Shelbyville Times-Gazette: News : Crime, justice and emergency services

Crime, justice and emergency services

Crime, punishment, the court system and emergency response.

Cops to be out in force on the Fourth (07/02/09)
The Fourth of July brings certain things every year, such as fireworks, picnics, ants, games, fun -- and increased law enforcement. Whether you're going to the events in Bell Buckle's city park or H.V. Griffin Park in Shelbyville, keep in mind that area and state law enforcement will be out, looking for drunk drivers...

Bullets break windows of Union Street church (07/02/09)
An estimated $8,000 bill faces the International House of Prayer, Union Street, after five windows were destroyed or damaged Monday, the church's pastor said. One window was blown out and four others have holes, pastor Bryan Nerren told the Times-Gazette...

'Person of interest' sought in slaying (07/01/09)
Police are searching for a "person of interest" for questioning in the shooting death of 31-year-old Anthon Mario Matthews, a slaying that detectives believe is a drug-related robbery. Wanted for questioning is 21-year-old Demario Jaquece Edwards, of Shelbyville, who had a previous address on Fairground Heights...

UPDATED: Cobb resigns to take Chancery Court post (07/01/09)
State Rep. Curt Cobb has been named Bedford County Clerk and Master by 17th Judicial District Chancellor J.B. Cox and has resigned from his House seat. Cobb began his new position today; he said this morning that he submitted his letter of resignation from the General Assembly on Tuesday...

Murder victim discovered (06/30/09)
Shelbyville police are investigating a homicide they say occurred due to a robbery. The body of Anthon Mario Matthews, 31, was found at his East Lane Trailer Park residence by maintenance workers around noon Monday, Detective Sgt. Brian Crews of the Shelbyville Police Department said. Matthews was known as "Yo" or "Mac Yo" on the streets, Crews said...

Women admit guilt in rape of jail cellmate (06/30/09)
Before their trial was to start Monday, four women pleaded guilty to their roles in a jail rape that occurred last year. Meanwhile, the victim of the sexual assault said she will be suing Bedford County Jail for what she endured. Evetta M. McGee and Brooke L. Whitaker pled guilty to a single count of rape each, while Brandy M. Holden and Kelly N. Dodson both entered a plea of guilty for kidnapping...

Angry suspect allegedly threatens store manager (06/30/09)
A man who allegedly threatened a Shelbyville store manager was arrested after going on a rampage Friday, police said. William Wayne Blair, 46, of Russellville, Ark., became upset when the manager of Dollar General Store, Big Springs Shopping Center, asked if he was going to pay for a bottle of water he had taken from a shelf and consumed, according to Detective Sgt. Brian Crews...

Grass, hay fires aided by summer heat (06/30/09)
The summer dry season has arrived right on schedule, and with it comes the usual round of grass and hay fires. A trailer loaded with hay, owned by Venson Hawkins, of Wartrace, caught fire at the intersection of Highway 64 East and Lee Road on Saturday afternoon, Volunteer Fire Services Inc. reported...

Tractor rolls over rider (06/30/09)
A Bedford County man was injured when his tractor rolled over him near Halls Mill late Monday morning. Rick Parsons, Burnt Hill Road, was near Duck River when the tractor skidded in river gravel, Deputy Kevin Holton of the Bedford County Sheriff's Department said...

Drugs discovered in car's engine (06/28/09)
Two Tullahoma men are facing drug charges after a recent routine traffic stop by a Bedford County deputy revealed drugs hidden in the engine of a car. Anthony Marice Potts, 32, and 29-year-old Dushawn Nathaniel Mitchell were both charged with possession of schedule VI (marijuana) for resale. Potts also faces charges of driving on a revoked license. Both are due to appear in Bedford County General Sessions court on July 7...

Moore County mayor killed in Bedford County crash (06/26/09)
The mayor of Moore County died Thursday afternoon in a single-car crash approximately two miles south of Flat Creek on State Highway 82 South. A worker from a Tennessee Department of Transportation road crew discovered the crumpled Nissan Altima containing the body of Peggy B. Gattis, 63, of Spencer Ridge Road near Lynchburg, about 3:20 p.m., State Trooper Jesse Shumake said...

County worker accused in meth case (06/26/09)
An employee of the Bedford County Highway Department faces charges of manufacturing methamphetamine after sheriff's investigators acted on a tip about a possible lab. Billy Joe Burks, 35, of Highway 82 South, has been charged with initiation of a process intended to result in the manufacture of methamphetamine and possession of a legend drug...

Bike stolen from home (06/26/09)
A 18-speed woman's bicycle was stolen from the front yard of a Shoma Drive home between 3:30 and 5 p.m. Wednesday, Shelbyville police said. The bike has 'Roadster' imprinted in white letters outlined in blue on the frame and yellow lines on the tires, according to police...

Suspects allegedly sold stolen items on eBay (06/25/09)
Shelbyville police arrested a local couple Tuesday that authorities said were stealing thousands of dollars worth of weight loss and make-up items from the shelves of area Wal-Marts and selling them on the Internet. Cooperation between Shelbyville and Tullahoma investigators resulted in the arrest of 31-year-old Troy Neal of Shelbyville and Kerri Neal, 36, of Murfreesboro...

Trial dates set for suspects in home invasion (06/25/09)
Trial dates have been set for two men accused of holding a group of children at gunpoint during a January home invasion. Jose Gomez, 38, and 22-year-old Wilson Palacio will be tried separately for their alleged roles in the break-ins. Gomez has a trial date of Sept. 17 set while Palacio will face a jury on Oct. 2...

No tax hike in county funding (06/24/09)
Bedford County will hold the line on county property tax rates, and employee salaries, this year, according to the budgets recommended Tuesday night by the Financial Management Committee. The budgets will now go to Bedford County Board of Commissioners for approval. ...

Arguing couple does no damage with Cheetos (06/24/09)
A local couple arrested on domestic assault charges Sunday had an unusual choice of alleged weaponry -- Cheetos. Warrants filed by Cpl. Kevin Roddy, of the Bedford County Sheriff's Department, stated he responded to a call at a home on Pass Road, where 40-year-old James Earl Taylor and Mary S. Childers, 44, were allegedly involved in an argument...

Counterfeit $20 bills passed at three Shelbyville stores (06/24/09)
A wave of counterfeit $20 bills has hit Shelbyville businesses, city police said Monday. Two of the bills were passed on Sunday at Sonic Drive-In, North Main Street, officers were told. A carhop became suspicious after being paid what appeared to be $40 for a purchase of less than $3 and notified management, who called police...

Trial date set for suspect in fatal crash (06/23/09)
Trial dates have been set for a man charged in the traffic death of a woman last year. Claude David Merritt, 65, of Tollgate Road, will be tried Nov. 9 and 10, Circuit Court Judge Robert Crigler said Monday. Merritt has been charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, two counts of reckless endangerment and driving on a revoked license, third offense in connection with an accident that claimed the life of Mildred Misch on Oct. 17, 2008...

Jail time added after suspect talks back to judge (06/23/09)
A Tullahoma man indicted Monday by Bedford County's grand jury on rape and kidnapping charges was given an extra 20 days in jail for contempt after walking away from questioning before a judge. James Lynne Stewart, 51, of South Anderson Street, Tullahoma was indicted on the charges of especially aggravated kidnapping, aggravated rape, aggravated assault and theft over $500 in connection with an alleged incident in 2002...

Police foil alleged music piracy plot (06/19/09)
An elaborate video game and movie piracy operation has been shut down and its alleged operator arrested, according to Shelbyville police. Arrested was Lemuel Earl Houston, 33, of Templeton Street, who was charged with two counts of criminal simulation over $1,000...

Arguments lead to stab wound in back (06/18/09)
An alleged fight between two women led to a fight between their husbands in which one was seriously wounded Tuesday night, Shelbyville police said. The skirmish left Michael Coggins, 23, in a Nashville hospital with a knife wound in the back and Melvin Corey George, 22, in Bedford County Jail charged with aggravated assault, Officer Darrell Birdsong's report said...

Consultant: old hospital a bad idea as jail (06/17/09)
A consultant from the University of Tennessee's County Technical Assistance Service told Bedford County commission members on Tuesday that moving prisoners into the old Bedford County Medical Center building on Union Street would not be the financial boon that had been informally projected last month...

Man found dead in Bonnaroo tent (06/17/09)
Bonnaroo was officially over in the early hours Monday, but the aftermath lingers. A man's body was found in a one-man tent in one of the campgrounds Tuesday afternoon, according to Coffee County Sheriff Steve Graves. "All we know is that he was alive yesterday (Monday) at 3 p.m.," said Graves...

Driver of wrecked truck says he was high on meth (06/16/09)
The driver of a tractor-trailer, which was found unoccupied in a ditch on Harts Chapel Road on Saturday afternoon, was under the influence of methamphetamines at the time of the crash, Shelbyville police said. Billy R. Plummer, of Elkins, Ky., told Accident Investigator Matt Griffy he had been taking meth for three to four months...

Drug charges filed after traffic accident (06/14/09)
Marijuana was discovered in a vehicle following a traffic accident Wednesday night, Shelbyville police said. Brooke Wilson, 36, of Murfreesboro, allegedly was carrying a small tin of the substance in her SUV along with a bag containing a pipe with pot residue, police said...

Man hurt after falling from moving three-wheeler (06/11/09)
A Shelbyville man was injured Wednesday afternoon after falling from what investigators describe as a homemade three-wheeler. Joe Franklin Manus, of Fly Road, was riding on the back of the three-wheeler on Moulder Road when he fell off the back and struck his head, Deputy Todd Hammond said...

Accident victims thrown from bed of pickup truck (06/11/09)
A woman was killed and a child seriously injured when they were thrown from the bed of an out-of-control pickup truck Wednesday morning north of Shelbyville. Lori Mooningham, 26, of Farmington, was dead at the scene, State Trooper Patrick Turner said. Mooningham's body had come to rest in a ditch along the side of Fairfield Pike...

Alleged Internet predator is fit to stand trial (06/11/09)
A man accused of using the Internet to have sexually explicit conversations with local teen girls has been declared competent to stand trial and will appear for a preliminary hearing next month. James D. Moran Jr. will appear in Bedford County General Sessions on July 31, at which time a judge will determine whether there is enough evidence to bind him over to a grand jury. Prosecutors were waiting on the results of a mental evaluation before moving forward with the case...

Wreck victim wasn't found for hours (06/10/09)
The victim of a Tuesday traffic accident may have lain dead in her smashed vehicle near a busy highway for nearly 12 hours before being discovered, investigators said. Janice Marie Polly, 57, of Gregory Mill Road, was found in her Dodge Durango SUV off U.S, 41-A, less than a half-mile south of Unionville, State Trooper Chad McAnally said. The wreck was spotted shortly after 2 p.m., authorities said...

Local woman pleads guilty in Clarksville wreck (06/10/09)
A Shelbyville woman charged with driving the wrong way on Interstate 24 near Clarksville and causing a wreck that critically injured four people has pleaded guilty and will serve a month in jail. On Friday, Brenda K. Gordon, 42, of Shelbyville, pleaded guilty to an accident involving personal injury and was sentenced to 30 days in jail and 11 months and 29 days on probation, according to the Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle. She also was fined $500...

Intruders rob man at gunpoint (06/10/09)
Two men robbed a Shelbyville man at gunpoint in his Bridlewood Drive home Sunday, police report. The victim told police the men forced their way into his home and ordered him to get on the floor and cover his head. One of the men held the gun at the victim while the other searched the home for valuables, police said...

Backhoe crushes 3-year-old (06/09/09)
A 3-year-old child died from injuries suffered after he was run over by a backhoe operated by his father near Unionville early Saturday night, authorities said. The child was identified as Hunter Roberts, son of Edward "Eddie" and Erin Jackson Roberts, according to an obituary notice from Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home, of Murfreesboro...

EMS budget healthy in spending, revenue (06/09/09)
Bedford County Emergency Medical Services is still on track to do better than its budget, both in spending and revenue, board members heard Monday night. Bedford County government has cut off budget amendment requests as of May 15 and is only allowing emergency or essential deviations from budgeted spending...

Fake designer clothing confiscated from store (06/09/09)
An estimated $40,000 in counterfeit designer clothing and jewelry was seized from a Cannon Boulevard business Thursday, according to the 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force. Clothing, purses, sunglasses, watches, necklaces, belts and tennis shoes were on display at Unique Hair Salon, said DTF assistant director Timothy Miller...

Families lose homes in duplex blaze (06/09/09)
The homes of two families were destroyed early last Thursday morning when a duplex caught fire, according to Brian Cantrell, training officer for Volunteer Fire Services Inc., which responded to the fire. The fire took place at 120 Cedar Circle off U.S. 41-A South in Bedford County at about 4 a.m., Cantrell said...

Authorities want to question man at store (06/05/09)
A man described by authorities as a "person of interest" is being sought after allegedly showing up at a convenience store with lottery tickets stolen from another store. The tickets were taken May 22 from Unionville Mini Mart, U.S. 41-A North, after the store was entered by someone who cut a hole in the cooler, Deputy Melvin Neeley, of the Bedford County Sheriff's Department, said in a report...

