Court date in sign theft case for Jerry Kerley and William Harwell moved to Nov. 10. NEW-Video of Harwell at June council meeting.

The original court date of October 31 for theft charges connected to removal of political signs located at 279 Mockingbird Drive has been moved out to November 10 in General Sessions court.

Still from Crossville airport security video

Image from neighbor's video of Mockingbird Drive. 

The two men, Jerry Kerley, director of water resources for the city of Crossville and William Harwell of the Crossville airport were charged following an investigation by the District Attorney's office.  A neighbor of the Mockingbird Drive house caught part of the incident on video and got the truck's license number. The truck was registered to Jerry Kerley who is the father of Crossville city councilman Jesse Kerley.

Security video from the Crossville airport shows the two men leaving from there prior to the time of the alleged incident and then returning to the airport a short time later. District Attorney General Bryant Dunaway confirmed that the stolen signs were recovered on the airport property.  

According to court records, both men are represented by attorney Jimmy Smith.

Ironically, Harwell had spoken out against political signs at the June city council meeting including specifically the signs at Mockingbird Drive. Video of those comments are below. 

Previous Stories:

Story on Political sign theft charges.

Story on airport security videos.

Public comments by Bill Harwell at the June 2016 Crossville city council meeting

complaining about the recall signs and the signs at Mockingbird Drive.

Councilman Souza calls for closed executive session on city's liability in light of allegations against city employee.

In an email addressed to the interim city manager, city attorney and city clerk, councilman Pete Souza calls requests advice concerning possible liability against the city for a number of recent actions that he says are coordinated by councilman Jesse Kerley.

               Councilman Pete Souza

Souza's email in it's entirety.

      Background, facts on the morning of Sept 30, 2016 in chronological order

(1) Councilman Kerley, Interim City Manager Hill, Jerry Kerley Water Treatment Manager

(Department head), and City Fixed Base Operator ( Crossville Aero, Sole Proprietorship ), and

Airport Manager Chris Bennett are having breakfast together at Edgewood Restaurant

approximately between 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM on this date. (Source multiple

witnesses) Now is the time to dispute this if any one cares to or if I am in error.

(2) At about 8:45 AM Jerry Kerley and Chris Bennett enter the Airport. Mr Bennett

gos to the vicinity of the Storage area Hanger and returns with a airport employee

William Harwell wherein Jerry Kerley and he leaves together going East on hwy 70

towards town and the site of reported stolen property. Source airport security video.

(3) Jerry Kerley and a unidentified person is caught on video with a eye witness

scaling the roof of a building about fifteen minutes later. Source citizen video.

(4) Jerry Kerley and person identified as William Harwell airport employee return

and go through the secondary security gate that is left open to the vicinity of our

new Million dollar hanger ( that is cost of construction and engineering ), and then

leaves. Source airport security camera.

(5) On 30 September Jerry Kerley's time card signed by Joe Kerley reflects he

was on city time (source time card). While I am sure Jerry Kerley puts a lot

of time in for the city and does a admiral job in the treatment facilities that

has no bearing that he was on city time at the time of the thefts.

(6) The stolen property was recovered at the city airport by the District Attorneys

Office the following Monday.

Now Mr Ridley I am going to haul this right out in the open and by open I

mean transparent open. I come to think of the events of Septmber 30 th

as BLACK SEPTEMBER for the city of Crossville. The events of this date

culminates in a long list of events that can be argued the city of Crossvile through

the entities of its municipal functions have participated through city officials

to cause harm to a citizen of our community.

Where am I going with this ? I am going to ask you for a closed executive

section for your recommendations to council. Why ? Because there is no

doubt the events since Mr Rutherford's dismissal has spiraled out of control.

The black train is coming down the path and all the rhetoric in the world

and denials is not going to get the city out of the mess it is in. When the

new council comes aboard they are going to want answers. I believe when

the EEOC investigation on the city and members of the officials takes place

there will be a appreciation for accountability. I also believe there is going

to be a series of law suits against the city and officials of the city.

