Upper Cumberland Coordinated Drug Operation Results in Six Overton Co. Indictments, Arrests

COOKEVILLE – A joint drug investigation by Special Agents with the Drug Investigation Division of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Overton County Sheriff’s Department and multiple local law enforcement agencies has resulted in the arrest of several individuals charged with the sale and delivery of various scheduled narcotics.

The coordinated operation conducted in and around the Overton County area focused on the sale and delivery of various illegal narcotics, and involved law enforcement officers from the TBI Drug Investigation Division, Overton County Sheriff’s Department, Middle Tennessee Appalachia HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area), 13^th Judicial Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department, Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, Cookeville Police Department, Pickett County Sheriff’s Department and Crossville Police Department.

On November 28^th, the Overton County Grand Jury returned indictments, charging six people with a variety of drug-related offenses. On Wednesday, law enforcement officers arrested those individuals and booked them into the Overton County Jail:

*Steve Allen Walsh (DOB 10/01/1970), Cookeville. Two counts Sale of Schedule II Controlled Substance, two counts Delivery of Schedule II Controlled Substance. Bond: $90,000.

*Tammy Renee Daily (DOB 5/06/1963), Cookeville. Two counts Sale of Schedule II Controlled Substance, two counts Delivery of Schedule II Controlled Substance. Bond: $90,000.

*Joey Dwight Rhule (DOB 5/09/1976), Byrdstown. One count Sale of Scheduled II Controlled Substance, Delivery of Schedule II Controlled Substance. Bond: $50,000.

*Jennifer Lynn Norris (DOB 7/10/1974), Cookeville. One count Sale of Schedule III Controlled Substance, one count Delivery of Schedule III Controlled Substance. Bond: $40,000.

*Barbara K. Duke (DOB 8/21/1959), Livingston. One count Sale of Schedule III Controlled Substance, one count Delivery of Schedule III Controlled Substance. Bond: $40,000.

*Christy Dean Buck (DOB 7/20/1976), Livingston. One count Sale of Schedule IV in a Drug-Free School Zone, one count Delivery of Schedule IV in a Drug-Free School Zone, one count Sale of Schedule II Controlled Substance in a Drug-Free School Zone, one count Delivery of Schedule II Controlled Substance in a Drug-Free School Zone. Bond: $60,000.

Booking photos of these individuals are below:

   Steve Walsh

 Tammy Daily

 Joey Rhule

 Jennifer Norris

  Barbara Duke

 Christy Buck

Cumberland Co man among those arrested in Upper Cumberland Meth distribution sweep.

TBI Press Release:

Partner law enforcement agencies from across the Upper Cumberland region have worked together to secure charges for 12 individuals in connection with an eight-month investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine in several counties.

Authorities from the Cookeville Police Department, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, the Crossville Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Overton County Sheriff’s Department, the Pickett County Sheriff’s Office, the Dekalb County Sheriff’s Department, the 13^th Judicial District Drug Task Force, the office of 13^th District Attorney General Bryant Dunaway, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, began investigating the operation in September 2016. During the course of the investigation, authorities developed information about 12 individuals connected to a multi-county methamphetamine distribution operation.

At the time of this release, nine of the individuals had been arrested and booked into the Putnam County Jail:

• Ronnie Edward Argo, Jr., DOB 6-19-88, of Gainesboro
  • Conspiracy to Distribute Over 300 Grams of Methamphetamine, $75,000 bond
• Joseph Israel Neely, DOB 3-8-81, of Smithville
  • Conspiracy to Distribute Over 300 Grams of Methamphetamine, $250,000 bond
• Kristan Nicole Harville, DOB 5-23-87, of Baxter
  • Conspiracy to Distribute Over 300 Grams of Methamphetamine, $250,000 bond
• Darby Dee Brunson, DOB 5-10-88, of Cookeville
  • Conspiracy to Distribute Over 300 Grams of Methamphetamine, $250,000 bond
• Lindsey L. Goad, DOB 4-28-95, of Gainesboro
  • Conspiracy to Distribute Over 300 Grams of Methamphetamine, $75,000 bond
• Megan Alissa Fuller, DOB 1-18-81, of Gainesboro
  • Conspiracy to Distribute Over 300 Grams of Methamphetamine, $75,000 bond
• Ryan Lee Underwood, DOB 5-5-82, of Cookeville
  • Conspiracy to Distribute Over 300 Grams of Methamphetamine, $75,000 bond
• Nathaniel Harrison Payne, DOB 4-28-81, of Crossville
  • Conspiracy to Distribute Over 300 Grams of Methamphetamine, $75,000 bond
• James Preston Cumby, DOB 10-20-66, of Cookeville
  • Conspiracy to Distribute Over 300 Grams of Methamphetamine, $75,000 bond

The arrest of the additional three individuals implicated in this investigation is pending.