Deadbolt doesn't stop burglary (06/04/09)
A deadbolt lock didn't prevent a burglary at Forest Hills Apartments on Tuesday, Shelbyville police said. The victims, a husband and wife, told police a large-screen television, Playstation II, Nintendo games, Dell Inspiron laptop computer, iPod and Kodak digital camera were gone when they arrived home...

Protruding legs lead police to theft suspect (06/03/09)
Two men were charged in connection with the attempted theft of a vehicle driveshaft early Friday at a Deery Street repair shop. Officer Tory Moore, who had been notified of a "suspicious person," found "a set of legs protruding from underneath a Chevrolet Camaro," he said in his report...

Child dies from wreck injuries (06/02/09)
The child thrown from an overturning van north of Shelbyville last week died Sunday, a Vanderbilt Medical Center spokesperson and Shelbyville police said Monday. A child safety seat containing Ana Singleton, 2, was thrown out a window of her mother's van as it flipped over five times after she lost control on U.S. 231 North early Wednesday night, police said...

Ruth pleads guilty in Cooper death (05/31/09)
A woman charged with vehicular homicide in an accident that occurred more than a year ago pleaded guilty Friday morning in Circuit Court. Lisa Marie Ruth, 44, of Oklahoma, was sentenced to 10 years for the crime. According to Mike Randles, assistant district attorney, she could be eligible for parole after 30 percent of her sentence has been served...

Inmate tries to stash vodka at police station (05/29/09)
A Bedford County Workhouse inmate on daytime work release allegedly stashed a bottle of vodka in his work area at Shelbyville police headquarters May 21, police said. Chief Austin Swing said he found a 1-liter bottle of Skol vodka in the department's maintenance room and confronted Daniel Brannon, 23, of Davis Street...

Nichols pleads guilty to theft (05/28/09)
The former deputy director of the Bedford County Emergency Management Agency could be facing a sentence of eight to 12 years after pleading guilty Wednesday to embezzling more than $60,000. Eugene Nichols will learn what his punishment will be on July 20 when a sentencing hearing will be conducted by Circuit Court Judge Robert Crigler...

Child seat thrown out as car overturns (05/28/09)
A 2-year-old girl was seriously injured when she, and her safety seat, were ejected from an overturning van early Wednesday night on U.S. 231 North in northern Shelbyville, police said. Ana Singleton was listed in critical condition this morning at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, said Lt. Trey Clanton, an accident investigator with the Shelbyville Police Department...

Hearing set in alleged child sex crimes (05/28/09)
A preliminary hearing has been set for a man who faces sexual charges involving two children. David Wayne Phillips, 43, will appear in General Sessions court on July 31, when he could be bound over to the Bedford County grand jury. Phillips is charged with rape of a child, two counts of aggravated sexual battery and four violations of the sex offender registry and is being held under a bond of $760,000...

Suspect charged in tractor theft (05/28/09)
Detectives with the Bedford County Sheriff's Department have recovered a pricey piece of farm equipment stolen more than a year ago and have arrested the man they claim is responsible. 28-year-old Tyler Augustus Mook of Old Nashville Dirt Road was taken into custody Tuesday and charged with theft of property over $1,000 and alteration of serial numbers. He is currently free on $20,000 bond...

County may place VFSI under EMA (05/27/09)
Bedford County Financial Management Committee, meeting Tuesday night, discussed the idea of placing the paid employees of Volunteer Fire Services Inc. under the budget of Bedford County Emergency Management Agency, a system used by some other counties to legally fund rural fire protection...

Women charged with prescription drug sales (05/27/09)
An anonymous tip led sheriff's department investigators to make two arrests for the sale of prescription drugs last week. Arrested were: According to a report by Det. Sgt. Scott Jones of the Bedford County Sheriff's Department, he and Det. Sgt. David Sakich received information that a possible narcotics transaction would take place in the parking lot of Brad's Market on Union Street...

Suspect allegedly tries to use child as shield (05/27/09)
A man being pursued on foot by police allegedly placed a child in front of him when an officer trained a Taser on him early Saturday, reports indicate. The man, who officers said was accused of severely beating a woman moments earlier, released the child when backup officers arrived, police said. The victim was babysitting the young boy, she told investigators...

Four Shelbyville firefighters graduate (05/26/09)
Friday's graduation ceremonies at the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy had several Shelbyville connections. Not only did four Shelbyville Fire Department firefighters graduate from the 10-week Recruit/Firefighter I program, but the ceremony was opened with presentation of colors by a SFD color guard, and Shelbyville & Bedford County Chamber of Commerce presented the fire academy's first ever "challenge coins" to the entire graduating class...

EMA embezzlement trial delayed until June (05/26/09)
The trial for a former deputy director of Bedford County Emergency Management Agency accused of embezzlement has been moved ahead to the second week of June. A scheduling conflict with a drug-related trial means that the charges against Eugene Nichols, who was named in a 70-count indictment last November, will be heard on June 8 and 9...

'No true bill' returned on English (05/22/09)
A "no true bill" was returned by the Bedford County grand jury earlier this week against a Shelbyville attorney who had been accused of pointing a firearm at two clients. Alfred English had been accused of pointing a small silver handgun at Joshua and Linda Hendon at the office of English & English, North Brittain Street, on Feb. 12...

Officials seek solutions to VFSI funding issues (05/22/09)
County Mayor Eugene Ray said that discussions about the future of Volunteer Fire Services Inc. are still preliminary at this stage, but the issue may be discussed at Tuesday night's meeting of Bedford County Financial Management Committee. "We are just talking at this point," said Ray...

Mortgage fraud suspects released on $20K bonds (05/21/09)
The four individuals charged with bank fraud and money laundering earlier this week have been released after signing an agreement with federal prosecutors. Roger Ritch, of Shelbyville, along with William McMahan, Jonathan Henderson and Carrie Snow, all of Murfreesboro, appeared before a federal magistrate in Chattanooga Tuesday, following their arrest in connection with an alleged multi-million dollar mortgage fraud scheme involving hundreds of homes in Shelbyville...

Suspect tried to pass fake prescription, police say (05/21/09)
A Fayetteville man was accused of attempting to obtain a fraudulent prescription at a Shelbyville pharmacy Tuesday night, police said. Marty Scott Hobbs, 34, of Fayetteville, was arrested after he allegedly yelled, "The cops are here, the cops are here," to a woman who accompanied him to Kroger, North Main Street, and attempted to leave the building, according to police...

Vehicles burglarized at Shelbyville store (05/20/09)
Two sizeable thefts from vehicles have been reported at Kroger, North Main Street, during the past week. The car had been left unlocked with a window partially down, the report said. The car's owner told police she thought she had locked the vehicle, which was unlocked upon her return...

'Five-year fix' would cost $8.5M (05/20/09)
An architectural firm and an engineering firm have studied the proposal to convert the old Bedford County Medical Center building into a sheriff's office and auxiliary jail, and estimate that it would cost about $8.5 million, which is about half the cost of a brand-new 300-bed jail...

Parker Brothers found guilty in track attack (05/20/09)
Following a six-day trial, two brothers who faced a variety of assault charges stemming from an incident at Duck River Speedway last summer were found guilty on Monday. Michael Ray Parker was found guilty of simple assault, while his brother, Marvin Bobby Parker, was found guilty of reckless aggravated assault, two counts of simple assault, and reckless endangerment...

Crash death suspect indicted by grand jury (05/20/09)
A Shelbyville man was indicted by the Bedford County grand jury on charges of aggravated vehicular homicide in connection with an accident that occurred last October that claimed the life of a woman. Claude David Merritt, 65, of Tollgate Road is also facing two counts of reckless endangerment and driving on revoked, third offense...

Bank fraud bust nets four (05/19/09)
Four arrests were made this morning in a multi-million dollar mortgage fraud scheme involving hundreds of homes in Shelbyville. The arrests were the result of a 16-month joint investigation by the Bedford County Sheriff's Department, the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service...

Investigation was learning process for detective (05/19/09)
For Detective Sergeant Brian Farris, this morning's arrest of four individuals accused of running a massive mortgage fraud scam is the result of countless hours of work. Farris told the Times-Gazette he is happy that the long investigation is finally over with; it has taken up "a lot of long days and nights" for both him and federal investigators...

Two walk away from crash (05/19/09)
Two men narrowly escaped a fiery death late Saturday afternoon after their truck, which was pulling a trailer containing a dirt track race car, plunged off a steep embankment next to Halls Mill bridge on Wheel Road. The truck's driver was identified as Matthew Shane Craig, 23, of Hilltop Drive, Shelbyville, by State Trooper Jackie Smith. Howard Bowen was riding in the truck with Craig, according to a family member.

Sachs pleads guilty in Mattis murder (05/19/09)
"I'm guilty, yeah." With those words, Donald Ray Sachs pleaded guilty Monday to charges of first degree murder in the death of a Murfreesboro woman, as well as rape and aggravated kidnapping in a separate incident last year. Sachs, 41, will serve life in prison with the possibility of parole on the murder charge and 10 years for each of the rape and kidnapping charges concurrently...

Tracy texting bill becomes law (05/15/09)
Gov. Phil Bredesen has signed a bill into law that will ban reading or sending cellular phone text messages while driving. The measure sponsored by Republicans Rep. Jon Lundberg of Bristol and Sen. Jim Tracy of Shelbyville imposes a $50 fine for reading or writing text messages while driving...

Meth lab discovered in home with child (05/15/09)
Investigators with the Bedford County Sheriff's Department shut down another alleged methamphetamine lab on Monday -- this time in the small town of Wartrace. Both suspects are also facing child endangerment charges for allegedly cooking the drug while a juvenile lived there...

Adult accused of soliciting teens on MySpace (05/14/09)
A man accused of using the Internet to have sexually explicit conversations with local teen girls is undergoing a mental evaluation and has had his next court date set for June. James D. Moran Jr. is charged with eight counts of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor and five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. He is being held under $195,000 bond and will appear next in General Sessions court on June 10...

Timber stolen from Scales Road property (05/14/09)
Timber was cut without permission on approximately 6 1/2 acres of land on Scales Road, the Bedford County Sheriff's Department was told Tuesday. The victim, a Mulberry resident, was unable to estimate a monetary loss, the report said. Items listed as missing included stereo and air conditioning charging systems, police were told...

Two brothers charged after pot found in car (05/13/09)
Drug-releated charges were placed against two brothers following a traffic stop Saturday night on Green Lane, police said. A bag containing pot was found in a seat where Joseph Albert Vincent, 20, King Arthur Trailer Court, had been sitting and more marijuana was found under the seat, according to police. Vincent told police the 2.29 grams were his and he had stuffed it under the seat. He was charged with possession of a schedule VI drug and posted $1,500 bond, authorities said...

Police say toddler was brought to drug deal (05/12/09)
Four people are facing a number of charges after sheriff's officials from two counties recently seized a large amount of marijuana, cash and a vehicle, while two of the suspects are also facing charges for bringing a 2-year-old child to the alleged drug deal...

New EMS chassis backed by committee (05/12/09)
A change in environmental standards for diesel engines may make the kind of truck chassis used for ambulances hard to come by during 2010, and so Bedford County Financial Management Committee voted last month to recommend that Bedford County Emergency Medical Services purchase a new chassis now, even if it can't be used right away...

VIDEO: Firefighters pay tribute to James Elkins (05/07/09)
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Elkins blazed a trail of service (05/06/09)
He was a quiet man. You could pass him in the street and not always know it. But wherever James W. Elkins passed by, he left proof of his dedication and citizenship. When James Elkins passed on Monday, he left Bedford County a legacy that few could match...

New ambulance chassis request backed by committee (05/03/09)
A change in environmental standards for diesel engines may make the kind of truck chassis used for ambulances hard to come by during 2010, and so Bedford County Financial Management Committee voted Tuesday night to recommend that Bedford County Emergency Medical Services purchase a new chassis now, even if it can't be used right away...

Preliminary hearing set for invasion suspect (05/01/09)
A July preliminary hearing has been set for a man accused of a home invasion that terrified a teen girl, and another break-in suspect has had his case continued until June. Larry Randall Henry II, of Crater Road, Murfreesboro, was supposed to be transported by Rutherford County authorities for a Wednesday court appearance, but due to charges he faces in that county, that did not happen...

Mower sparks fire (05/01/09)

ER patient accused of stealing from office (05/01/09)
Two unrelated thefts were reported Tuesday at Heritage Medical Center, and suspects were named in both cases, Shelbyville police said. One witness told police the suspect left the room, returned with the purse, left again with it and returned moments later without it, while two other witnesses said they saw the suspect enter the office, leave with the purse and bring it back later...

UPDATE: Accident victim identified (04/30/09)

Video leads to suspect's capture (04/29/09)
A suspect who was "captured" on video allegedly burglarizing a Bedford County home last week was taken into custody Tuesday in Murfreesboro, according to the Bedford County Sheriff's Department. Joe D. Bowen, 30, was arrested at his residence after refusing to answer the door as officers waited outside, BCSD Capt. Tony Barrett said...

Cops bust large meth lab (04/29/09)
The arrest of a man who allegedly operated a large methamphetamine lab in his home has likely made a major slash in distribution of the substance in Bedford County, investigators say. "This could have a huge impact," said Tim Miller, assistant director of the 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force, Tuesday night following the arrest of Ronald Nix, 30, of T.E. Adams Road...