Some of the events that have taken place would be funny if they were not

so serious. It's as though people have set around and decided what is the

most stupid thing we can do today, or let's get on a video and audition

for the nations dumbest criminal. But what has really transpired is persons

involved have discredited the city, left the city liable, and has brought in

local law enforcement and judicial entities to deal with stupid. A local

attorney Earl Patton best said what we have here on a sign, "You can not

fix stupid but you can document it " or words to that effect. Unfortunately

what we have here is the city officials doing or as the case might be allowing

this to go on for far to long (Complacent).

On June 1st I sent a letter to council outlining Councilman Kerley being

out of control, and targeting people. On June 2nd the assault took place and no

that issue is not over. Since then we have had councilman Kerley order people

arrested, he has established a pattern. This pattern has transpired with

arguably the knowledge of the council. Lies, shear fabrication, conspiracy

theory, really, tell that to a civil jury because boys and girls it's coming and

the cost to the tax payers is going to be the subject for years.

Let's talk about the pattern; (1) Councilman Kerley's Complaint about the fliers

he is acting on stems allegedly from complaints of businessmen (never established). He

Pushed a misdemeanor complaint to the limit, using a zealous personal motive that

transpired a series of events that are still being impacted on the city. No

one had ever been cited but he pursued this going directly to the chief and

some of his officers. To this day like violations are going on with no enforcement.

Constitutionally where is that equitable under the law (does the council not

remember that part of their oath required them to uphold the constitution ).

Councilman Kerley used the law enforcement entity of the city for his own agenda.

The judicial entity comes into play when a fine of $1,500 dollars is levied for

one violation. That will be determined by Judge Jonathan Young. If the

appeal falls in favor Randy Blankenship or the appeal of the issues with the

restraining order are not in the favor of the city judge the city may have issues. Does

any one on council,think that a noted constitutional lawyer came up out

of Nashville because he didn't have something to do. Article VIII of the

constitution "excessive fines imposed", germane.

Then we have councilman Kerley getting involved with Chief Shoap over Judge

Ivy Gardners restraining order. That was none of Councilman Kerley's business.

Protection was the chiefs responsibility, extenuating legal business is the city attorneys.

Then Councilman Kerley verbally assaults Chief Shoap on his duties in

reference to the restraining order on June 3rd in front of a city employee and

the city manager who allows this to happen. Now you have the judicial

and chief city administrator involved, yet another city entity. The legislative

side, the law enforcement side, the judicial side, and the city administrator

all involved in one misdemeanor.

We don't want to stop there lets let Councilman Kerley continue with his reckless

disregard and continue to pursue his avenging personal agenda taking with him

collateral damage to the city and other city employees. Councilman Kerley then

interferes with a investigation on Mr Blankenship's mother a elderly woman on

oxygen and wants her arrested for "filing a false police report you all have seen

the correspondence. Why? To get to Mr Blankenship.

Midnight raids on their house occurs. ?????

Councilman Kerley with witnesses tells the Chief to arrest Mr Blankenship at a council

meeting because he has insurance and registration violations. Then he changes that to

Tell Shoap to have sheriff deputies arrest Mr Blankenship when he leaves city hall. Really like

the chief has operational control over sheriff deputies. Why not tell the sheriff what to

do, he tells the city police what to do or tries. (Any one want to guess why the chief left )

All this time Councilman Kerley's buddy the city manager Steve Hill is allowing this.

Prove it, I will let the Federal Investigator prove it and the Mr Blankenship's attorney.

If my memory is correct Rod Shoap turned into the DA's office a statement earlier on all

of this. By the way the vehicle was properly registered and insured.

Now we come to BLACK SEPTEMBER. Question how is it Jerry Kerley drives right into

the airport and picks up Mr Harwell escorted by Chris Bennett ? Maybe it was

just a coincidence. Was the Breakfast just another of the friends and family plan?

When did the realization of the raid on Mr Blankenship occur? Or did we now

move to the part where the city airport and contract employees were used to

facilitate a theft on councilman Kerley political and personal enemy. Now we

have involved the entity of the city airport. Well criminal acts have to be proven

beyond a reasonable doubt, civil just needs a preponderance of evidence. What

is BLACK SEPTEMBER going to cost the tax payers?

Allegations of theft of Mr Kerley's signs, really. He got the city police, the sheriffs

office, the DAs office all running around for what turned out to be not even his signs.