Crossville PD Search Warrant Nets Various Narcotics.

The Crossville Police Department continues efforts to protect the citizens of the City of Crossville and Cumberland County. On June 15, 2017 a Search Warrant was executed by the Crossville Police Department’s Narcotics Unit and the joint City/County Tactical Response Unit, at the Plateau Road residence of 57 year old James J. Wilson and 57 year old Joy R. Wilson in Crossville, TN. Various narcotics were recovered during the search.

  

  

Charges will be presented at a future session of the Cumberland County Grand Jury. The Crossville Police Department thanks the T.B.I. / H.I.D.T.A. Drug Task Force, the 13th Judicial Drug Task Force for their help in the investigation. This action was the result of the month’s long, joint investigation and undercover operations of our agencies and it continues the Crossville Police Department’s resolve to promote a better community to all residents and visitors of the Plateau.

Any questions, please contact the Crossville Police Department 931-484-7231.

Indictments Lead to Search Warrant and Drug Seizure from CPD Narcotics Investigation

Crossville Police Department has released the following information:

On Tuesday May 9, 2017, following months of Crossville Narcotics Detective’s long term investigations on illegal Narcotics Distribution, criminal indictments were handed down on multiple suspects in Crossville and Cumberland County. Following in-depth investigations and undercover operations, these indictments are another example of the Crossville Police Department’s resolve to eliminate illegal narcotics in our community. Many of the indictments were successfully served.

Additionally, there was an execution of a search warrant and the seizure of cash and illicit narcotics at 94 Lakyn Drive, while indictments were being served on the residents. This is the second such drug related search warrant executed at this location, involving the residents, within the last year.

Indictments were served along with a search warrant. Multiple narcotics and firearms were seized. Additional felony charges, on the Ashburn’s, are pending the outcome of the completed investigation and their presentation to the Cumberland County Grand Jury.

Four additional people were named, in the recent indictments and are currently incarcerated in various penal institutions.

Lastly, there are still three suspects who remain at large. All have felony indictments on file. If you have any information on the location of these wanted people, please contact the Crossville Police Department at 931-484-7231.

Participating in the operation were the Crossville Police Department, 13^th Judicial Drug Task Force, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and the HIDTA / TBI Drug Task Force. A special thank you goes out to all agencies involved in the completion of this dangerous task

This news sponsored by:

carscrossville.com

Drug Raid at Lee Circle Nets Meth plus real and counterfeit cash. Indictments to be sought.

249 Lee Circle

249 Lee Circle

On March 3, 2017 an undercover narcotics operation led to the service of a Search Warrant at 249 Lee Circle, in Crossville, TN. Crossville Police Department Narcotics Detectives were working together with the 13th Judicial Drug Task Force, the HIDTA / TBI Drug Task Force, the Office of the District Attorney General and the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office in the execution of a search warrant at an illegal narcotics distribution operation.

This search warrant comes after in-depth undercover investigations and drug purchases led to the discovery of the illegal narcotics operation. Following the search of the property; Cash, Methamphetamine and Counterfeit Currency were discovered and seized.

Following the operation, criminal indictments will be sought on resident, Carol Lynn Dixon - 56 years old, at an upcoming session of the Cumberland County Grand Jury.

Carol Lynn Dixon

Undercover Narcotics Investigation Leads to Search Warrant Execution by Police

On Monday February 13, 2017, Crossville Police Department Narcotics Detective’s most recent efforts led to a raid and search warrant service on a residence located at 1039 Browns Creek Drive, in Crossville, TN. Following an in-depth investigation and undercover operations, this residence, located in Cumberland County, is the latest example of the Crossville Police Department’s resolve to eliminate the sale of illicit narcotics within our community.