County looks at Regions Bank building for courtroom space (04/29/09)
Bedford County court officials are interested in purchasing the Regions Bank building on the square and converting it into courtrooms and court offices, according to discussion at Tuesday night's meeting of Bedford County Financial Management Committee...

Hearing set for teacher caught in sex sting (04/29/09)
A preliminary hearing has been set for a former teacher and baseball coach who faces charges related to an Internet sex sting. Joshua Daniel Smith, of Eastman Street, Murfreesboro, will appear in court on May 29 for the hearing, when a judge will decide whether to bound him over to the Bedford County grand jury...

Registered sex offender charged with new crimes (04/29/09)
A registered sex offender who a Bedford County detective has been searching for since December is being held under a bond of more than three quarters of a million dollars after being accused of a number of sexual crimes, including rape of a child. David Wayne Phillips, 43, of Lower Halls Mill Road, has been charged with rape of a child, two counts of aggravated sexual battery and four violations of the sex offender registry...

Preparing for swine flu (04/28/09)
State epidemiologist Tim Jones said Monday that the swine flu, for most sufferers, may be no more serious than the regular seasonal flu strains that are felt every year -- but the problem is that there's no vaccine for this new strain yet, and that means people who are already at a health risk -- the very old, for example -- can't be protected from the disease...

Marijuana shows up after man asked for ID (04/28/09)
An individual was arrested early Sunday after pulling a bag of marijuana from a pocket as an officer asked to see identification, Shelbyville police said. Benjamin Paul Drew, 22, of Murfreesboro, was lying in a hammock behind a Cates Street home at 4:11 a.m. while police were searching the area due to an alleged assault at a nearby residence, the Shelbyville Police Department report said...

Crash seriously injures man (04/26/09)
A two-vehicle collision Friday afternoon west of Shelbyville sent a Bedford County man to a Nashville hospital with serious injuries. William Neeley, 61, Knight's Campground Road, was flown from the scene after the accident on State Highway 130 West in front of Joe Martin Stables...

Drug, DUI charges filed following traffic stop (04/24/09)
A man stopped early Wednesday on North Main Street because taillights on his car were inoperable faces multiple drug charges, Shelbyville police said. Substances including Lortab, Xanax, Ambian, Fiorecet and Keflex were found in a prescription bottle under the seat of a car operated by Sean Casey Cunningham, 19, of La Vergne, the police report indicates...

Man dies in Normandy Lake (04/24/09)
A Shelbyville man died Wednesday after falling into the waters of Normandy Lake in Coffee County. Chad Partin, detective with the Coffee County Sheriff's Department, told the T-G that 79-year old Clyde Burks, of Shelbyville, and his wife were fishing in the upper part of the lake in the Riley Creek area when witnesses saw him first stand up, and then fall out of the boat...

Texting-while-driving bills passes State Senate (04/24/09)
The full state Senate voted 22-6 on Thursday to approve legislation that would ban texting while driving. The bill, SB 393, was sponsored by Republican State Sen. Jim Tracy, of Shelbyville. It prohibits sending or reading text messages on public roads and highways while the driver is operating a motor vehicle in motion...

Motorcyclist severely injured (04/23/09)

Appeals court backs Crigler's ruling (04/22/09)
The state Court of Criminal Appeals has upheld a ruling by Circuit Court Judge Robert Crigler made in a three-year-old drug case. Crigler had denied a motion to suppress evidence that was seized as a result of a warrantless search of the residence of Emmett Russell McGee...

Jail rape suspects' trials will be held separately on the same day (04/22/09)
The four women charged with a jailhouse rape will not consolidate their cases, but instead each will be put on trial separately on the same day. Evetta M. McGee, Brooke L. Whitaker, Brandy M. Holden and Kelly N. Dodson will be tried on charges of aggravated rape before a jury on June 29...

Sheriff asks to use old hospital building (04/22/09)
Bedford County Sheriff Randall Boyce has proposed moving his department's offices to the former Bedford County Medical Center building on Union Street, with the possibility of eventually using the upper floors of the building to house non-violent inmates...

Darkened auto windows lead to two drug arrests (04/22/09)
Drug-related charges were filed against two persons after their car was stopped early Monday for an alleged window tint violation, Shelbyville police said. The driver, Haley Elizabeth Henderson, 19, Scales Road, was charged with possession of a schedule IV drug, simple possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, and violation of the financial responsibility law. ...

Court date set for homicide suspect (04/22/09)
An Oklahoma woman charged with vehicular homicide now has legal representation and a new court date. Lisa Marie Ruth, 44, of Boswell, Okla., who faces the charges in connection with the death of William Howard Cooper, will be represented by the public defender's office...

32 indicted, but not gambling suspects (04/21/09)
A total of 32 individuals were indicted Monday by the Bedford County grand jury. Chad and Christina Tucker were not indicted, however, because of pending federal charges against them, according to court officials, even though their case went before the grand jury during the previous two months...

Tyson fighting deposition request against chairman (04/21/09)
TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- Tyson Foods Inc., the world's largest meat producer, is fighting a request by Oklahoma's attorney general to depose its chairman in a federal court case over poultry litter pollution. Earlier this month, Tyson filed a motion for a protective order in attempts to keep company chairman John H. Tyson from being deposed...

Wartrace firefighters earn alderman's praise (04/21/09)
Quick response from Wartrace's Volunteer Fire Department garnered praise from one of the town's aldermen at the board meeting last week. "I ran up on a fire about three weeks ago," said Scott Claxton. "We called and they were there in 7 or 8 minutes and they worked their butts off."...

Sentencing guidelines limit Watai team to year (04/19/09)
With the judge saying he was bound by sentencing guidelines, a former Vanderbilt professor will serve just one year on sexually related charges stemming from an Internet sting. Lason Lain Watai, 47, was given the prison term by Judge Lee Russell after a sentencing hearing that lasted well over an hour, with both the defense and prosecution giving arguments over how light or severe the sentence should be...

Laptop stolen from TTCS (04/16/09)
An Apple MacBook laptop computer was stolen from Tennessee Technology Center between April 1-7, Shelbyville police were told Monday. The computer, which does not belong to TTC, had been brought to the Madison Street school for repairs, police said. The man said he heard knocking on the door while in another room and, moments later, went to his living room to find an acquaintance standing next to the location from which the money was discovered missing, police said...

County to take over Nestledown road work (04/15/09)
Bedford County will be taking care of roads at Nestledown Crossing Subdivision following the signing of an agreed order between a homeowners association and the county. In February, the county commission authorized the county attorney, Ginger Shofner, to negotiate a settlement in the lawsuit filed by attorney Jeff Seckler, his wife, Gina, and the Nestledown Crossing Homeowners Association...

New court date set in vehicular homicide case (04/15/09)
An Oklahoma woman charged with vehicular homicide is still without an attorney and will make another court appearance next Monday. Lisa Marie Ruth, 44, of Boswell, Okla., who was indicted by the Bedford County grand jury in November, will return to court on April 20, after her case was continued by Judge Robert Crigler...

Pilot, student survive crash (04/14/09)
Two men, one a student pilot, walked away after their single-engine plane crashed on the north end of the runway at Shelbyville Municipal Airport late Saturday afternoon. "They were fortunate to survive that crash," airport manager Hank Williamson said. "Skill and cunning got them through it."...

Marijuana found on suspect after traffic stop (04/14/09)
Marijuana was found in a pants pocket in which a suspect allegedly kept placing his hand while being questioned Thursday, Shelbyville police said. Alberto Cardona Gaona, 34, Ranchero Drive, admitted having smoked marijuana before his arrest on multiple charges, police said. Officers reported finding 5.69 grams of marijuana...

County escapes most of storms' wrath (04/12/09)

Pistol taken from home (04/09/09)
A Hi-Point pistol was reported stolen from a Flippo Drive residence early Wednesday, a Bedford County Sheriff's Department report indicates. The home's owner said he arrived at 1:11 a.m. to find a broken window and the gun gone from a hidden location...

CORRECTED: Suspect admits home invasion (04/10/09)
An anonymous tip led Bedford County Sheriff's Department investigators to make an arrest in a frightening home invasion case that occurred two years ago. Adam Keith Stewart, 25, of Huntland, has been charged with aggravated burglary and aggravated assault and was released under $10,000 bond. His first court appearance is set for April 29...

Self-defense classes available for women (04/08/09)
Det. Carol Jean, of the Shelbyville Police Department, is bringing back periodic sexual assault and self-defense classes to the women of Bedford County. The first class will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, at Shelbyville Recreation Center...

Sex offender sentenced to four years (04/08/09)
A Murfreesboro man was sentenced to four years in prison Thursday for charges resulting from an undercover Internet sting by Shelbyville police. Dustin Lee Owens, 26, was sentenced by Judge Lee Russell to serve a pair of two-year terms concurrently for the charge of solicitation of a minor and another two years for the charge of attempted aggravated statutory rape, to be served consecutive to the first two counts...

Cops bust meth lab (04/08/09)
"If you're cooking, we're coming." That's the message the Bedford County Sheriff Department has for those whipping up the dangerous drug methamphetamine, as two more people were arrested Monday and charged with making the substance. Steven Dale Adams, 22, Cedar Grove Road, is charged with initiation of a process intended to result in the manufacture of methamphetamine, possession of schedule IV, possession of schedule II and possession of drug paraphernalia...

Fire damages apartment office (04/08/09)
Far less damage than initially feared occurred when the laundry room/office at Magnolia Village Apartments on Landers Street, caught fire at midday Tuesday. Responding firefighters were notified of a unit "fully involved" at the large complex. They found smoke pouring from the small, stand-alone building, but no residential areas were involved...

Man dies, family hurt in head-on crash (04/07/09)
A Bell Buckle man is dead and a Bedford County family injured as the result of a head-on collision Monday on U.S. 41-A in Moore County. William Alton Mills, 45, of Davis Lane in Bell Buckle, was killed instantly in the crash, which occurred shortly before noon about a mile east of the Bedford County line, State Trooper Jackie Smith said...

Suspected drowning victim still missing (04/07/09)
High water and poor weather continue to hinder the search for a man suspected to have drowned in rain-swollen Duck River two weeks ago, officials say. Epps Matthews, 54, was last seen riding a four-wheeler near his home off Sanders Lane on March 25. The four-wheeler was found in the river March 26...

Pennies gathered to fight child abuse (04/05/09)
Tracy Blessing has seen a lot of lint and tokens for Chuck E. Cheese they days -- and even more pennies. Owner of Toddler Time day care in Shelbyville, Blessing has started a campaign called "Pennies for Prevention," in honor of Child Abuse Awareness month, which began April 1...

Junior's House stands up for child abuse victims (04/05/09)
It was almost 13 years ago when the body of a 6-year-old boy, Junior, was found lying across the hood of a car in Lincoln County. He had been beaten to death. One of the investigators in the case was shaken out of her usual professional detachment by the horror of the scene. Something, she thought, needed to be done...

Sentencing delayed for convicted pedophile (04/03/09)
Sentencing for a former Vanderbilt professor who pled guilty to soliciting sex from a Shelbyville detective who was posing as a 13-year-old girl has been delayed until April 17. Judge Lee Russell will research issues surrounding a psychosexual report on 47-year-old Lason Lain Watai...

Figurine, DVDs stolen from Shelbyville home (04/03/09)
Two DVDs and a praying hands figurine were taken from a home at Circle O Trailer Park, Railroad Avenue, between March 23 and 29, Shelbyville police said. The front door was forced to gain entry, the report said. ■ A brown and white goat, along with a wash tub from which the goat drinks, was stolen Tuesday or Wednesday from outside a Shelbyville Mills Road home, according to police...

Police request four officers from stimulus money (04/02/09)
Shelbyville police asked the City Council Tuesday for the opportunity to hire four additional officers with federal stimulus money. The funds, which would come from the Department of Justice's Community Oriented Policing (COPS) Hiring Recovery Program, via the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, would provide 100 percent funding for three years for newly hired, full time officers...

Drug dog discovers evidence of meth lab (04/01/09)
The keen nose of a K-9 is what led Bedford County sheriff's deputies to a local methamphetamine lab last week, resulting in several arrests. William Robert Haynes. 38, of Neeley Avenue, has been charged with initiating a process intended to result in the manufacture of methamphetamine, promotion of meth, possession of schedule II, possession of schedule V and being a felon in possession of a firearm...

Shelbyville woman charged in Clarksville wreck (04/01/09)
Charges have been filed against a Shelbyville woman who authorities claim caused a wreck on Interstate 24 last October that injured four people. According to The Leaf-Chronicle of Clarksville, Brenda K. Gordon, 43, was arrested and charged with reckless driving and accident involving personal injury...

Teacher-coach in court on exploitation charge (04/01/09)
A former teacher and baseball coach accused of propositioning a person he thought was a 13-year-old girl on the Internet made his first court appearance Tuesday. Joshua Daniel Smith, of Eastman Street, Murfreesboro, is to be represented by the public defender's office and will make his next court appearance on April 28...

Child suffers 'severe' cuts when attacked by dog (04/01/09)
A Shelbyville child was taken to a Nashville hospital for treatment after being bitten in the head and face by a dog Tuesday morning, Shelbyville police said. Kathy Darlene Gonzalez Cabrera, whose age was unavailable, was playing outside her home at an Industrial Parkway trailer park when the dog attacked, Officer Justin Smith said...