Well he named all of his political enemies including me, Jim Young, Rod Shoap

as suspects detective Jessie Luke Kerley also named Blankenship. Councilman

Kerley is out of control because once again his wild reckless disregard continued

To target Mr Blankenship expanding his attempt to use law enforcement and the

DA's office to cause harm.

Now we go,to Mr Hill who is enabling his friend Jessie Kerley and Jerry Kerley

to fall under the protection of the city managers office. Jerry Kerley

claims he is under a hostile environment. Would that be because the city

employees see that city conduct standards,are enforcement differently

for Mr Hills buddy? Really he participates in stalking and a assault. Jerry

Kerley tells the Mayor he's going to whip Souza over Blankenship's signs.

Jerry Kerley is charged with stealing during working hours and takes stolen

property to city property. Any employee but a Kerley would have been

suspended? The number one question I get asked by employees is how

come Jerry Kerley can get away with this and he wonders why other workers are

resentful. Double standards will do that. Truth is Mr Hill is Jesse Kerley's agent

that was proven when he brought the Kerley's down to the IT department

on 3 June and interfered with a police investigation and allowed Jesse Kerley

to bully Rod Shoap! The city manager had no business interfering with a

police investigation period. At that point the city manager should have

been suspended. Now the question is the city manager protected as well.

I think I'll let the federal investigator determine that.

So now I am asking for Executive Session to determine Crossville's Potential

liability for Councilman Kerley's actions. Also I want you to please

advise the council on the roles and responsibility of the city manager and

what actions is the city manager supposed to do relative and specifically

On these theft charges and the threat on me that was told to the mayor.

Also I would like you to,advise the council about the non compliance

to the open records act I will the city clerk discuss that with you.

Thank you,

Pete

Sally please give a copy to each council member, the chief of police,

the Sheriff, and the DA

Councilman Souza calls for closed executive session on city's liability in light of allegations against city employee.

In an email addressed to the interim city manager, city attorney and city clerk, councilman Pete Souza calls requests advice concerning possible liability against the city for a number of recent actions that he says are coordinated by councilman Jesse Kerley.

Councilman Pete Souza

Souza's email in it's entirety.

      Background, facts on the morning of Sept 30, 2016 in chronological order

(1) Councilman Kerley, Interim City Manager Hill, Jerry Kerley Water Treatment Manager

(Department head), and City Fixed Base Operator ( Crossville Aero, Sole Proprietorship ), and

Airport Manager Chris Bennett are having breakfast together at Edgewood Restaurant

approximately between 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM on this date. (Source multiple

witnesses) Now is the time to dispute this if any one cares to or if I am in error.

(2) At about 8:45 AM Jerry Kerley and Chris Bennett enter the Airport. Mr Bennett

gos to the vicinity of the Storage area Hanger and returns with a airport employee

William Harwell wherein Jerry Kerley and he leaves together going East on hwy 70

towards town and the site of reported stolen property. Source airport security video.

(3) Jerry Kerley and a unidentified person is caught on video with a eye witness

scaling the roof of a building about fifteen minutes later. Source citizen video.

(4) Jerry Kerley and person identified as William Harwell airport employee return

and go through the secondary security gate that is left open to the vicinity of our

new Million dollar hanger ( that is cost of construction and engineering ), and then

leaves. Source airport security camera.

(5) On 30 September Jerry Kerley's time card signed by Joe Kerley reflects he

was on city time (source time card). While I am sure Jerry Kerley puts a lot

of time in for the city and does a admiral job in the treatment facilities that

has no bearing that he was on city time at the time of the thefts.

(6) The stolen property was recovered at the city airport by the District Attorneys

Office the following Monday.

Now Mr Ridley I am going to haul this right out in the open and by open I

mean transparent open. I come to think of the events of Septmber 30 th

as BLACK SEPTEMBER for the city of Crossville. The events of this date

culminates in a long list of events that can be argued the city of Crossvile through

the entities of its municipal functions have participated through city officials

to cause harm to a citizen of our community.

Where am I going with this ? I am going to ask you for a closed executive

section for your recommendations to council. Why ? Because there is no

doubt the events since Mr Rutherford's dismissal has spiraled out of control.