1039 Browns Creek Drive

With the completion of this most recent effort and upon completion of the narcotics investigation, Grand Jury Indictments will be sought for resident Timothy Barnes Sr. – 50 and other involved residents; Shirley Barnes – 45 and Angela Barnes – 23. 

All charges are pending the outcome of the completed investigation. Assisting with the operation were Crossville Police Department, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, 13th Judicial Drug Task Force, and the HIDTA / TBI Drug Task Force. A special thank you goes out to all agencies involved in the completion of this dangerous task.

UNDERCOVER OPERATIONS LEAD TO NARCOTICS RELATED SEARCH WARRANT

CROSSVILLE POLICE PRESS RELEASE February 1, 2017

On Tuesday January 31st, 2017, Crossville Police Department Narcotics Detective’s efforts led to a raid and search warrant service on a residence located at 355 Cook Road in Crossville, TN. Following an in-depth investigation and undercover operations, this residence, located in the city limits of Crossville, is the latest example of the Crossville Police Department’s resolve to eliminate the sale of illicit narcotics.

With the completion of this most recent effort and upon completion of the narcotics investigation, Grand Jury Indictments will be sought for Mr. Donald Janow and any other involved parties. All charges are pending the outcome of the completed investigation.

Donald Janow

Assisting with the operation were Crossville Police Department, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, 13th Judicial Drug Task Force, and the HIDTA / TBI Drug Task Force.

POLICE RAID NETS FIREARM, MONEY AND DRUGS

Press Release:
October 25, 2016

On Friday October 21st, 2016, Crossville Narcotics Detective’s long term investigation culminated with the execution of a search warrant and the seizure of cash, a firearm and illicit narcotics in Crossville, TN. Following an in-depth investigation and undercover operations, this action is the latest example of the Crossville Police Department’s resolve to eliminate dangerous and illegal narcotics in our community.

Christian Alexander Mena Lopez

With this effort, drugs, cash and a firearm were seized during the search warrant service. A local resident, Christian Alexander Mena Lopez, 59 Sparta Drive, was the subject of an ongoing investigation the sale of illicit narcotics. The investigation, when completed, will be presented to the Cumberland County Grand Jury, seeking indictments for prosecution.

Participating in the operation were the Crossville Police Department, 13th Judicial Drug Task Force, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and the HIDTA / TBI Drug Task Force.

UNDERCOVER OPERATION LEADS TO SEIZURE OF MONEY, DRUGS, MULTIPLE GUNS AND VEHICLES

Press Release:
October 25, 2016

On Monday October 24th, 2016, Crossville Narcotics Detective’s long term investigation culminated with the execution of a search warrant and the seizure of $3,580.00 in cash, firearms, vehicles and prescription narcotics in Crossville, TN. Following an in-depth investigation and undercover operations, this action is the latest example of the Crossville Police Department’s resolve to eliminate dangerous and illegal narcotics in our community.

Denny Demetro

With this most recent effort, drugs, $3,580 in cash, 25 firearms, 5 hunting bows and 9 vehicles were seized during the search warrant service. A local resident, 50 year old Denny J. Demetro, 437 Wild Plum Drive, was the subject of an ongoing investigation involving prescription narcotics diversion. The investigation, when completed, will be presented to the Cumberland County Grand Jury, seeking indictments for prosecution.

Some of the contraband seized

Participating in the operation were the Crossville Police Department, 13th Judicial Drug Task Force, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and the HIDTA / TBI Drug Task Force.

DRUG RAID LEADS TO RECOVERY OF NARCOTICS AND STOLEN ITEMS

Crossville Police Department Press Release:
August 30, 2016

On Wednesday August 24, 2016, Crossville Narcotics Detective’s long term investigation relating to illegal Narcotics Distribution, led the execution of a search warrant and the seizure of stolen property and illicit narcotics and other evidence related to the crimes, at a 140 Burnett Street apartment in Crossville, TN. Following an in-depth investigation and undercover operations, this action is the latest example of the Crossville Police Department’s resolve to eliminate illegal narcotics in our community.