Alleged gamblers indicted (03/31/09)
The alleged operators of a gaming house that was raided last year in Shelbyville have been indicted by a federal grand jury. Last Tuesday, Chad and Christina Tucker were indicted in the Eastern District Federal Court in Chattanooga on violation of 18 USC 1955, prohibition of illegal gambling businesses, according to the Shelbyville Police Department...

Search for missing man hindered by high water (03/31/09)
The hunt for 55-year-old Epps Matthews, who went missing last week near the Duck River, continued today, with boats deployed along the waterway and dogs brought in to help with the search. Bedford County Sheriff Randall Boyce said this morning that the Tennessee Valley Authority granted his request to reduce the amount of water let through the gates of Normandy Dam in an effort to make the search easier....

UPDATED: Link Webb hospitalized (03/30/09)
FARMINGTON -- Link Webb, president of the Tennessee Walking Horse Trainers' Association and trainer of current World Grand Champion Santana's El Ni�o, was injured in a one-vehicle crash Friday night and remained hospitalized in Nashville on Monday morning. Lincoln "Link" Eugene Webb, 35, of State Highway 64, proprietor of Webb Stables in Marshall County, was driving home alone after buying tickets to a rodeo for his family, according to his mother-in-law, Elaine Beaty, of Byrdstown....

Child rape suspect bound over to grand jury (03/30/09)
A man accused of child rape has been bound over to the next session of the Bedford County grand jury, while another facing the same charges continues to undergo a mental evaluation. Judge Charles Rich bound over Christopher Aaron Perry, 20, of Bird Street, after hearing testimony from a Shelbyville detective during Perry's preliminary hearing...

May hearing set for 2002 rape suspect (03/29/09)
A preliminary hearing for a Tullahoma man accused of rape and kidnapping has been set for late May. James Lynne Stewart, 51, of South Anderson Street, Tullahoma, will appear on May 29 for the hearing. The purpose of the hearing is to determine if there is sufficient evidence for a judge to bound the case over to a grand jury...

Man uninjured after SUV goes into creek (03/27/09)
Rescuers feared the worst after a Jeep was found in rain-swollen Garrison River off the Bugscuffle Road bridge, near Wartrace, about 5 a.m. today. The driver was later identified as Stephen Graham, 19, of Shelbyville, according to State Trooper Patrick Turner. ...

Search for missing man continues (03/26/09)
Rescue workers continued today searching the banks of rain-swollen Duck River, off Sanders Lane in western Bedford County, for a missing man last seen before Wednesday night's rains. Epps Matthews, whose 55th birthday is today, was last seen by family members about 6 p.m. Wednesday, said Detective Sgt. Brian Farris, of the Bedford County Sheriff's Department....

Break-in suspect seeks lawyer (03/26/09)
A Murfreesboro man charged with breaking into a Unionville residence while a teen girl was home sick told a judge he is trying to hire an attorney to take his case. Larry Randall Henry II, of Crater Road, Murfreesboro, made his first appearance in Bedford County General Sessions court before Judge Charles Rich and will appear again on April 29...

May hearing scheduled for suspect in 2002 rape (03/26/09)
A preliminary hearing for a Tullahoma man accused of rape and kidnapping has been set for late May. James Lynne Stewart, 51, of South Anderson Street, Tullahoma, will appear on May 29 for the hearing. The purpose of the hearing is to determine if there is sufficient evidence for a judge to bound the case over to a grand jury...

Speeding, alcohol odor lead to drug charges (03/26/09)
Speeding and the odor of alcohol led to the arrest of a Rockvale man on drug charges early Tuesday, according to Shelbyville police. Cody Elvis McKenzie, 18, was charged after marijuana and seeds were found in a pants pocket, a set of digital scales with marijuana residue on them was discovered in his vehicle and a "roach" was recovered in an ashtray, police said...

Area man charged with sex crimes (03/25/09)
Shelbyville police investigators have arrested yet another Internet user who allegedly thought he was chatting indecently with an underage girl. According to jail and court records, 27-year-old Joshua Daniel Smith of Eastman St., Murfreesboro, was charged on March 20 with two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and two counts of solicitation of a minor...

Child killed in fall from truck (03/24/09)
An 18-month-old boy was killed on a rural road in the Fosterville area Monday evening after he fell out of his father's pickup truck and was run over, state officials said. Elam W. Ferguson, of Fosterville Road in Bedford County, was killed sometime after 7 p.m. Monday after he fell out of a truck driven by his father, 32-year-old Jeremy D. Ferguson, according to a report by State Trooper Michael Morgan...

DWRA exec, fianc� die in crash (03/24/09)
A Marshall County couple who were engaged to be married died as a result of a one-car crash early Saturday morning at Interstate 65 Exit 37, State Route 50 between Lewisburg and Columbia, according to police reports. Lloyd L. Copeland II, 28, of Lewisburg, was driving the 2006 Mazda owned by his fianc�e, Jillian Garrett, 29, of Chapel Hill, onto the northbound off-ramp at 1:58 a.m. when he apparently lost control while driving around a curve, Highway Patrol dispatcher Jennifer Goodwin said...

Judge reverses state ruling on farm pond (03/24/09)
A Bedford County judge has overturned a decision by the state's environmental agency that fined a local farmer nearly $10,000 for constructing a pond on his land. Chancellor J.B. Cox ruled on March 16 that the Tennessee Water Quality Control Board, a division of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), applied its own views instead of adhering to state law in a case against Bill Lancaster, formerly of State Highway 64 West...

Crash kills Manchester man near Bell Buckle (03/22/09)
Lack of seat belts may have led to the death of a Manchester man in a single-vehicle crash Friday night near Bell Buckle, authorities said. Jerry Dean Swanson, 58, was dead at the scene on State Highway 82 East approximately four miles west of Bell Buckle, Sgt. Nikia Elliott of the Bedford County Sheriff's Department said...

Adult accuse of using MySpace to abuse teens (03/20/09)
A Shelbyville man is in jail under $195,000 bond after he allegedly used the Internet site MySpace to have sexually explicit conversations with local teen girls. James D. Moran Jr., makes his second court appearance on April 15 on eight counts of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor and five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor...

Six arrested in St. Patrick's Day roadblocks (03/20/09)
T-G STAFF REPORTS Two Tennessee Highway Patrol checkpoints held in Bedford County on St. Patrick's Day resulted in six arrests and one vehicle seizure, according to a Tennessee Department of Safety spokesperson. Approximately 1,000 vehicles were checked Tuesday, public information officer Laura McPherson said...

Meth discovered following traffic stop (03/20/09)
Methamphetamine was among substances found in a vehicle during a traffic stop in Shelbyville Wednesday, police said. The drug, which measured as 0.34 grams, was in a package inside a car driven by Devin Glenn Messick, 30, of Manchester, the report said...

Other charges won't be mentioned at Sachs trial (03/19/09)
The attorney for Donald Ray Sachs won a motion to prevent details of other charges from being mentioned in his upcoming murder trial on June 8. Defense attorney Jack Dearing was granted a motion by Judge Robert Crigler that no reference be made about separate rape and kidnapping charges against Sachs while he is on trial for murder...

Girl hides under bed as intruder ransacks home (03/19/09)
A Murfreesboro man has been charged with a daylight home invasion in Unionville in which a 13-year-old girl hid under her grandmother's bed while the man allegedly went through the home. Larry Randall Henry II, of Crater Road, Murfreesboro, has been charged with aggravated burglary, criminal trespassing and vandalism in connection with a break-in on Unionville-Deason Road on Feb. 20...

Central heating unit may move from old hospital to jail (03/19/09)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners' courthouse and county property committee recommended Tuesday night that Bedford County Jail be allowed to take and use a compatible central heat and air conditioning unit from the unused building that formerly housed Bedford County Medical Center...

Homicide suspect appears in court (03/18/09)
An Oklahoma woman charged with vehicular homicide made her first court appearance Monday. Lisa Marie Ruth, 44, of Boswell, Okla., who was indicted by the Bedford County grand jury in November, will return to court on April 13. Ruth was arrested earlier this month in connection with the death of William Howard Cooper. According to the bill issued by the grand jury, Ruth was allegedly intoxicated at the time of the accident...

New trial denied in Ross murder case (03/18/09)
A woman who pleaded guilty to murder charges in 2007 will not get a new trial after her post conviction petition was dismissed Monday. Kimberly Ann Ross claimed that she received inadequate legal representation and was under medication when she pleaded guilty for her part in the 2007 Valentine's Day murder of her husband, Bill, who was shot three times while he slept in his bed at their Wartrace Pike home...

Charges changed in jail rape case (03/17/09)
Superseding indictments were handed down by the Bedford County grand jury on Monday that charge four female inmates at Bedford County Jail with aggravated rape. According to Assistant District Attorney Mike Randles, the new charge will replace the two counts of rape each that faced Brooke L. Whitaker, Brandy M. Holden, Kelly N. Holden and Evetta M. McGee...

Dec pleads for mercy at sentencing hearing (03/17/09)
Walter Dec was sentenced to 12 years in prison after he pleaded guilty earlier this year to possessing thousands of images of child pornography. Dec was arrested July 24 of last year after investigators were tipped off that he allegedly possessed a computer disk containing child pornography. Upon a search of his home, officials say they found boxes of tapes and disks containing thousands of the images...

Video, tip help capture burglary subject (03/17/09)
A video and a tip led to the arrest of a suspect in several vehicle burglaries in an eastern Shelbyville neighborhood, police said. Dragus Montez Dixon, 18, Neeley Avenue, faces multiple charges, Detective Charles Merlo said. "We had about four or five auto burglaries in the Hillcrest Drive area," Merlo said. "One of the victims bought a video camera after he had been burglarized several times. On March 8 (the suspect) was caught on video and could be seen running south...

Head-on crash kills man (03/16/09)
A head-on collision on North Main Street Saturday night left a Shelbyville man dead. John Dwayne Williams, 38, Warners Bridge Road, was killed instantly due to head injuries, accident investigator Lt. Trey Clanton, of the Shelbyville Police Department, said...

Sheriff's office adding crime tip link to web site (03/13/09)
The Bedford County Sheriff's Department wants to enlist the public's help in finding who may be responsible for crimes on their books. Many incidents can be solved with a tip, authorities say. Detective Brian Farris said the department is currently using an anonymous tip phone line, but soon, the sheriff's department's web site, bedfordcountyso.net, will be updated to allow tips to be submitted online...

CORRECTED: Student allegedly carries knife onto bus (03/12/09)
SEE FULL STORY FOR CORRECTION

Suspect arrested in store robbery (03/12/09)
A suspect has been charged in the Sunday robbery of a Shelbyville convenience store. Richard Lowell Blanchard II, 45, of North Main Street, was arrested Tuesday by Shelbyville police, Detective Lt. Pat Mathis said Wednesday. "We were familiar with him and felt like he fit the description," Mathis said. "Brian (Detective Brian Crews) got to working on it and things developed from there."...

Former VU professor admits soliciting sex (03/11/09)
Before his trial began Tuesday morning, a former Vanderbilt University professor pleaded guilty to charges that he solicited sex from a Shelbyville detective who was posing as a 13-year-old girl. Following the reading of the indictments against Lason Lain Watai at the start of his trial, the 47-year-old stood and entered a plea of guilty to all charges -- two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, two counts of solicitation of a minor and attempted aggravated statutory rape...

County, city get $70K in enforcement funds (03/11/09)
Bedford County and the city of Shelbyville will receive a total of nearly $70,000 in federal law enforcement funding, the White House announced Friday. The funding comes from $2 billion in Recovery Act 2009 funding allocations for state and local law enforcement assistance available through the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, which includes over $50.3 million for the state of Tennessee...

UPDATED WITH VIDEO: Clerk fights back, but robber takes money (03/10/09)
The clerk at a Madison Street convenience store didn't take too kindly to being robbed early Sunday, Shelbyville police said. "Open the (cash) drawer, Pops. I don't want to have to cut you but I will," the knife-wielding suspect allegedly told clerk Frank Dickerson at the Kangaroo store at the Madison Street-Deery Street intersection...

Vehicular homicide alleged in 2008 wreck (03/06/09)
A driver accused in connection with a fatal collision in April 2008 in southern Bedford County has been charged with vehicular homicide. Lisa Marie Ruth, 44, of Boswell, Okla., was arrested Wednesday in connection with the death of William Howard Cooper, Bedford County Jail records indicate. Ruth is being held at the jail on $50,000 bond, according to Thursday's jail intake...

Woman escapes blaze (03/05/09)
A fire at a Richmond-area home Wednesday afternoon graphically illustrated the dangers of placing objects too close to a heater, firefighters said. Connie Tucker, Highway 130 West, suffered smoke inhalation when fire broke out in a bedroom, according to Chief Mark Thomas of Volunteer Fire Services Inc...

Two accused of conspiracy against bank (03/03/09)
Two Murfreesboro businessman have been indicted by a federal grand jury on accusations of conspiring to defraud two Bedford County financial institutions in an alleged drug related money laundering scheme. Jeremy Chad Smotherman, owner of Greytlyn Homes, and Michael Bryan Krabousanos, a partner with Smotherman in K&S Group LLC, were accused of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, and engaging in monetary transactions using property that was derived from specified unlawful activity, along with conspiracy to launder proceeds from money derived from drug trafficking.. ...