The black train is coming down the path and all the rhetoric in the world

and denials is not going to get the city out of the mess it is in. When the

new council comes aboard they are going to want answers. I believe when

the EEOC investigation on the city and members of the officials takes place

there will be a appreciation for accountability. I also believe there is going

to be a series of law suits against the city and officials of the city.

Some of the events that have taken place would be funny if they were not

so serious. It's as though people have set around and decided what is the

most stupid thing we can do today, or let's get on a video and audition

for the nations dumbest criminal. But what has really transpired is persons

involved have discredited the city, left the city liable, and has brought in

local law enforcement and judicial entities to deal with stupid. A local

attorney Earl Patton best said what we have here on a sign, "You can not

fix stupid but you can document it " or words to that effect. Unfortunately

what we have here is the city officials doing or as the case might be allowing

this to go on for far to long (Complacent).

On June 1st I sent a letter to council outlining Councilman Kerley being

out of control, and targeting people. On June 2nd the assault took place and no

that issue is not over. Since then we have had councilman Kerley order people

arrested, he has established a pattern. This pattern has transpired with

arguably the knowledge of the council. Lies, shear fabrication, conspiracy

theory, really, tell that to a civil jury because boys and girls it's coming and

the cost to the tax payers is going to be the subject for years.

Let's talk about the pattern; (1) Councilman Kerley's Complaint about the fliers

he is acting on stems allegedly from complaints of businessmen (never established). He

Pushed a misdemeanor complaint to the limit, using a zealous personal motive that

transpired a series of events that are still being impacted on the city. No

one had ever been cited but he pursued this going directly to the chief and

some of his officers. To this day like violations are going on with no enforcement.

Constitutionally where is that equitable under the law (does the council not

remember that part of their oath required them to uphold the constitution ).

Councilman Kerley used the law enforcement entity of the city for his own agenda.

The judicial entity comes into play when a fine of $1,500 dollars is levied for

one violation. That will be determined by Judge Jonathan Young. If the

appeal falls in favor Randy Blankenship or the appeal of the issues with the

restraining order are not in the favor of the city judge the city may have issues. Does

any one on council,think that a noted constitutional lawyer came up out

of Nashville because he didn't have something to do. Article VIII of the

constitution "excessive fines imposed", germane.

Then we have councilman Kerley getting involved with Chief Shoap over Judge

Ivy Gardners restraining order. That was none of Councilman Kerley's business.

Protection was the chiefs responsibility, extenuating legal business is the city attorneys.

Then Councilman Kerley verbally assaults Chief Shoap on his duties in

reference to the restraining order on June 3rd in front of a city employee and

the city manager who allows this to happen. Now you have the judicial

and chief city administrator involved, yet another city entity. The legislative

side, the law enforcement side, the judicial side, and the city administrator

all involved in one misdemeanor.

We don't want to stop there lets let Councilman Kerley continue with his reckless

disregard and continue to pursue his avenging personal agenda taking with him

collateral damage to the city and other city employees. Councilman Kerley then

interferes with a investigation on Mr Blankenship's mother a elderly woman on

oxygen and wants her arrested for "filing a false police report you all have seen

the correspondence. Why? To get to Mr Blankenship.

Midnight raids on their house occurs. ?????

Councilman Kerley with witnesses tells the Chief to arrest Mr Blankenship at a council

meeting because he has insurance and registration violations. Then he changes that to

Tell Shoap to have sheriff deputies arrest Mr Blankenship when he leaves city hall. Really like

the chief has operational control over sheriff deputies. Why not tell the sheriff what to

do, he tells the city police what to do or tries. (Any one want to guess why the chief left )

All this time Councilman Kerley's buddy the city manager Steve Hill is allowing this.

Prove it, I will let the Federal Investigator prove it and the Mr Blankenship's attorney.

If my memory is correct Rod Shoap turned into the DA's office a statement earlier on all

of this. By the way the vehicle was properly registered and insured.

Now we come to BLACK SEPTEMBER. Question how is it Jerry Kerley drives right into

the airport and picks up Mr Harwell escorted by Chris Bennett ? Maybe it was

just a coincidence. Was the Breakfast just another of the friends and family plan?

