News Releases |
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According to Washington County Sheriff Ed Graybeal, Deputy Scarlett Dennison and Deputy Chris Adkins have been dismissed from their employment with the Sheriff’s Office. Their dismissal’s are for violations of Sheriff’s Office policies regarding unbecoming conduct. Contact Person: Sheriff Ed Graybeal at 423-788-1414 Interagency cooperation foils plot to commit murder. According to Sheriff Ed Graybeal, Washington County Sheriff’s Office Investigators working with the Carter County Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; prevented the premeditated murder of a Washington County citizen. This investigation, which began on Saturday the 21st of August revealed information that shocked both officers from Carter and Washington County Sheriff’s Office, that someone had been hired to commit a murder of a Washington County resident, and that the would be hit man had been hired by a man later identified as Benjamin Thomas Barrick, age 39, of 517 East Elk Street Apartment B2, Elizabethton. Barrick provided the hit man with a photograph of the intended victim, paid the victim a partial payment of $100, and provided a handgun, magazines, and ammunition to be used to commit the murder. The intended victim was brought in interviewed, and warned about the contract out for their murder. During the next 3 days Carter and Washington County Investigators conducted extensive interviews, undercover operations and Surveillance which provided more details about the murder plot including a photograph of the intended victim holding a small child, which was provided to the hit man to be used to identify the person to be killed. On Tuesday the 24th of August the Washington County Sheriff’s Office obtained an arrest warrant on Barrick for Solicitation of 1st Degree murder. Washington and Carter County Sheriff’s Offices, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Special Agents, and Investigators with the Elizabethton Police Department descended on Barrick’s residence. A search of his residence revealed no Barrick. Barrick’s cell phones have been shut off and other attempts to locate him have failed. Late on the 25th of August Carter County Investigators located and arrested Barrick in Sullivan County. At the time of arrest Barrick was in possession of a substantial amount of U.S. currency, night vision devices, surveillance equipment, several prepaid cellular phones, flashlights and other items of survival gear that could be used to avoid capture. Barrick was housed in the Washington County Detention Center, under a $100,000 bond. Barrick was arraigned in Washington County Sessions court where his bond was increased to $150,000. 
Third marijuana grow shut down in Washington County this week. According to Sheriff Ed Graybeal Deputies responded to 277 Maple Swamp Rd on report of drug activity on 8/19/10 around 10:42 am. Upon Deputies arrival a marijuana plant was located in plain view next to the residence. While searching the residence Officers found Marijuana seeds, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and several rounds of ammunition. Jason Anthony Knight age 38 of 277 Maple Swamp Rd was taken into custody and charged with Manufacturing marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and maintaining a dwelling where marijuana is manufactured. Mr. Knight is being held at the Washington County Detention Center on a Twenty one thousand dollar bond and is scheduled to be in Jonesborough Sessions Court on 08/20/10 at 9:00 am. 
Second Marijuana grow shut down in Washington County this week. According to Sheriff Ed Graybeal Deputies responded to 182 Telford School Rd in reference to possible drug activity on 08/17/10 around 11:50 am. Officers noticed a marijuana plant in plain view through a window of the residence. While searching the residence Officers found two marijuana plants growing inside the residence, a large amount of drug paraphernalia and digital scales. Stephen Ryan Harris age 26 of 182 Telford School Rd was taken into custody and charged with manufacturing of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and maintaining a dwelling where marijuana is manufactured. Mr. Harris was released from the Washington County Detention Center on a Twenty one thousand dollar bond and is scheduled to be in Jonesborough Session Court on 10/13/10 at 9:00am. 
UPDATE: Another day another Indoor Marijuana Grow shut down by Investigators. According to Sheriff Ed Graybeal, Washington County Investigators acting on a tip went to 173 Circle Drive, Gray to investigate complaints of the occupants growing and selling marijuana. Investigators received permission from the renter to search the residence and after doing so Investigators recovered approximately 26 marijuana plants, an extensive indoor grow lab including lights, watering system, timers, hydro pumps, chemicals, and other items used in the manufacture of marijuana. Investigators recovered several firearms from the residence including one from the suspect. Investigators also recovered various items of drug paraphernalia including pipes, bongs, digital scales, baggies, etc. Investigators elected to present this case to the Washington County Grand Jury in lieu of making an arrest at this time. The suspect could be facing charges including but not limited to: Manufacture of Schedule VI, Possession of a Firearm in the commission of a Felony, Maintaining a Dwelling where Controlled Substances are used and Sold, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The case will be presented at the next session of the Washington County Grand Jury.