Investigation delays $23,000 owed school system (03/02/09)
Bedford County School System still hasn't received the $23,000 it is owed by a consulting firm, because the agency which administers the federal E-Rate grant program is investigating the firm and has tied up all of the various claims against it. As the Times-Gazette reported in April 2008, Montgomery, Ala.-based eRate Consulting Services LLC apparently deposited grant funds it had applied for on the county's behalf but did not pass them along to the county. ...

Shelbyville man accused of statutory rape, trespass (03/01/09)
A Shelbyville man is in jail under $100,000 bond in Franklin County after being charged with statutory rape and criminal trespassing. 24-year-old Xavier Jiminez Bencebi, of Cedar Road, was arrested in Estill Springs after deputies in that county obtained information that Bencebi allegedly had sex with a 14-year-old girl...

Tanker truck overturns (02/27/09)
A Kentucky man sustained injuries Thursday when the 18-wheeler he was driving left Highway 82 South and rolled over. Andrew Roberts of Louisville, Ky., was hauling a tanker of ethyl alcohol when he turned over. According to Scott Johnson, director of Bedford County Emergency Management Agency, there was a small leak from the tanker, however, he said it posed "no problem at all."...

Local woman reports abduction, sexual assault (02/27/09)
A Bedford County woman was allegedly abducted and sexually assaulted last week, according to investigators of the Tullahoma Police Department. According to a report by Tullahoma police, a 41-year-old woman said she was in the parking area of Tullahoma Bowling Lanes on Feb. 19 when a white male approached her as she was getting into her parked vehicle and forced her into the car at gunpoint...

Abduction text threats are hoaxes, AEDC says (02/27/09)
Area authorities say that cell phone text messages warning of abductions and rape are a hoax. According to Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) spokesman Joel Fortner, on Wednesday "there were erroneous text messages sent to several residents in our vicinity stating that AEDC has issued a security bulletin advising women to be careful of abductions and heinous crimes happening in our local area."...

Invasion case brought foward (02/26/09)
Two men accused of an armed home invasion in Shelbyville were bound over to the next session of the Bedford County grand jury following a preliminary hearing on Wednesday. Jose Gomez and Wilson Palacio are facing three counts of aggravated robbery over $1,000, aggravated burglary over $1,000 and theft of property over $500 in an incident where the pair allegedly held three children at gunpoint in late January...

Obscenity suspect makes first court stop (02/26/09)
A Shelbyville woman facing obscenity charges involving a minor made her first appearance in court Wednesday and will appear again next month. Carrie Beth Sachs, 19, of Riverview Drive, appeared in General Sessions Court on charges of solicitation of a minor and producing, importing and processing obscene material...

May trial date set for Nichols (02/25/09)
Two days at the end of May have been set as the trial date for a former deputy director of Bedford County Emergency Management Agency accused of embezzlement. Judge Robert Crigler set May 27 and 28 as trial dates for Eugene Nichols, who was named in a 70-count indictment last November...

Inmate rape suspects' trial scheduled for late June (02/25/09)
Four female inmates accused of sexually assaulting a fellow inmate each have all had a trial date set for the end of June. Assistant District Attorney Mike Randles said he will likely move to consolidate the charges against Brooke L. Whitaker, Brandy M. Holden, Kelly N. Holden and Evetta M. McGee during a March 16 pre-trial review...

Two homes burglarized Friday (02/25/09)
Two homes north of Shelbyville were burglarized Friday during daylight hours, the Bedford County Sheriff's Department reported. The burglary occurred between 1 and 3:30 p.m. and a side door was kicked to gain entry, the BCSD said. Drug charges Marijuana charges were filed against two Shelbyville men following separate traffic stops last week, Shelbyville police said...

Internet sex sting case among grand jury indictments (02/24/09)
The first meeting of the year for Bedford County's grand jury resulted in 63 indictments against 24 people Monday, including a man Shelbyville police say was caught in an undercover Internet sex sting. Frank E. Crawford, 37, of Springfield, was indicted on two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and two counts of solicitation of a minor. He is currently free on $50,000 bond...

Online sex suspect in jail until passport is produced (02/22/09)
A former Vanderbilt University instructor who faces sexually related charges was taken into custody and will not be released until he surrenders his passport. Lason Lain Watai, 48, of Nashville, faces a March 10 trial on two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, two counts of solicitation of a minor and attempted aggravated statutory rape as the result on an online sting conducted by Shelbyville police...

Bus driver's son takes control as mom falters (02/19/09)
A routine morning bus route turned into a frightening and potentially dangerous situation for driver Tonya Smithey, her son Hunter, and about 70 Community Elementary and High School students earlier this month. Tonya was nearly finished with her route when she began sweating, and feeling weak and light headed...

Complaint alleges attorney pointed gun at client (02/19/09)
A complaint was filed against a Shelbyville attorney last week that accused him of pointing a pistol at two clients. According to a police report filed Feb. 12, Alfred English was accused of pointing a small silver handgun at Joshua and Linda Hendon at the office of English & English on North Brittain Street. No charges have been filed in the incident....

Home invasion suspects in court (02/18/09)
Two men charged with an armed home invasion last month had their first court appearance Tuesday and will return to court next week. Jose Gomez and Wilson Palacio are scheduled to appear in General Sessions Court Feb. 25 at 1 p.m. The pair are both charged with three counts of aggravated robbery over $1,000, aggravated burglary over $1,000 and theft of property over $500...

Islamic subversion alleged by speaker (02/17/09)
A former FBI special agent told law enforcement and Homeland Security personnel that a network of Islamic organizations are working to incrementally implement Islamic law in the United States. During a presentation at the Bedford County Emergency Management Agency, former FBI agent John Guandolo briefed members about groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood, which he claims is working with other Islamic groups to slowly implement Shariah, also known as Islamic law, which encompasses all areas of life.. ...

Winds hit home: Shelbyville family displaced (02/12/09)
A young family of five was left temporarily homeless Wednesday after high winds toppled an oak tree onto their Ranchero Drive mobile home. "They called us at work," said Faviola Castillo, who works at Tennessee Apparel in Tullahoma with her husband. Sergio. "The children were in school."...

Marijuana confiscated from counterfeiting suspect (02/10/09)
A man who allegedly passed a counterfeit $20 bill at Wendy's, Madison Street, was in possession of marijuana upon arrest several blocks down the street at McDonald's, police said. As officers were at Wendy's, Sgt. Charles Kimbril radioed that he was at McDonald's behind a vehicle that matched the description of the suspect's car...

Two Bemis workers seriously burned in fire (02/09/09)
An flash fire at Bemis Custom Products this weekend resulted in two workers receiving serious burns and being airlifted to Nashville. One worker is in critical condition and the other is listed as stable, a company official said. The company would not identify the workers. Sheriff Randall Boyce said two workers had to be flown by Vanderbilt LifeFlight helicopter to a Nashville hospital following the incident on Saturday for what he described as severe burns...

Online predator admits contacting '13-year-old' (02/08/09)
A Murfreesboro man faces an April 2 sentencing hearing after pleading guilty to charges resulting from an undercover Internet sting. Dustin Lee Owens, 25, made an open plea of guilty Thursday to two counts of solicitation of a minor and attempted aggravated statutory rape...

Shelbyville man charged in Nashville holdup (02/05/09)
A man with Shelbyville connections has been charged with an armed robbery of a Nashville convenience store, and officials say more charges are pending. Johnny Wayne Martin, 50, who gave an address of Warrior Drive in Murfreesboro, was taken into custody Tuesday night at a Shelbyville residence by Sgt. Josh Tolar and Deputy Benjamin Burris, of the Bedford County Sheriff's Department, and Lt. Mike Baker of the Shelbyville Police Department...

Too good to be true? Probably ... (02/05/09)
In a time of economic turmoil, it's perhaps not surprising that some people would jump at the chance to receive a quick and unexpected prize. The trouble is, scam artists know that too, and they're only too happy to prey on the hopes and fears of average citizens...

Shelbyville man suspected in Nashville robberies (02/04/09)
A man with Shelbyville connections has been charged with an armed robbery of a Nashville convenience store, and officials say more charges are pending. Johnny Wayne Martin, 50, who gave an address of Warrior Drive in Murfreesboro, was taken into custody Tuesday night at a relative's home in Shelbyville by Sgt. Josh Tolar and Deputy Benjamin Burris, of the Bedford County Sheriff's Department, and Lt. Mike Baker of the Shelbyville Police Department...

Gangs suspected in weekend vandalism spree (02/04/09)
A weekend "tagging" spree on the east side of Shelbyville may be gang-related, and officials are asking for the public's help in tracking down those responsible. Shelbyville's Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information. A total of 18 buildings -- either local businesses and abandoned structures -- were vandalized between Saturday and Sunday, including some locations on the Celebration grounds...

EMA workers offer helping hands to Kentucky storm victims (02/03/09)
Bedford County has been lucky when it comes to winter storms this year� but that doesn't mean the Emergency Management Agency gets to take a break. "We got the call from the Tennessee EMA -- TEMA -- and they're putting together, I believe it was four teams, to help in Western Kentucky," said Scott Johnson, EMA director...

Vandals leave graffiti trail at Celebration (02/03/09)
Vandals struck at the Celebration grounds in the early hours Monday, leaving graffiti behind. "It was mostly just paint," said Jimmy Burton, area marketing manager for the Calsonic Arena, as well as the spokesman for the Celebration. He said some of the lattice work around one of the barns looked as though it had been vandalized, but there appeared to be no serious, structural damage...

'Joke' taken seriously as toy gun scares victim (02/03/09)
A Shelbyville man who allegedly pulled a realistic-appearing toy handgun at a friend in the parking lot of Ruby Tuesday on North Main Street Friday night told police he was "playing a joke." But the friend told police she and other occupants in her vehicle, including two small children, felt endangered by the alleged actions of Jeffrey Dwayne Holman, 18, of South Brittain Street...

Deputy, DCS at odds over handling of case (02/01/09)
No heat. No food. And three kids in the house. This situation that would anger anyone, but a sheriff's department official says she is enraged over the case, claiming that the Department of Children Services hasn't lifted a finger to help the children involved...

Convicted man's run for freedom quickly halted (01/30/09)
A man standing trial Thursday on sexually related charges apparently decided he didn't like the outcome and attempted to make a run for it. According to Assistant District Attorney Mike Randles, Derek Alton Badger, 25, of El Bethel Road was found guilty Thursday of aggravated sexual battery. The victim was a 4-year-old girl...

Continuance granted in rape-kidnapping case (01/30/09)
A Tullahoma man accused of a 2002 rape and kidnapping in Bedford County was granted a continuance and will appear in court next month. James Lynne Stewart, 51, of South Anderson Street, Tullahoma, is facing charges of aggravated rape, especially aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault and theft over $500...

Another home burglarized during day (01/30/09)
The latest in an ongoing series of daylight home burglaries occurred Wednesday, according to Shelbyville police. A large amount of jewelry and a laptop computer were stolen from a residence on Trinity Road in the Green Hills area of northwest Shelbyville, police said...

Still no funds for EMS crew (01/28/09)
Bedford County Emergency Medical Services will move its office staff from Union Street to its new building in Airport Industrial Park, next door to Heritage Medical Center, but for now the county can't afford to hire an additional crew in order to station an ambulance there...

Two accused of grabbing robber's lost cash (01/28/09)
Some of the money stolen from First Community Bank last week has been recovered and two arrests have been made, but police are still hunting for the man who performed the robbery itself. The moral of the story appears to be this: Don't pick up money stained with dye in front of a bank that has just been held up...

Home invasion suspect arrested (01/28/09)
One man has been arrested and warrants have been issued for an alleged gunman involved in a home invasion last week. Authorities are searching for Wilson Palacio, 22, of Smyrna, whom Shelbyville police have identified as the man who held three children at gunpoint last Tuesday on Riverview Drive...

Statutory rape case dismissed (01/23/09)
A statutory rape case against a foster mother was dismissed Thursday after the alleged victim suddenly changed his story on the stand, throwing the trial into disarray. Invoking Rule 29, Judge Lee Russell announced after a day of testimony that he was dismissing the case against 33-year-old Jennifer Renee McWhirter of Bell Buckle involving two counts of statutory rape by an authority figure...

Cases continued against men charged with child rape (01/22/09)
Two men accused of multiple counts of rape of a child have had their cases continued, with one undergoing a mental evaluation in Chattanooga. 79-year-old J.W. Frazier, of Carney Street, is currently in custody at Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute where evaluations are continuing, according to General Sessions Court Clerk Thomas Smith...

Home invaders rob children at gunpoint (01/22/09)
Three terrified children were robbed at gunpoint at their family's Riverview Drive home Tuesday, Shelbyville police said. As one man held a gun on the children -- the oldest who is 14 -- during the entire ordeal while telling them not to be afraid, a second man took jewelry off the victims and from the home along with their cell phones and a video camera, police said. Total loss was over $3,500, according to the police report...