When did the realization of the raid on Mr Blankenship occur? Or did we now

move to the part where the city airport and contract employees were used to

facilitate a theft on councilman Kerley political and personal enemy. Now we

have involved the entity of the city airport. Well criminal acts have to be proven

beyond a reasonable doubt, civil just needs a preponderance of evidence. What

is BLACK SEPTEMBER going to cost the tax payers?

Allegations of theft of Mr Kerley's signs, really. He got the city police, the sheriffs

office, the DAs office all running around for what turned out to be not even his signs.

Well he named all of his political enemies including me, Jim Young, Rod Shoap

as suspects detective Jessie Luke Kerley also named Blankenship. Councilman

Kerley is out of control because once again his wild reckless disregard continued

To target Mr Blankenship expanding his attempt to use law enforcement and the

DA's office to cause harm.

Now we go,to Mr Hill who is enabling his friend Jessie Kerley and Jerry Kerley

to fall under the protection of the city managers office. Jerry Kerley

claims he is under a hostile environment. Would that be because the city

employees see that city conduct standards,are enforcement differently

for Mr Hills buddy? Really he participates in stalking and a assault. Jerry

Kerley tells the Mayor he's going to whip Souza over Blankenship's signs.

Jerry Kerley is charged with stealing during working hours and takes stolen

property to city property. Any employee but a Kerley would have been

suspended? The number one question I get asked by employees is how

come Jerry Kerley can get away with this and he wonders why other workers are

resentful. Double standards will do that. Truth is Mr Hill is Jesse Kerley's agent

that was proven when he brought the Kerley's down to the IT department

on 3 June and interfered with a police investigation and allowed Jesse Kerley

to bully Rod Shoap! The city manager had no business interfering with a

police investigation period. At that point the city manager should have

been suspended. Now the question is the city manager protected as well.

I think I'll let the federal investigator determine that.

So now I am asking for Executive Session to determine Crossville's Potential

liability for Councilman Kerley's actions. Also I want you to please

advise the council on the roles and responsibility of the city manager and

what actions is the city manager supposed to do relative and specifically

On these theft charges and the threat on me that was told to the mayor.

Also I would like you to,advise the council about the non compliance

to the open records act I will the city clerk discuss that with you.

Thank you,

Pete

Sally please give a copy to each council member, the chief of police,

the Sheriff, and the DA

Councilman Souza calls for closed exeuctive session on city's liability in light of allegations against city employee

In an email addressed to the interim city manager, city attorney and city clerk, councilman Pete Souza calls requests advice concerning possible liability against the city for a number of recent actions that he says are coordinated by councilman Jesse Kerley.

Souza's email in it's entirety.

      Background, facts on the morning of Sept 30, 2016 in chronological order

(1) Councilman Kerley, Interim City Manager Hill, Jerry Kerley Water Treatment Manager

(Department head), and City Fixed Base Operator ( Crossville Aero, Sole Proprietorship ), and

Airport Manager Chris Bennett are having breakfast together at Edgewood Restaurant

approximately between 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM on this date. (Source multiple

witnesses) Now is the time to dispute this if any one cares to or if I am in error.

(2) At about 8:45 AM Jerry Kerley and Chris Bennett enter the Airport. Mr Bennett

gos to the vicinity of the Storage area Hanger and returns with a airport employee

William Harwell wherein Jerry Kerley and he leaves together going East on hwy 70

towards town and the site of reported stolen property. Source airport security video.

(3) Jerry Kerley and a unidentified person is caught on video with a eye witness

scaling the roof of a building about fifteen minutes later. Source citizen video.

(4) Jerry Kerley and person identified as William Harwell airport employee return

and go through the secondary security gate that is left open to the vicinity of our

new Million dollar hanger ( that is cost of construction and engineering ), and then

leaves. Source airport security camera.

(5) On 30 September Jerry Kerley's time card signed by Joe Kerley reflects he

was on city time (source time card). While I am sure Jerry Kerley puts a lot

of time in for the city and does a admiral job in the treatment facilities that

has no bearing that he was on city time at the time of the thefts.

(6) The stolen property was recovered at the city airport by the District Attorneys

Office the following Monday.