UPDATE: August 18, 2010 A locked safe that was recovered from the 173 Circle Drive was opened following the acquisition of search warrant. Inside the safe investigators recovered approximately ½ ounce of crack cocaine, over 1 ounce of powdered cocaine, 1 pound of marijuana in individual baggies and a firearm. The investigation is ongoing and the investigation will be presented to the Washington County Grand Jury for consideration. If further information is needed contact Captain Judy or Lieutenant Gregg with the Washington County Sheriff's Office CID Division at 423-788-1414.
Sheriff uses seized Drug and DUI offense vehicles in fight on crime. According to Sheriff Ed Graybeal, a 3rd seized vehicle now supplements the Washington County Sheriff’s Office patrol fleet. The sheriff’s office had already put two vehicles into service to supplement the Patrol/ Support Services divisions. These vehicles are a 2001 Lincoln Navigator which was seized from a major cocaine distributer, and a 2002 Ford F150 that was seized from a DUI offender. The latest vehicle a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe was seized in March 2009, from Daniel A. Cosby, age 38; address: Incarcerated; after an investigation into drug activity at Cosby’s residence at that time, 3616 North Roan Street #4, Johnson City; led to a search of that apartment and recovery of over 150 illegally diverted 80mg Oxycontin pills, ¼ pound of marijuana, numerous firearms, and over $10,000 cash. Cosby was arrested and posted bond in Washington County. On July the 14th Cosby was indicted into United States Federal Court in the Eastern District of Tennessee by a Federal grand Jury for the charges of: possess ion with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectible On May 2 2010 Cosby entered a plea agreement to Conspiracy to Possess with intent to distribute and distribute a Schedule II drug. This involved between 1306 and 1845 80 mg Oxycontin pills. Cosby is facing up to a maximum sentence of 20 years and a fine of up to $1,000,000. If further information is needed contact Captain Judy or Lieutenant Gregg with the Washington County Sheriff's Office CID Division at 423-788-1414.
Former Washington County Detention Center Officer Facing Charges. According to Sheriff Ed Graybeal Christopher Lynn Boyd, 40 of 1311 American Way, Jonesborough has been bound over to a Grand Jury after a preliminary hearing. Christopher Boyd was arrested on May 11, 2010 on 2 counts of Assault and Official Misconduct after an investigation into a complaint filed by an inmate of the Washington County Detention Center revealed that Boyd had used his chemical agent inappropriately. The investigation revealed that the use of his chemical agent violated Washington County Sheriff’s Office General Orders and also Tennessee State Law. Christopher Lynn Boyd is currently out on bond awaiting Grand Jury proceedings. If further information is needed contact Captain Judy or Lieutenant Gregg with the Washington County Sheriff's Office CID Division at 423-788-1414.
Another day another Indoor Marijuana Grow shut down by Investigators. According to Sheriff Ed Graybeal, Washington County Investigators acting on a tip went to 173 Circle Drive, Gray to investigate complaints of the occupants growing and selling marijuana. Investigators received permission from the renter to search the residence and after doing so Investigators recovered approximately 26 marijuana plants, an extensive indoor grow lab including lights, watering system, timers, hydro pumps, chemicals, and other items used in the manufacture of marijuana. Investigators recovered several firearms from the residence including one from the suspect. Investigators also recovered various items of drug paraphernalia including pipes, bongs, digital scales, baggies, etc. Investigators elected to present this case to the Washington County Grand Jury in lieu of making an arrest at this time. The suspect could be facing charges including but not limited to: Manufacture of Schedule VI, Possession of a Firearm in the commission of a Felony, Maintaining a Dwelling where Controlled Substances are used and Sold, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The case will be presented at the next session of the Washington County Grand Jury. Two Washington County Sheriff’s Deputies have been cited into Federal Court on misdemeanor charges. According to Sheriff Ed Graybeal, Officer Chris Adkins age 30 has been charged by the U.S. Forestry Service on allegations of, possessing alcohol in a prohibited area, public nudity, public intoxication, and child endangerment. Also charged was Officer Scarlett Dennison, age 42 on allegations of Possession of alcohol in a prohibited area, public intoxication, and public nudity. The allegations stem from an incident that occurred in Carter County on the night of July 30, 2010. Both Officers have been suspended with pay pending an internal investigation by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the outcome of the Federal Court proceedings on the allegations made by the U.S. Forest Service.