Fleeing bank robber leaves money trail (01/21/09)
A man who robbed First Community Bank's main office on Elm Street at midday Tuesday got away with less money than he hoped, according to police. Shelbyville police officers recovered over $600 scattered along the robber's getaway route, Detective Sgt. Brian Crews said...

Steel angles taken from new school (01/18/09)
A pallet containing 252 steel angles to be used in construction of Learning Way Elementary School was taken in late September, Shelbyville police were told Thursday. The angles were worth approximately $7,000 total, a representative of American Contractors Inc. said...

Television set, tools among stolen items (01/16/09)
The report indicated a door was forced to gain entry. Jail intake The following were arrested since Monday by the Shelbyville Police Department, Bedford County Sheriff's Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol or 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force and processed through Bedford County Jail. They are only charged; guilt or innocence will be determined by the courts...

Shelbyville man charged with bigamy (01/15/09)
A Bedford County man was in court for his first appearance Wednesday on charges of bigamy, the crime of having more than one wife or husband at the same time. James Norman Pollock Jr., 39, of Wartrace/Bell Buckle Road was arrested Dec. 9 on the single count. The warrant against Pollock was filed Nov. 7 of last year...

Riddle pleads guilty in murder case (01/14/09)
LYNCHBURG -- Jacob Wayne "Jake" Riddle will serve 15 years in prison after pleading guilty Tuesday to second degree murder in the stabbing death of Joseph Timothy Floyd of Wartrace. As tearful members of the Floyd family looked on, Riddle admitted his guilt in the Feb. 2, 2008, slaying before Judge Robert Crigler, who asked Riddle a series of questions about his plea, such if he understood his decision and if it was made of his own free will...

Parker Brothers' trial scheduled for May (01/14/09)
A trial date has been set for two brothers facing a variety of charges stemming from an incident at Duck River Speedway last summer. Judge Robert Crigler set May 11-13 trial dates for Marvin Bobby Parker and his brother, Michael Ray Parker. Marvin is facing two counts of aggravated assault, three counts of reckless endangerment and one count of assault, while Michael has been charged with one count of aggravated assault...

Sexual exploitation suspect bound over to Grand Jury (01/14/09)
A legal assistant for TennCare who allegedly admitted to sexually related chats on a state-owned computer waived his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday and will be bound over to the Bedford County grand jury. Frank E. Crawford, 37, of Springfield, was arrested Nov. 4 and charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and two counts of solicitation of a minor...

New EMS building idle due to budget contraints (01/13/09)
Bedford County Emergency Medical Services' new headquarters and ambulance station sits idle next door to Heritage Medical Center, but Director Chad Graham hopes to talk to the county's Financial Management Committee about options for opening it. Graham reported on the issue to the BCEMS board, which met Monday night...

Thief smashes store window to steal drugs (01/13/09)
Over 3,000 Loritabs were taken by a thief who smashed the drive-up window at Bedford Drugs, North Main Street, police said. The burglary was reported Monday by a passerby who said he saw a man kicking an object, which was later discovered to be a hammer, underneath the broken window...

Stabbing plea bargain falls through (01/12/09)
LYNCHBURG -- A weekend plea agreement fell through Saturday in the case involving last year's slaying of Joseph Timothy Floyd of Wartrace. Floyd's family members, as well as relatives of Jacob Wayne "Jake" Riddle, accused of stabbing Floyd, gathered at the Moore County courthouse early Saturday to hear if Riddle would take a rumored plea deal and avoid his upcoming trial, which is set for Jan. 20...

More Shelbyville homes entered during day (01/11/09)
Two Shelbyville homes were entered between 8 a.m. and noon Thursday in the latest of a wave of daytime home burglaries, police said. Entry was gained by forcing a door, according to the report. Storage unit entered Most of the contents of a unit at Storage Express, North Main Street, were stolen between Dec. 12 and Thursday, police said...

Riddle murder trial moved up one day (01/09/09)
The murder trial of a Tullahoma man accused of stabbing Joseph Timothy Floyd of Wartrace has been moved ahead one day. Jury selection has been set for Friday, Jan. 16, with opening arguments commencing Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 9 a.m. at the Moore County Courthouse in Lynchburg in the case against Jacob Wayne "Jake" Riddle...

One of charges against foster mom won't be pursued (01/09/09)
One of the charges against a foster mother accused of sexual relations with a teenager in her care will not be heard at her upcoming trial. Following a pre-trial conference Thursday, Judge Lee Russell announced that one of the three charges of statutory rape by an authority figure against 33-year-old Jennifer Renee McWhirter would not be presented during her trial, which begins Thursday, Jan. 22...

Robber cuts woman while taking purse (01/09/09)
Two intruders, one brandishing a knife, robbed a Pickle Street resident in her apartment Wednesday, Shelbyville police said. The victim told police two men forced their way through the back door, demanded her purse and knocked her to the floor. One of the men cut the victim on her upper left arm with the knife as she fell, police said. She was treated at the scene by Bedford County Emergency Medical Service but refused further assistance, according to police...

Woman awakens to stranger holding knife (01/08/09)
A Shelbyville woman told police she was awakened by a stranger holding a knife to her throat in her Quarry Street home early Wednesday. The woman described the suspect as a Hispanic female wearing a brown sweater and blue jeans. No demands were made by the suspect, who left when the victim awoke about 4 a.m., police said...

Groundbreaking at Tennessee Fallen Firefighter Memorial (01/06/09)
Groundbreaking ceremonies were held Monday afternoon for the Tennessee Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of Clarence "Pete" Phillips Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy on Unionville-Deason Road....

Good deed turns sour: Attack, robbery results (01/05/09)
A man who offered a ride to a pedestrian on New Year's Eve night told Shelbyville police the rider attacked and robbed him. The victim drove the walker, a man, to Riverwalk Park where he was attacked, police said. The suspect began beating and kicking the victim in the presence of four to five men and a woman, then took his wallet, cell phone and an unrevealed amount of money and slashed his car's tires, according to police...

No excuses: Doctors, lawyers, seniors face jury duty (01/05/09)
A new law that took effect Jan. 1 eliminates several automatic exemptions from jury duty, meaning that persons over 65, doctors and lawyers will now have to serve. "No one can be excused now," said Circuit Court Clerk Thomas Smith, simply based on their age or occupation. Exceptions will be granted for medical hardship -- requiring a doctor's recommendation -- or for certain other hardship cases...

Memorial to honor fallen firefighters (01/04/09)
Firefighters and dignitaries from across Tennessee will be in attendance for the long-awaited groundbreaking ceremony for the Tennessee Fallen Firefighter Memorial, according to a Fire Service press release. Located on the grounds of the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy in Deason, the TFFM will honor the many men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities and neighbors...

Video on T-G website helps solve crime (01/02/09)
"The Times-Gazette solved this one." Detective Brian Crews of the Shelbyville Police Department said this Wednesday morning after property was recovered and two suspects arrested for a crime that was caught on video and posted on the T-G's website Monday afternoon...

Woman who spread HIV leaves prison (12/31/08)
A woman who knowingly spread the deadly HIV virus to sexual partners in Bedford and Marshall counties 10 years ago has been released from prison. Pamela Wiser of Lewisburg was sentenced to 26.5 years in prison in 1999 for exposing her sexual partners to the virus...

Client's wallet stolen at DHS office (12/31/08)
A client at the Department of Human Services told Shelbyville police her wallet was taken after it fell from her clothing Tuesday at the DHS office. The victim said the wallet, which was found in the parking lot without the money moments later, apparently fell from a coat pocket as she tended to a child...

Cops intend to win New Year's Eve battle (12/30/08)
Those who are thinking about drinking and driving on New Year's Eve had best think again, say local law enforcement agencies. The Shelbyville Police Department and the Bedford County Sheriff's Department will have extra help Wednesday night for the sole purpose of getting the drunk drivers off the roads and into the jail...

VIDEO: Police seek information on coin laundry theft (12/29/08)

Four jail rape suspects indicted by grand jury (12/28/08)
Four female inmates are each facing two counts of rape as the Bedford County grand jury handed down a series of indictments Monday. Brooke L. Whitaker, Brandy M. Holden, Kelly N. Holden and Evetta M. McGee were indicted on two counts of rape each for an incident that allegedly occured in Bedford County Jail last summer...

Dismissal motion for Dec refused by judge (12/26/08)
Judge Robert Crigler denied a motion Monday to dismiss charges against a man who was allegedly found possessing thousands of child pornography images. Instead, Walter Jude Dec will appear in court on Jan. 12 so his defense attorneys can have more time to do legal research into his case...

Sachs trial set for June 8 (12/24/08)
A trial date of June 8 has been set for Donald Ray Sachs, who is accused of the murder of a homeless woman this past summer. However, charges against Sachs involving the alleged kidnapping and rape of another woman will be heard at another date. Sachs appeared briefly in court Monday and defense attorney Jack Dearing said that would take the case to a jury...

McGee guilty plea ends 42-year ordeal (12/23/08)
"We've waited 42 years for this day," said Carolyn. "We thank God it's over with." The sister of Deborah Ray, who did not reveal her last name to a Times-Gazette reporter, choked back tears as the decades-long ordeal to bring her sibling's killer to justice finally came to an end Monday...

Hill sentenced in Brown accident death (12/23/08)
The man responsible for the vehicular homicide death of a Unionville man was sentenced to 14 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to charges on Monday. Kimery Wayne Hill showed little emotion as Judge Robert Crigler handed down the 14-year sentence for the vehicular homicide charge and eight counts of reckless endangerment...

Cook denied new trial in Ross death (12/23/08)
Two women who were found guilty in the shooting death of Bill Ross appeared in court Monday to made motions. Defense attorney Jack Dearing made a motion for a new trial for Ashley Mai Cook, who was convicted in October of shooting the Shelbyville auto salesman three times on Valentine's Day 2007...

Murder cases on court agenda (12/22/08)
It was expected to be a busy day for Judge Robert Crigler today in Bedford County Circuit Court, with a variety of major cases coming before him including two defendants charged with murder. McGee Will Edward McGee make a plea today or go to trial? That's a question court observers have been asking about the 42-year-old murder case...

Net solicitation suspect opts for trial (12/21/08)
A Nashville man declined a settlement offer from the district attorney's office Friday and will go to trial next March to answer charges he solicited someone he believed to be a 13-year-old girl on the Internet. The target was actually a Shelbyville police officer...

Three accused of buying meth ingredient (12/19/08)
Three persons face drug-related charges after allegedly purchasing a key ingredient used to manufacturing methamphetamine Wednesday, Shelbyville police say. A traffic stop resulted in the arrest of Melanie Lavine Farley, 49, and Teresa Michelle Major, 28, both of Sparta, and Scottie Nolan Tabor, 37, of Crossville, records indicate...

Officer: Charges to be filed in accident (12/18/08)
Investigation continues into the traffic death of Ahmed Ali Elmi, 31, of Nashville, who was killed Saturday morning north of Shelbyville, police say. Shelby Tyson, 17, Carr Creek Road, was seriously injured after she lost control of her pickup truck and smashed head-on into the Elmi car shortly before 6 a.m. on U.S. 231 North at Whiteside Road, officers said...

VIDEO: Police seek ID on cigarette thieves (12/16/08)
Shelbyville Police Department released a security camera video of a theft of cigarettes Friday night from Murphy Oil in the Wal-Mart shopping center. Detective Charles Merlo describes its contents: . ...

Head-on crash takes Nashville man's life (12/14/08)
A Nashville man was killed in a two-vehicle accident on U.S. 231 North in Shelbyville early Saturday. Ahmed Ali Elmi, 31, was dead at the scene, accident investigator Matt Griffy of the Shelbyville Police Department said. Elmi's small car and a full-size pickup truck driven by Shelby Tyson, 17, Carr Creek Road, collided at the intersection of U.S. 231 North and Whiteside Road shortly before 6 a.m., police said...

Jail rape case bound over (12/14/08)
While her alleged attackers giggled in court, a woman who claims she was raped inside the Bedford County jail gave graphic testimony in a preliminary hearing Thursday, which concluded in four inmate suspects being bound over to the grand jury. Evetta M. McGee is facing charges of rape, while Brooke L. Whitaker has been charged with criminal responsibility for rape. Kelly N. Dodson and Brandy M. Holden are both facing charges of criminal responsibility for facilitation of a felony...

City police search for robbery suspect (12/14/08)
Shelbyville police are looking for a man who allegedly robbed Tennessee Title Loans on Thursday. Michelle Hamlin told police that a black male wearing a white hooded sweatshirt with a camouflage mask or scarf over his face "came into the store and told her that he wanted all of the money she had in her desk drawer."...

Car wash hit by three thefts (12/14/08)
National Car Wash on Madison Street has been the site of three separate incidents of theft, Shelbyville police are reporting. Someone entered the control panel and bill acceptors on Dec. 7, 8 and 9, according to the manager, and removed money. Police have been given the names of suspects who recently ceased their employment at the car wash...

Man injured in Wednesday wreck (12/11/08)
A Shelbyville man was injured in a single vehicle accident Wednesday afternoon on Halls Mill Road. 18-year-old Joshua Gobel was transported to Heritage Medical Center after being cut out of his car, which had slammed sideways into a tree. Officers at the scene said Gobel was fortunate that he did not strike the tree directly at the driver's door...