140 Burnett St.

With this most recent effort, Illegal Drugs and stolen items were seized, along with other evidence of crimes, during the search warrant service. A local resident, Melanie Savage, who has been under investigation for narcotics and theft crimes, was the target of this operation. Multiple felony charges are pending the outcome of the completed investigation and their presentation to the Cumberland County Grand Jury.

Melanie Savage

Participating in the operation were the Crossville Police Department, 13^th Judicial Drug Task Force, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and the HIDTA / TBI Drug Task Force. 

SEARCH WARRANT LEADS TO NARCOTICS AND STOLEN PROPERTY RECOVERY

Crossville Police Department Press Release:
August 12, 2016

On Monday August 8, 2016, Crossville Narcotics Detective’s, as members of the 13th Drug Taskforce, long term investigation relating to stolen property and Narcotics Distribution, led the execution of a search warrant and the seizure of stolen property and illicit narcotics at 94 Lakyn Drive, Crossville, TN. Following an in-depth investigation and undercover operations, this action is the latest example of the Crossville Police Department’s resolve to eliminate illegal narcotics in our community.

With this most recent effort, Illegal Drugs and approximately $4000 in stolen items were seized during the search warrant service. Four local residents, three of which are currently out on bond for previous narcotics related charges, have been under investigation for narcotics and theft crimes, were the target of this operation. Multiple felony charges are pending the outcome of the completed investigation and their presentation to the Cumberland County Grand Jury.

Participating in the operation were the Crossville Police Department, 13^th Judicial Drug Task Force, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and the HIDTA / TBI Drug Task Force. 

NARCOTICS INDICTMENTS SERVED ON FENTRESS INMATE BRINGING ADDITIONAL FELONY CHARGES

On Wednesday August 3, 2016, Officers with the City of Crossville Police Department served an indictment for the arrest a Fentress County resident, following the actions of The Cumberland County Grand Jury, in which the indictments were handed down for Prescription Drug Fraud (x4 counts) and TennCare Fraud (x2 counts). Crossville Narcotics Detective’s efforts led to the charges being presented to the June 27, 2016 session of the grand jury. With this most recent effort:

Joshua Bertram Clark – 36 years old, who is currently being held at the Fentress County Jail following an arrest for similar crimes in that county, was served with the Cumberland County indictments and, once released from Fentress County, will face an additional $30,000.00 bond in Cumberland County.

This investigation, spanning over 10 months and involving agencies in more than 6 counties in Tennessee, uncovered stolen prescriptions which were forged and passed, using several names at multiple pharmacies, for the receipt of illegal Schedule II narcotics. In addition to the fraudulent/stolen prescriptions, TennCare was also fraudulently used to help purchase some of the prescription narcotics. These latest actions by the Crossville Police Department’s Narcotics Detectives demonstrate the Department’s resolve to eradicate illicit narcotics and protect the families and children of our community.

This information was provided by the Crossville Police Department. 

Drug raid on public housing unit near daycare recovers drugs and cash

DRUG RAID NEAR DAYCARE, IN GOVERNMENT HOUSING, NETS CASH AND DRUGS

PRESS RELEASE

July 29, 2016

On July 27, 2016 a joint narcotics operation led to the service of a Search Warrant at 153 Obed Street, in Crossville, TN.   Crossville Police Department Narcotics Detectives were working together with the 13^th Judicial Drug Task Force, the HIDTA / TBI Drug Task Force, the Office of the District Attorney General, Crossville Housing Authority and the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office in the execution of a search warrant at an illegal narcotics distribution operation, located in government housing, within 680 feet of a daycare.

This search warrant comes after in-depth undercover investigations and drug purchases led to the discovery of the illegal narcotics operation. This illegal activity occurred at 153 Obed Street, near Home Away From Home Head Start and Day Care. Following the search of the property; Cash, illegal narcotics and an additional wanted person were discovered.

Following the operation, criminal indictments will be sought on the resident Henry Wilson - 45 years old, at an upcoming session of the Cumberland County Grand Jury.

A neighbor, Ashley England - 20 years old, was found in the residence and had an active Failure to Appear arrest warrant, with a 10 day hold, on file in Cumberland County. England was arrested and transported to the Cumberland County Justice Center, where she is awaiting a court appearance.