For further information contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs at 423-639-6759. Limestone two time convicted felon found guilty of Federal Firearms Violation. According to Sheriff Ed Graybeal, Marc Kristopher Skeen, age 26, of 960 Washington College Station Road, Limestone; was convicted of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm in the United States Federal Court in the Eastern District of Tennessee. Skeen was prohibited from owning any firearms due to previous convictions of Aggravated Robbery and Aggravated Assault. Skeen was arrested on May 21, 2009 following a call in reference to shots fired, and a domestic violence situation at the Washington College Station residence. Skeen was subsequently arrested and was charged with Aggravated Domestic Assault, Felony Reckless Endangerment, and being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Following a preliminary hearing the case was bound over to the Washington County Criminal Court. The Firearms case was transferred to The United States Federal Court. Skeen was indicted in The United States Federal Court in January 2010. A short time later Washington County Investigators arrested Skeen on the Federal Indictment and transported him to The United States Federal Court in the Eastern District of Tennessee. Skeen was detained without bond until his trial date. keen will be sentenced 13 December, 2010; he faces a sentence of 5-10 years.
Marijuana grow operator sentenced to 15.5 years in Federal Prison. According to Sheriff Ed Graybeal, Paul S. Fields, age 45, formerly of 565 Headtown Road, Jonesborough was sentenced to 188 months or 15.5 years in United States Federal Court-Eastern District of Tennessee. Washington County Sheriff’s Office working with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation discovered an elaborate marijuana grow operation at Field’s home on Headtown road on October 5, 2009 after serving a search warrant at the residence. Over 250 marijuana plants were seized from the residence along with other drugs including: Amphetamine, Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), Xanax, Psilocybin mushrooms, Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) commonly called Ecstasy, Ketamine, and Tetrahydrocannabinoid (THC) or hashish brownies. Investigators removed grow lights, timers, A/c units, watering systems, and other items used in the manufacture of marijuana as well as items used to conceal and consume illegal drugs. Fields signed a plea agreement on October 13, 2009 and entered a plea of guilty on February 8, 2010. United States Assistant District Attorney Rob Reeves represented the government in this case. Rob Reeves was instrumental in the indictment, plea and sentencing of Fields. Had Fields gone to trial on this case he could have been facing a sentence of 40 years to life. Anyone needing additional information can contact Lt. Doug Gregg with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 423-788-1414.
One of Washington County's Most Wanted in custody. The Washington County Tennessee Sheriff, Ed Graybeal announced the arrest of Christopher Kent on Tuesday, July 20, 2010. He was wanted by Washington County Sheriff’s Office for Violation of Probation on twenty one counts of auto burglary, theft under $500 three counts, fourteen counts of burglary and theft over $10,000. He was one of the Sheriff’s Offices “Most Wanted” fugitives and had fled the area to a residence in Vernon, Florida. The Washington County Tennessee Sheriff's Office contacted the Washington County Florida Sheriff's Office and provided information that the subject was living at an address in their jurisdiction and a vehicle description the subject would be driving. Local Sheriff’s Deputies did not make contact with wanted subject at the residence but did have contact with the vehicle and upon making a traffic stop the wanted subject was taken into custody without incident. The wanted subject is in custody at the Washington County Florida Detention Center awaiting court appearance to waive extradition back to Washington County Tennessee. If you need any further information please contact Capt. Larry Denny at 423-788-1414.
Missing child located with help from assisting agencies amd community. According to Sheriff Ed Graybeal 16 year old Cassie Fray was located at approximately 7:00pm yesterday after a search that began around 9:45am. Cassie appeared to be in good health and was released to her family. Sheriff Graybeal would like to thank all the community volunteers who assisted in the search for Cassie. Cassie went missing early last date but was found thanks to the tremendous outpouring of support from the community in which she lives. Sheriff Graybeal would also like to offer his thanks to the following agencies for their assistance in the efforts to locate Cassie: Embreeville Volunteer Fire Department 16 year child missing in the Mayberry Road, Maverick Road area of Washington County. According to Sheriff Ed Graybeal, Washington County Officers are searching the area of Maverick Road and Mayberry Road for a missing 16 year mentally challenged female. Cassis L Gray; age 16, black hair, brown eyes, was last seen at 01:00am this morning wearing blue pajamas and carrying a plastic bag. Cassie is upset and may be trying to walk to Ohio to find her mother. Anyone with information needs to call the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 423-788-1414.