Wartrace man killed when motorcycle collides with feed truck (12/09/08)
A Wartrace man died early Monday afternoon when his Suzuki SV6 motorcycle collided with a Tyson feed truck at 5099 Highway 64 east, in front of the Jimmy Hawkins Farm.... John Stanley Douglas, 46, was killed instantly, said Tennessee State Trooper Chad McAnally. Read more in Tuesday's Times-Gazette.

Two sentenced in online sex sting (12/08/08)
Two men were sentenced to jail time Thursday after pleading guilty to soliciting a 13-year-old girl on the Internet who was actually a Shelbyville police officer posing as a child. 45-year-old Hoppy Joe Brown of Savannah, Tenn., will serve 9 months after pleading guilty to several charges in relation to the electronic sting...

Parker brothers must decide on plan by January (12/07/08)
Jan. 8 will be an important day for an auto racer and his brother, as they will face the decision whether to make a plea or go to trial in a case stemming from an incident at Duck River Speedway this past summer. Marvin Bobby Parker is facing two counts of aggravated assault, three counts of reckless endangerment and one count of assault. His brother, Michael Ray Parker, has been charged with one count of aggravated assault...

Robbery suspect arrested near store (12/07/08)
A suspect was charged following the robbery of a Madison Street convenience store early Friday, Shelbyville police said. Edward Lewis Allen, 51, Lane Parkway, is accused of entering the Kangaroo store at the Madison-South Hillcrest Drive intersection about 3 a.m., threatening the clerk and demanding money from the cash register...

Foster mom case will go to jury trial (12/05/08)
A foster mother accused of having sex with a male teenager in her care decided Thursday to take her chances with a jury and has had a trial date set. Jennifer Renee McWhirter, 33, of Mountain View Road, Bell Buckle, is scheduled to stand trial on Jan. 22, 2009, for three counts of statutory rape by an authority figure and one count of criminal responsibility for facilitation of a felony...

Repeat offender faces jail for drag race death (12/05/08)
A Shelbyville man with an extensive record of traffic offenses was given the maximum sentence for drag racing in an incident that claimed the life of another driver. Michael Anthony Campbell, 33, was sentenced Thursday by Judge Lee Russell to the maximum of six months in jail for drag racing without serious bodily injury...

Unionville man killed in accident (12/04/08)
A Unionville man died in a single-vehicle accident early Thursday north of El Bethel, authorities said. Michael Jason Thompson, 25, was killed on U.S. 41-A North near the Old Unionville Road intersection, a dispatcher for the Tennessee Highway Patrol said...

Suspect charged in '02 rape, kidnapping (12/04/08)
A Tullahoma man who has been charged with a 2002 rape and kidnapping in Bedford County was appointed an attorney and will appear in court next month. James Lynne Stewart, 51, of South Anderson Street, Tullahoma, is facing charges of aggravated rape, especially aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault and theft over $500...

Marijuana, gun in car lead to charges (12/03/08)
Drug and weapons charges were filed against a Shelbyville man following a traffic stop Monday night. Westley B. Wilson III, Bird Street, allegedly had a hand-rolled marijuana cigarette on the front seat of his car and a loaded .38 Colt Special gun under the seat, police said...

Robber strikes victim in head with bottle (12/02/08)
A man was robbed of his wallet and truck keys outside a North Hillcrest Drive home Saturday, Shelbyville police said. The man was struck in the head with a beer bottle during the attack, police said, and suffered a knot on his head and cut finger from the bottle but refused treatment...

Three suspects arrested during THP checkpoint (11/26/08)
A total of three arrests and 26 citations was the result of a sobriety checkpoint conducted by the Tennessee Highway Patrol last Friday. And the troopers will be out in force during the Thanksgiving weekend as well to keep the roadways safe. According to information provided by the THP, the checkpoint took place a short distance south of Mullins Mill Road on U.S. 41-A South from 9 to 11 p.m...

TennCare worker charged in sex sting (11/23/08)
An undercover investigation targeting child sex offenders on the Internet has resulted in the arrest by Shelbyville authorities of a state worker who allegedly admitted to sexually related chats on a state-owned computer. Frank E. Crawford, 37, of Springfield, was arrested Nov. 4 and charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and two counts of solicitation of a minor...

Hidden marijuana found during traffic stop (11/20/08)
A passenger in a truck stopped for an alleged traffic violation Tuesday night on East Depot Street was arrested after admitting he hid a bag of marijuana, Shelbyville police said. Wendell Eugene Nelson, 43, Highway 130 West, allegedly admitted ownership of a bag of rolling papers noticed by Officer Darrell Birdsong, then, when questioned, said he'd hidden the marijuana under a seat...

Drowning victim's body found (11/20/08)
The search for a man missing since Halloween came to an end Tuesday as authorities recovered his body from the Duck River. The remains of 26-year-old Randy Marbry of Scales Road were found Tuesday by officials who had been hunting for the man since the first of November...

Former EMA official accused of embezzlement (11/20/08)
The former deputy director of Bedford County Emergency Management Agency was named in a 70-count indictment claiming embezzlement, according to law enforcement and court sources. Eugene Nichols turned himself in to the Bedford County Sheriffs Department Tuesday after he was charged with theft of property and forgery, according to Kristen Helms of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation...

Gambling suspects' cases continued (11/20/08)
A number of cases related to a gaming house raid in August have been continued until next year, according to court officials. Seven individuals facing felony charges in the raid will appear in General Sessions court on Jan. 30. James and Christina Tucker, the alleged operators of the gaming establishment, were in court briefly Tuesday and were seen in consultation with their attorney, Clay Parker...

BREAKING NEWS: Former EMA director charged with embezzlement (11/19/08)
The former assistant director of the Bedford County Emergency Management Agency is facing charges of embezzlement, according to law enforcement. Eugene Nichols turned himself in Tuesday after he was charged with theft of property and forgery, said Kristen Helms of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation...

Race track assault suspects indicted (11/19/08)
Bedford County's grand jury met Monday and handed down 46 indictments to 12 people, including assault charges against two brothers for an incident at a local race track this past summer. Marvin Bobby Parker was indicted for two counts of aggravated assault, three counts of reckless endangerment and one count of assault. His brother, Michael Ray Parker, was charged with one count of aggravated assault...

Child pornography case continued (11/19/08)
The case against a man allegedly found with thousands of images containing child pornography has had his case continued until Dec. 22. Walter Jude Dec was charged with 41 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor in July after investigators were tipped off that he allegedly possessed a computer disk containing child pornography...

Home burglar escapes as resident returns (11/19/08)
A Fairfield Pike resident apparently caught a burglar in the act Monday. The man told Shelbyville police he returned home at 10:30 a.m., noticed a car in his driveway and asked the occupant, who was in the passenger seat, what they needed. After being told the persons in the car were supposedly looking for a place in the area that sold puppies, the homeowner went inside to get a phone number and location. When he came back outside, the car was leaving...

Cook sentenced to life in prison (11/18/08)
With prosecutors saying she "should be put away from society forever," Ashley Mai Cook was sentenced to life in prison for first degree murder, plus 20 years for conspiracy to commit first degree murder on Monday. The sentences are to be served concurrently...

Three slaying cases delayed (11/18/08)
Three Bedford County slaying cases have been delayed, including the 42-year-old murder case involving Edward McGee, which has been delayed for another month, the district attorney said Monday. McGee was bound over by the Bedford County grand jury last month for the 1966 slaying of 9-year-old Deborah Ray. McGee has already served more than 40 years for the murder of 8-year-old Phyllis Seibers, which was committed on the same day as the Ray killing, Dec. 18, 1966...

Sliding tires alert officer to accident (11/13/08)
An officer-witnessed traffic accident resulted in one driver's injury and the other's arrest for DUI Tuesday night. James Robert Wheeler told police he was suffering neck pain after his truck was rear-ended on Madison Street at Deery Street by a truck driven by Stacey Marie Wilson, 26, Gunter Building Apartments, Officer Jerry Draine's report said. Wheeler was taken to Heritage Medical Center...

Decision on foster mom set for December (11/07/08)
A foster mother facing charges of having sexual relations with a boy in her care will either make a plea or have a trial date set next month. Meanwhile, one man pled guilty to charges of soliciting a minor over the Internet and three others are facing similar charges...

Gang 'wanna-bes' leaving their mark in Shelbyville (11/04/08)
The strange-looking words have been appearing on the sides of buildings all over Shelbyville over the past few months. To some, it looks like just harmless vandalism -- but to law enforcement, it's the first stage of a problem that has increasingly plagued other towns and cities in Tennessee over the past few years: The dilemma of gangs...

Mail being stolen repeatedly from box (10/30/08)
Mail is repeatedly being stolen from a box at the entrance to Sherwood Trailer Park, North Hillcrest Drive, Shelbyville police were told Monday. The owners said a lock had been broken. Jail intake The following were arrested since Monday by the Bedford County Sheriff's Department, Shelbyville Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol or 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force and processed through Bedford County Jail. ...

Red Cross provides disaster relief (10/28/08)
"Blood, military, and disasters -- that's what we do," said Greg King, of the American Red Cross Heart of Tennessee chapter, which is based in Murfreesboro and which includes Bedford County in its service area. The chapter, a United Way member agency, is a humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance and disaster relief....

Bike rider robbed; suspect arrested (10/28/08)
A suspect has been charged in the robbery of a bicyclist on Thompson Street Sunday night. Demario Jaquece Edwards, 20, Fairground Heights, allegedly took a cell phone, wallet and $10 bill from the man, Shelbyville police said. The victim told police he was riding northbound when a gold Buick pulled alongside. Edwards allegedly got out, told the man, "You know what this is," struck him twice in the face with his fist, removed everything from his pockets and drove away, police said...

Young faces 30 years for Ross murder (10/24/08)
A former Marshall County High School student who was charged in the 2007 shooting death of a Shelbyville car salesman pleaded guilty Monday and was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Jason Young, 21, of Lewisburg, will be nearly 47 years old when he might be put on parole, District Attorney Chuck Crawford said of the last of three defendants to be convicted for the murder of Bill Ross on Valentine's Day 2007...

Deputy injured as suspect flees (10/23/08)
A fleeing suspect left an injured deputy in his wake Wednesday while escaping Bedford County Courthouse. Randy Allen Ray, 26, Baker Street, was arrested without incident at a Germantown Road residence early Wednesday night by Cpl. Kent Jacobs of the Bedford County Sheriff's Department, authorities said...

McGee denies guilt in 1966 murder case (10/22/08)
Edward McGee, the man charged with the 1966 slaying of 9-year-old Deborah Ray, was arraigned this week in Bedford County. McGee, who served more than 40 years for the murder of Ray's cousin, 8-year-old Phyllis Seibers, pleaded not guilty. His next court appearance will be Nov. 17...

Serious accident leads to DUI charge (10/21/08)
One victim of a Friday night car crash in front of Heritage Medical Center is seriously injured and the man who allegedly caused it is in jail, Shelbyville police said Monday. Mildred Misch is listed in critical condition in Vanderbilt University Medical Center's trauma center, a hospital spokesperson said. She was flown from Heritage after initial treatment, authorities said...

Firefighters have TUFF time at competition (10/20/08)
Approximately 200 firefighters from across the state converged on the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy on Unionville-Deason Road Sept. 29 for the fifth annual Tennessee Ultimate Firefighter (TUFF) Challenge. The firefighters, including representatives of Shelbyville Fire Department and Unionville Volunteer Fire Department, competed in timed relay events in five categories, including ventilation, hose hoisting and climbing, victim rescue, forcible entry and a hose advance evolution, all of which simulate what they might have to do in a real emergency.. ...

Crash takes man's life (10/19/08)
A single-vehicle accident on Nashville Dirt Road took the life of a Shelbyville man late Friday afternoon, according to officials. David Michael Cochran, 23, of Cessna Lane, died at the scene, State Trooper Chad McAnally said. Cochran's Pontiac Grand Prix left the paved roadway and slid into a large tree, impacting hard on the driver's side door...

Stolen valuables found during drug search (10/18/08)
Investigators searching a home for drugs Friday discovered many valuable items allegedly stolen from an older Shelbyville couple, a Bedford County investigator said. Sherry Lynn Pope, 42, and James Everett Ferguson, 45, were arrested at their Richdale Lane home, Detective Sgt. David Sakich of the Bedford County Sheriff's Department said...

Fire official outlines department's progress (10/17/08)
Assistant Fire Chief Brian Nicholson spoke to the Breakfast Rotary Wednesday, extolling the virtues of fire prevention, and giving credit to the work done by Shelbyville Fire Department. "We take the fight to the fire," Nicholson said. "We are not street fighters."...

Judiciary court reprimands Judge Rich (10/17/08)
Bedford County General Sessions Judge Charles Rich was reprimanded this week by Tennessee Court of the Judiciary over a juvenile court case. The matter involved the child support case of Rhonda Jones that was before Rich. According to the letter of reprimand from Don R. Ash, presiding judge of the Court of the Judiciary, the letter was signed "pursuant to your agreement with the Investigative Panel of this Court."...

Woman sentenced for felony drug fraud (10/17/08)
A Bedford County woman has been sentenced after pleading guilty to TennCare fraud. Amanda S. Reid, 24, of Shelbyville, pleaded guilty to two counts of felony TennCare fraud and three counts of sale of a controlled substance, according to the Office of Inspector General (OIG)...