 
                              











153 Obed Street                                                                                                              Henry Wilson                    

                                                                          Ashley England

The above information was provided by the Crossville police department.

Could a 6th District US Congressional challenger be indicted on drug related charges?

A Genesis Road resident, identified as the property owner of a location where a large indoor marijuana growing operation was found May 13 is also currently a candidate for a 6th district US Congress seat.

A press release issued by the Crossville Police Department on May 16 states that a search warrant was executed at a property located at 16536 Genesis Road following a multi-agency joint narcotics undercover operation. The property is owned by Florence “Flo” Matheson who is a current democratic candidate for the seat currently held by US Representative Diane Black. Matheson previously ran for the 25th district state representative seat against Cameron Sexton in 2012.

According to the press release concerning the drug operation, evidence is expected to be presented against Matheson seeking an indictment from the Cumberland County grand jury. Matheson is identified as the property's owner and primary resident in the press release as well as state property records. A drug bust earlier in the month was also made at a property owned by Ms. Matheson located on E. First St.

An indictment is also sought against Stephen M. Harrington who is currently on probation from previous charges.

Information online from the website votesmart.org indicates Matheson was born in 1938 in Atlantic City NJ and has three children. The site lists previous jobs for Matheson including an English teacher in New York, a probation officer in the state of Florida, a riding instructor and owner of Pampered Pets in Crossville.  

More details released on Genesis Rd. drug operation. Barn used as indoor grow operation.

CROSSVILLE POLICE DEPT. PRESS RELEASE

May 16, 2016

On May 13, 2016 a joint narcotics operation led to the service of a Search Warrant at 16536 Genesis Road, in Cumberland County, TN.   Crossville Police Department Narcotics Detectives were working together with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, 13^thJudicial Drug Task Force the HIDTA / TBI Drug Task Force and the Office of the District Attorney General in the execution of a search warrant at an indoor Marijuana cultivation operation.

This search warrant comes after in-depth undercover investigations led to the discovery of an indoor grow operation. This is the second grow operation found by Crossville Narcotics Detectives, from Stephen Michael Harrington. Currently serving 3 years of Supervised Probation, he was again found operating a Marijuana grow operation. Following the search of the property; Firearms, Cash, Processed Marijuana and over 180 Marijuana plants were discovered.

Some evidence of an illegal grow operation were found inside the residence, however, the full scale cultivation was found in a large barn, just a few hundred yards away. The inside of barn had been finished to create two separate tropical grow environments, with electrical service costing thousands of dollars annually to operate.  Additionally, remote wireless surveillance equipment had been installed to monitor areas of the compound, including the locked gate at the driveway entrance.

Criminal indictments will again be sought on Stephen M. Harrington, at an upcoming session of the Cumberland County Grand Jury. Additionally, criminal indictments will also be sought on the owner, and primary resident of the property, Florence “Flo” Matheson, in connection with the operation.

Joint narcotics operation closes Marijuana indoor growing operation Friday afternoon

A sting of law enforcmenet vehicles including Crossville police and Cumberland Co. Sheriff's vehicles including the city's SWAT van headed out Genesis Road this afternoon.  Here is the story behind it. 

PRESS RELEASE:

May 13, 2016
A joint narcotics operation is currently underway at 16536 Genesis Road, in Cumberland County, TN. Crossville Police Department Narcotics Detectives are working together with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, 13th Judicial Drug Task Force the HIDTA / TBI Drug Task Force and the Office of the District Attorney General in the execution of a search warrant at an indoor Marijuana cultivation operation.

This search warrant comes after in-depth undercover operations led to the discovery of the operation of an indoor grow. This is the second grow operation found by Crossville Narcotics Detectives, from Stephen Michael Harrington, who was indicted and sentenced in Criminal Court, in 2015, for manufacture of marijuana in an amount of over 20 plants, at an East First Street residence. Currently serving 3 years of Supervised Probation, he is again operating a Marijuana grow house. Harrington’s previous arrest date was, coincidentally one year ago, on May 13, 2015.

As the search of the property is currently on-going, no further information is available as to the amount of plants and other items that will be discovered. Following the completed execution of this search warrant, a full press release will go out on May 16, 2016.