Now Mr Ridley I am going to haul this right out in the open and by open I

mean transparent open. I come to think of the events of Septmber 30 th

as BLACK SEPTEMBER for the city of Crossville. The events of this date

culminates in a long list of events that can be argued the city of Crossvile through

the entities of its municipal functions have participated through city officials

to cause harm to a citizen of our community.

Where am I going with this ? I am going to ask you for a closed executive

section for your recommendations to council. Why ? Because there is no

doubt the events since Mr Rutherford's dismissal has spiraled out of control.

The black train is coming down the path and all the rhetoric in the world

and denials is not going to get the city out of the mess it is in. When the

new council comes aboard they are going to want answers. I believe when

the EEOC investigation on the city and members of the officials takes place

there will be a appreciation for accountability. I also believe there is going

to be a series of law suits against the city and officials of the city.

Some of the events that have taken place would be funny if they were not

so serious. It's as though people have set around and decided what is the

most stupid thing we can do today, or let's get on a video and audition

for the nations dumbest criminal. But what has really transpired is persons

involved have discredited the city, left the city liable, and has brought in

local law enforcement and judicial entities to deal with stupid. A local

attorney Earl Patton best said what we have here on a sign, "You can not

fix stupid but you can document it " or words to that effect. Unfortunately

what we have here is the city officials doing or as the case might be allowing

this to go on for far to long (Complacent).

On June 1st I sent a letter to council outlining Councilman Kerley being

out of control, and targeting people. On June 2nd the assault took place and no

that issue is not over. Since then we have had councilman Kerley order people

arrested, he has established a pattern. This pattern has transpired with

arguably the knowledge of the council. Lies, shear fabrication, conspiracy

theory, really, tell that to a civil jury because boys and girls it's coming and

the cost to the tax payers is going to be the subject for years.

Let's talk about the pattern; (1) Councilman Kerley's Complaint about the fliers

he is acting on stems allegedly from complaints of businessmen (never established). He

Pushed a misdemeanor complaint to the limit, using a zealous personal motive that

transpired a series of events that are still being impacted on the city. No

one had ever been cited but he pursued this going directly to the chief and

some of his officers. To this day like violations are going on with no enforcement.

Constitutionally where is that equitable under the law (does the council not

remember that part of their oath required them to uphold the constitution ).

Councilman Kerley used the law enforcement entity of the city for his own agenda.

The judicial entity comes into play when a fine of $1,500 dollars is levied for

one violation. That will be determined by Judge Jonathan Young. If the

appeal falls in favor Randy Blankenship or the appeal of the issues with the

restraining order are not in the favor of the city judge the city may have issues. Does

any one on council,think that a noted constitutional lawyer came up out

of Nashville because he didn't have something to do. Article VIII of the

constitution "excessive fines imposed", germane.

Then we have councilman Kerley getting involved with Chief Shoap over Judge

Ivy Gardners restraining order. That was none of Councilman Kerley's business.

Protection was the chiefs responsibility, extenuating legal business is the city attorneys.

Then Councilman Kerley verbally assaults Chief Shoap on his duties in

reference to the restraining order on June 3rd in front of a city employee and

the city manager who allows this to happen. Now you have the judicial

and chief city administrator involved, yet another city entity. The legislative

side, the law enforcement side, the judicial side, and the city administrator

all involved in one misdemeanor.

We don't want to stop there lets let Councilman Kerley continue with his reckless

disregard and continue to pursue his avenging personal agenda taking with him

collateral damage to the city and other city employees. Councilman Kerley then

interferes with a investigation on Mr Blankenship's mother a elderly woman on

oxygen and wants her arrested for "filing a false police report you all have seen

the correspondence. Why? To get to Mr Blankenship.

Midnight raids on their house occurs. ?????

Councilman Kerley with witnesses tells the Chief to arrest Mr Blankenship at a council

meeting because he has insurance and registration violations. Then he changes that to

Tell Shoap to have sheriff deputies arrest Mr Blankenship when he leaves city hall. Really like

the chief has operational control over sheriff deputies. Why not tell the sheriff what to

do, he tells the city police what to do or tries. (Any one want to guess why the chief left )

All this time Councilman Kerley's buddy the city manager Steve Hill is allowing this.

Prove it, I will let the Federal Investigator prove it and the Mr Blankenship's attorney.