Convenience center worker finds jail an inconvenience. According to Sheriff Ed Graybeal, Washington County Investigators arrested two men following a one day investigation into reports of a Washington County Convenience Center worker selling illegally diverted prescription pills from his work place. Investigators arrested Randy “Suckie” Loyd, age 52; 307 Culver Rd, Limestone; and Mark Dwayne Gregory, age 31; 152 Bill West Rd, Limestone; after a consensual encounter resulted in the discovery of Roxycodone, Xanax, and Lortab pills; along with brass knuckles, and other drug paraphernalia. Loyd was on duty working as a recycling center employee at the Bill West Rd convenience center at the time of the arrest. Investigators discovered Loyd sitting in the passenger’s seat of Gregory’s vehicle in the process of a drug deal. Loyd was fired at the scene by his boss who had been working in cooperation with the Sheriff’s Office to confirm or disprove allegations against Loyd. Loyd was charged with Possession of Schedule II and IV drugs for Resale. Gregory was charged with Possession of Schedule II and IV drugs for Resale, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and prohibited Weapon. Both were arraigned in Washington County Session Court. Loyd was released on a $20,000 bond. Gregory was released on a $22,000 bond.
Outdoor Marijuana grow seized in Washington County. According to Sheriff Ed Graybeal, Darlene Hannabas Mullins, age 56; 138 Robert Hannabas Lane Jonesborough; was arrested following a two day investigation into an outdoor Marijuana grow. Information obtained from a concerned citizen led Sheriff Deputies with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office to a tract of property adjoining 138 Robert Hannabas Lane. Sheriff Deputies located 60 marijuana plants ranging in size from 4 - 8 feet in various stages of maturity. The plants were unearthed and seized as evidence. At maturity the plants would be valued at over $60,000.00. The investigation is ongoing. Darlene Hannabas Mullins is charged with Manufacture of Schedule VI drug. Mullins is being held in the Washington County Detention Center under a $10,000.00 bond and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on
Monday July 15, 2010 at 9:00am.
Jonesborough woman arrested on 2 counts of Aggravated Child Abuse. According to Sheriff Ed Graybeal, Tammy Tilson Elliott: age 37, 3636 Cherokee Road in Jonesborough, TN was arrested after absconding the area since June 07, 2010. Washington County Deputies along with the United States Marshall Service arrested Elliott on June 30, 2010. The 2 counts of Aggravated Child Abuse stemmed from a report by the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services. The investigation was concerning possible abuse to a 5 year old juvenile that was in Elliott’s custody. The investigation found that the 5 year old victim had received multiple injuries to the cartilage in her nose that left the victim without any viable cartilage in her nose area. The plastic surgeon who’s attending the victim states it will take multiple surgeries to correct the injury. The 5 year old victim also had a cut on her right ear by a razor that had become severely infected and also needed professional medical treatment. The investigation is ongoing. Mrs. Elliott is being held in the Washington County Detention Center on a $150,000.00 bond and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on July 8, 2010 at 1:30pm. It is a violation of Tennessee state law to abuse a child or to fail to report child abuse. Anyone in Tennessee who has information on a child abuse situation can call the Child Abuse Hotline and provide information which can help keep our children safe, that number is 1-877-237-0004.
Drug related charges land 1 Chuckey man and 1 Jonesborough man in jail. According to Sheriff Ed Graybeal, Investigators arrested two individuals following an attempted vehicle stop and foot search. Investigators arrested Bobby E Waddle; age 39; 1866 Highway 81 South after investigators tried to stop him for a minor traffic violation and he refused to stop, throwing drugs out of the vehicle and caused his passenger to leap out of the vehicle to avoid being involved.
Waddle then circled back around thearea in an attempt to locate the drugs and abandoned his vehicle when investigators located it. Waddle fled on foot and was found a short time later by an observant Patrol officer checking the area. Waddle was charged with Speeding, Felony Evading arrest, Reckless Endangerment, and Possession of Schedule IV and VI drugs. Waddles bond was set at 21,000 with arraignment scheduled for today. Investigators also arrested Jerry E Hawk; 474 Painter Creek Rd, Chuckey after a follow up investigation on the above traffic stop led to a search of the home and property located at 474 Painter Creek Rd. There they recovered 1 large marijuana plant growing outside in plain view, along with digital scales, processed marijuana, and 2 handguns inside the residence.
Hawk and a female at the residence are convicted felons and are prohibited from owning or being in possession of firearms. Hawk was charged with Manufacture of Schedule VI, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Maintaining a Dwelling Where Controlled Substances are Used and Sold. The firearms case will be presented to the United States District Attorney’s Office for consideration. Hawk’s bond was set at $20,000 and his arraignment is scheduled for today. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
