedly coming from the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office — think twice before giving out your financial information.

Someone is targeting would be victims with spoofed phone calls which means even though the caller ID may show otherwise, the calls are not coming from the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department.

It’s a scam intended to coerce or threaten would be victims into sending money .

I have had multiple calls today (Monday) from citizens who have been targeted. The scammers are using different scenarios trying to pull off their crimes and in many cases have been very rude and threatening to people.

In one case a citizen called me and said a Sheriff’s Department’s phone number called them and said they had a warrant on them for a court case. They even used a former deputy’s name. The caller told the victim not to hang up, not to tell anyone like her spouse and do not call the Sheriff’s Department. The caller wanted the victim to go get green dot cards at Walgreens to pay for the warrant. The victim and their spouse thought something didn’t sound right and called me.

Scammers are good at what they do. They research areas such as our county and spoof phone numbers of businesses and in this case the Sheriff’s Department’s number.

Do not go and get any cards that have money applied to them or give people who call you your bank card or credit card number. Once you give the scammer the card numbers, the scammer will take the cash which has been applied to them and collect the money into an overseas account. There is no way to get your money back. Most of the time these scammers are overseas where our laws mean nothing. The FBI has a difficult time working these types of cases.

If you get a call like this, please hang up immediately and call me at the jail. The number is 615-597-4935.