If my memory is correct Rod Shoap turned into the DA's office a statement earlier on all

of this. By the way the vehicle was properly registered and insured.

Now we come to BLACK SEPTEMBER. Question how is it Jerry Kerley drives right into

the airport and picks up Mr Harwell escorted by Chris Bennett ? Maybe it was

just a coincidence. Was the Breakfast just another of the friends and family plan?

When did the realization of the raid on Mr Blankenship occur? Or did we now

move to the part where the city airport and contract employees were used to

facilitate a theft on councilman Kerley political and personal enemy. Now we

have involved the entity of the city airport. Well criminal acts have to be proven

beyond a reasonable doubt, civil just needs a preponderance of evidence. What

is BLACK SEPTEMBER going to cost the tax payers?

Allegations of theft of Mr Kerley's signs, really. He got the city police, the sheriffs

office, the DAs office all running around for what turned out to be not even his signs.

Well he named all of his political enemies including me, Jim Young, Rod Shoap

as suspects detective Jessie Luke Kerley also named Blankenship. Councilman

Kerley is out of control because once again his wild reckless disregard continued

To target Mr Blankenship expanding his attempt to use law enforcement and the

DA's office to cause harm.

Now we go,to Mr Hill who is enabling his friend Jessie Kerley and Jerry Kerley

to fall under the protection of the city managers office. Jerry Kerley

claims he is under a hostile environment. Would that be because the city

employees see that city conduct standards,are enforcement differently

for Mr Hills buddy? Really he participates in stalking and a assault. Jerry

Kerley tells the Mayor he's going to whip Souza over Blankenship's signs.

Jerry Kerley is charged with stealing during working hours and takes stolen

property to city property. Any employee but a Kerley would have been

suspended? The number one question I get asked by employees is how

come Jerry Kerley can get away with this and he wonders why other workers are

resentful. Double standards will do that. Truth is Mr Hill is Jesse Kerley's agent

that was proven when he brought the Kerley's down to the IT department

on 3 June and interfered with a police investigation and allowed Jesse Kerley

to bully Rod Shoap! The city manager had no business interfering with a

police investigation period. At that point the city manager should have

been suspended. Now the question is the city manager protected as well.

I think I'll let the federal investigator determine that.

So now I am asking for Executive Session to determine Crossville's Potential

liability for Councilman Kerley's actions. Also I want you to please

advise the council on the roles and responsibility of the city manager and

what actions is the city manager supposed to do relative and specifically

On these theft charges and the threat on me that was told to the mayor.

Also I would like you to,advise the council about the non compliance

to the open records act I will the city clerk discuss that with you.

Thank you,

Pete

Sally please give a copy to each council member, the chief of police,

the Sheriff, and the DA

Tale of the Tape II. Security video from the city hall IT department the morning of June 3, 2016.

About 12 hours after the incident between councilmen Pete Souza and Jesse Kerley and Kerley's father Jerry Kerley, director of water resources following a budget work session the evening of June 2, 2016, the two Kerleys and interim city manager Steve Hill were in the city's IT department to review the security tape of the incident early the next morning.

Through a freedom of information request, video from the security camera inside the IT department was legally obtained and it shows a flurry of activity on Friday morning June 3 from 7:28 AM through 8:11 AM on the morning following the incident in the city hall doorway that eventually led to an assault charge against councilman Kerley that was dismissed following a hearing in General Session Court.

Councilman Jesse Kerley, right enters the city hall IT office

followed by interim city manager Steve Hill and 

his father Jerry Kerley, director of water resources.

The two Kerleys and Hill arrived at city hall and entered the IT department offices at 7:28.  The video is time stamped as 6:28, but for some reason the time did not adjust to daylight savings time.  There is only a single camera in the IT department and it only shows the door and some of the lobby area just outside of IT, but what it shows is much discussion between the men, and the arrival a bit later on of city attorney Will Ridley then interim police chief Rod Shoap who was the last to arrive at about 7:52 AM.

Shoap wrote about his recollection of that morning meeting that left him frustrated.

At about 7:45 am my phone rang and it was interim city manager Hill asking when I was coming (to city hall). I said I was ready to leave and just waiting for Kyle to get to work. Hill said Kyle was already there and said he was going to Kyle’s office to ask him to begin finding the video.

I was at Kyle’s office in less than five minutes and I saw Councilman Kerley, Jerry Kerley and Hill already in the office with Kyle. Kyle had already found the video, made copies and gave everyone a copy.

As I walked in, Councilman Kerley said, “See, the video shows it just like I said it was and I want him charged.” Kyle had the video on his computer already running so I saw a portion in the vestibule but it looked like the Kerleys assaulted Sousa. Kyle handed me a disc and said, “this is a full length version.” I didn’t know what that meant and I’m still not certain today.

Then Councilman Kerley began asking questions about Judge Gardner’s case against (J.R.) Blankenship* about was I writing a report, was I handling it or was the Sheriff, and acting in a very ugly tone. I became frustrated and left.

I went to the finance department to conduct my business and when I walked in, Leah Crockett, the Human Resource Administrator, and Sue Blaylock, an accountant, were in. Immediately Leah asked if I were okay as they noticed how frustrated I was.

Hill now came in and asked me to follow him to his office. I went with him and it was his way of helping to settle me down as they all knew how upset I was at Kerley’s interference and disturbing talk.

I informed Steve Hill that I would go to my office, write my report and bring it back for his approval. I did that and returned around 3:00pm. Hill looked at my report and approved it. 

The following Monday, Chief Shoap forwarded the report and all his information including the video of the interaction between the Kerley and Mr. Souza to the district attorney's office who took over the investigation from there into the June 2 matter.

Security camera video from Crossville city hall IT department 

on the morning of June 3, 2016 

(Sections of this video that show no activity 

have been edited out to shorten the length)

TIMELINE FROM VIDEO: (time has been adjusted by one hour from the time stamp)

7:28 AM Jesse and Jerry Kerley and Steve Hill arrive at the city hall IT department.

7:30 AM Jesse Kerley is on the phone

7:36 AM Jesse Kerley goes out side of city hall to talk to someone.  That person wearing an orange shirt comes into the lobby and they continue to talk.  Councilman Kerley is very animated and making body movements including a shoulder throw at one point.

7:38 AM Man in orange shirt leaves.

7:40 AM Jesse Kerley  talks on the phone in the lobby outside the IT office.

7:41 AM Jesse returns inside IT office 

7:42 AM Steve Hill goes out of IT office

7:45 AM Hill returns.

7:50 AM Hill goes out to lobby then goes to outside door to let city attorney Will Ridley in.  Hill tries to get back in IT office but is locked out.  Jesse Kerley lets them in.

7:51 AM All participants are out of camera range.

7:52 AM Jerry Kerley and Steve Hill go to lobby to talk.

7:52 AM Interim police chief Rod Shoap arrives and speaks briefly with Jerry Kerley and Hill.

7:53 AM Shoap enters IT office while Kerley and Hill continue talking in lobby.

7:55 AM Jerry Kerley and Steve Hill reenter IT office.

7:57 AM Jesse Kerley on phone and goes out to lobby.

8:02 AM Kerley returns in IT office.

8:09 AM Shoap quickly exits IT office and goes into the finance office.

8:10 AM Shoap returns to lobby and goes into the IT office quickly as Jesse Kerley, Attorney Ridley and Hill go out to lobby.  Shoap then exits IT and returns to finance department area.  

8:11 AM Council Kerley and attorney Ridley go outside the building while Hill and Jerry Kerley continue to talk in the lobby.  Jerry Kerley then goes left and Hill goes right to the finance department, the direction Shoap went.

Video of the June 2 incident following a council budget work session that was reviewed 

and copies distributed the following morning by the Kerley's 

and interim city manager Steve Hill.

*Gardner vs Blankenship:  City judge Ivy Gardner filed a request for a restraining order against Blankenship claiming in a court filing that he “has engaged in a pattern of conduct to harass and unnecessarily alarm” Ms. Gardner. The restraining order request comes from the sign that had been in Blankenship's yard on Mockingbird Drive that says, “Twerley Trash=Quid Pro Quo 107 143 68” The numbers correspond to house numbers of property owned by councilman Jesse Kerley, his brother Joseph Kerley and a house owned by Joe B. Gardner, Jr.