Charges pending in I-24 accident (10/17/08)
Charges are pending against against a Shelbyville woman who authorities claim allegedly caused a wreck on Interstate 24 that injured four people. According to The Leaf-Chronicle of Clarksville, the Tennessee Highway Patrol said 41-year-old Brenda K. Gordon, who gave a Shelbyville address, was the driver of a 2000 maroon Mitsubishi Eclipse that was allegedly traveling in the wrong direction on the interstate...

BREAKING NEWS: Cook found guilty (10/15/08)
Ashley Mai Cook was found guilty Wednesday of first degree murder and conspiracy to commit first degree murder in the 2007 Valentine's Day shooting of Shelbyville car salesman Bill Ross. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 17. Closing arguments in the three-day trial took most of the morning while the jury only deliberated for under a hour during lunch. The trial was the second one for Cook since a jury deadlocked in July over what charges she should be found guilty of...

Cook found guilty in Ross murder (10/16/08)
"Bill can rest easy now." Those were the words of District Attorney Chuck Crawford to the family of Bill Ross after 24-year-old Ashley Mai Cook was found guilty Wednesday of first degree murder and conspiracy to commit first degree murder. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 17....

Murder suspect changes statement (10/15/08)
A tearful Ashley Cook took the stand in her own defense Tuesday, saying she fired the shots that killed Bill Ross, but changed her story from her two previous written statements to investigators, claiming the murder was not premeditated. During the second day of the trial, defense attorneys for Cook repeatedly tried to place the blame for the murder of Ross on his wife Kimberly instead of the woman who has admitted pulling the trigger, saying Cook was manipulated into committing the crime by "the mom I never had.". ...

Man, 79, charged with raping child (10/15/08)
A 79-year-old Shelbyville man has been charged with 26 counts of rape of a child. "I guess I've ruined what's left of my life," J.W. Frazier, Carney Street, allegedly told Shelbyville police detective Charles Merlo upon his arrest. Frazier confessed to the allegations, Merlo said...

Employees refuse robbers' demands (10/15/08)
Two persons who attempted to rob an East Depot Street business Friday received an unexpected surprise when an employee refused to hand over the money, Shelbyville police said. A representative of Reliford Poultry told police a man and woman arrived as employees were being paid and demanded they "hand over all the money."...

Second Cook murder trial begins (10/14/08)
Ashley Mai Cook is expected to testify in her own defense this week for the murder of Shelbyville car salesman Bill Ross as her trial got underway Monday. A mistrial was declared in July after the first jury deadlocked on what charges Cook would be found guilty of -- either first degree murder or a lesser charge...

Racers' case goes to grand jury (10/12/08)
Following a five-hour preliminary hearing, an auto racer and his brother were bound over to the Bedford County grand jury on a number of assault charges. Marvin Bobby Parker faces five counts of aggravated assault and a single count of misdemeanor assault while his brother, Mike Parker, is facing a single count of aggravated assault. The grand jury is scheduled to convene Monday, Oct. 20...

Shelbyville Fire Department ready to respond (10/10/08)
Growth has driven many recent changes at Shelbyville Fire Department, Chief John Habel says. Habel discussed the state of his department Wednesday during Fire Prevention Week. "We're right where we need to be as far as the growth plan 10 years ago," Habel said. "The biggest thing is the ladder truck. We're fortunate to have obtained that in a grant."...

Wallet thief forces way into home (10/10/08)
A man forced his way into a Shelbyville home Wednesday night and stole a wallet after pushing its owner aside, Shelbyville police said. The victim said the suspect entered his Deery Street house by breaking door glass, then grabbed him, threw him on a couch and grabbed the wallet from a pants pocket before fleeing...

Home health nurse stole medication, victim says (10/09/08)
A Shelbyville woman told police a home health nurse stole medication from her residence. The victim said the nurse, who was allegedly "very intoxicated," took 90 tabs while walking around the Elizabeth Street home last week before being asked to leave...

Clerk injured as motel robbed (10/07/08)
A man pushed aside a desk clerk at a Shelbyville motel Monday night and robbed the cash register, police said. The clerk at Best Western Celebration Inn, Madison Street, was slightly injured, Officer David Curley said. She told police she was unsure if the robber was armed, but saw no weapon...

Thief takes bill from purse (10/07/08)
A $100 bill was stolen from a purse at the Golden Gallon store, Madison Street, between 11 p.m. Thursday and 1:40 a.m. Friday, police said. The victim told police she didn't suspect co-workers. Jail intake The following were arrested since Tuesday by the Bedford County Sheriff's Department, Shelbyville Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol or 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force and processed through Bedford County Jail. ...

Judicial commissioner pleads guilty to 2 charges (10/05/08)
A Bedford County judicial commissioner will spend two weeks in the Moore County jail next month after he pleaded guilty in Circuit Court to two of the three charges against him Thursday. Billy Hardin entered a plea of guilty to counts two and three - simple assault, amended from the charge of sexual battery and patronizing prostitution within a mile and a half of a school. ...

McGee bound over after emotional hearing (10/03/08)
Emotional testimony was heard Thursday during a preliminary hearing for Edward McGee, who was bound over to the Bedford County grand jury for the 1966 slaying of 9-year-old Deborah Ray. The grand jury meets on Oct. 20, at which time McGee will be arraigned, Judge Charles Rich said...

Television sets stolen in burglary (10/02/08)
Eight 15-inch television sets were stolen from the Ford service department at Pirtle & Howerton Automotive, North Main Street, between Sept. 19 and Monday, Shelbyville police say. The sets were to be used as part of a promotional offer, police were told...

Man sentenced in carjacking (10/01/08)
A Shelbyville man was sentenced in Chattanooga to seven and a half years in federal prison for a 2007 carjacking that took place here. According to the Chattanoogan, 23-year-old Marquis Antwon Anderson of Shelbyville was sentenced by Federal Judge Sandy Mattice on Monday...

Expensive baseball, football cards stolen (09/30/08)
A satchel containing collector sports cards valued at over $7,000 was stolen from a Bryant Road home, the Bedford County Sheriff's Department was told Thursday. The cards included a 1952 Jackie Robinson baseball card and rookie cards for National Football League stars Terry Bradshaw, Ken Stabler and Joe Montana, the report said...

High-speed chase ends with crash (09/28/08)
A high-speed police chase through two counties ended abruptly Friday when the vehicle being pursued overturned in a Bedford County field. Jason Hargrove of Lewisburg lost control of the SUV he was driving on Russell Road, a narrow, dead-end road off Bethlehem Church Road in western Bedford County, after a chase of approximately 10 miles...

Foster mom waives right to preliminary hearing (09/28/08)
A foster mother charged with three counts of statutory rape involving a minor in her care waived her right to a preliminary hearing and was bound over to Bedford County Grand Jury on Friday. Jennifer Renee McWhirter, 33, of Mountain View Road, Bell Buckle, appeared briefly before Judge Charles Rich with her attorney Jeff Seckler, who said that McWhirter was waiving her right to a hearing. She left the courtroom immediately after the appearance...

Moore County jurors to hear Cook retrial (09/26/08)
The jury in the upcoming retrial of a woman accused of murder will be made up of Moore County residents and will be sequestered, according to the District Attorney's office. Jury selection will take place in Lynchburg on Friday, Oct. 10 in the case of 23-year-old Ashley Cook, who is charged with first degree murder and conspiracy to commit first degree murder in the Feb. 14, 2007 death of Bill Ross, a Shelbyville car salesman...

Vehicular assault case set for October (09/26/08)
A Murfreesboro motorist accused of striking and injuring a Shelbyville woman early this month has an October court date. The case involving 32-year-old Michael A. Toombs II was continued to Oct. 23 on Thursday by Judge Charles Rich. Toombs, who was in the custody of the Bedford County Sheriff Department, appeared briefly in General Sessions Court...

Robbery suspect arrested in Nashville (09/25/08)
A suspect in a robbery at a Shelbyville convenience store last Saturday has been arrested in Nashville. Derrick Lamont Parrish, 31, of Nashville, was taken into custody Tuesday, Detective Lt. Pat Mathis of the Shelbyville Police Department said. Parrish was arrested by Metro police following a tip, Mathis said...

Stolen purse held expensive jewelry (09/24/08)
Two expensive wedding rings were among items in a purse stolen overnight Sunday from the porch of a Unionville home, the Bedford County Sheriff's Department said. The rings, with a combined value over $9,500, belong to an agent with Crye-Leake Realtors, who left her purse at a Conquest Court home at 4:30 p.m. Sunday. The purse was gone when she returned Monday morning...

Fifteen plead guilty in gambling raid (09/24/08)
Fifteen people pleaded guilty to misdemeanor gambling charges Tuesday, stemming from a raid on an alleged illegal Shelbyville gaming house in August. Meanwhile, others facing charges sought pre-trial diversion, while those facing felony gambling counts were either in the process of hiring an attorney or had their next court date set...

Man arrested for possession of khat (09/23/08)
A Nashville man was arrested for possession of khat as police investigated a report of a suspect disturbing the peace early Saturday at Forest Hills Apartments, Neeley Avenue. Said Ali Goodir, 35, was leaning against the front door of an apartment when officers arrived, police said...

Ambulance fee cuts hit county hard (09/22/08)
The state Legislature's Government Operations Committee has asked the state to restore cuts in ambulance fees paid to local governments; those cuts could cost Bedford County as much as $45,000 per year. Bedford County Emergency Medical Services Director Chad Graham attended the meeting Wednesday. Tennessee Ambulance Service Association, which represented the concerns of ambulance services, had asked to be on the committee's agenda to discuss the change...

Convicted crack dealer wins appeal, loses others (09/22/08)
A state criminal appeals court has reversed one drug conviction of a Shelbyville man and remanded the case for a new trial. The man lost his appeal on four other simultaneous convictions for the same charge. In February 2007, Jovan Xavier Moore was convicted of five counts of selling .5 grams or more of cocaine and was sentenced to 24 years imprisonment by Judge Robert Crigler in April of that year...

Man grabs cash from BP register (09/20/08)
A Shelbyville convenience store was robbed Saturday morning by a man who police say grabbed money from the cash register and ran. The robbery at the BP Market, on the corner of Union Street and Colloredo Boulevard, occurred at about 7:45 a.m., Shelbyville police said...

Driver escapes crash with minor injuries (09/19/08)
The smashed telephone and wreckage of Wendy Davis' car rest on South Cannon Boulevard. (T-G Photo by David Melson)

Murder suspect bound over to grand jury (09/19/08)
A man accused of the murder of a homeless woman was bound over to the Bedford County grand jury Thursday following a preliminary hearing. Donald Ray Sachs is charged with criminal homicide in the death of 52-year-old Joyce Mattis of Murfreesboro, whose decomposed remains were found June 4 in a wooded area off Cannon Road near Wartrace...

Flashing brake light led to pursuit, crash (09/19/08)
The initial attempt to stop a speeding truck which later crashed was due to a taillight flashing on and off when the vehicle hit bumps in the roadway, Shelbyville police said Thursday. Officer David Curley said he turned on his blue lights and siren as the truck, driven by Charles "Moto" Farrar, 39, of Shelbyville, drove through the intersection of Morton and Tillman streets...

Police pursuit ends in crash (09/18/08)
A driver being pursued by a Shelbyville police officer was seriously injured Wednesday night when he lost control of his truck, hit a utility pole and overturned on Union Street. Charles D. "Moto" Farrar, 39, of Shelbyville, was flown from the scene to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville by LifeFlight helicopter. He was listed in critical condition this morning, a VUMC spokesperson said...

Female rape suspects appear in court (09/18/08)
Three of four female suspects accused of an alleged jailhouse rape had their first court date Wednesday and will return to court next month. Evetta Mai McGee, 23, was charged with rape and Kelley Nicole Dodson and Brandy Michelle Holden are both facing charges of criminal responsibility for facilitation of a felony...

Hill indicted on homicide charge (09/17/08)
A man accused in the death of a Unionville man was indicted by the Bedford County grand jury on Monday, along with nine others. Kimery Wayne Hill is charged with vehicular homicide in the death of Robert 'Bobby' Brown, 69, of Unionville. He also faces eight counts of reckless endangerment, one count of third offense driving on a revoked license, and one count of leaving the scene of an accident...

DUI charge awaits woman involved in cruiser crash (09/17/08)
A DUI charge will be filed against the woman who investigators say drove across a Shelbyville street into the path of a Bedford County Sheriff's Department cruiser early Sunday, Sheriff Randall Boyce said Tuesday. Boyce said the woman, whom he identified as Christina Ramirez, was flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center by LifeFlight helicopter. She suffered leg injuries, Boyce said...

Blaze razes Eagleville grocery (09/16/08)
Firefighters from Bedford County were called to assist in battling a blaze that completely destroyed Eagleville Grocery early Tuesday morning. The fire started around 12:30 a.m. and seven other fire districts were involved in fighting the blaze, including units from Bedford County, Eagleville fire chief David Martin said...

Patrol car, truck involved in crash (09/15/08)
Two persons were flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville after their truck was struck in the side by a Bedford County Sheriff's Department patrol car early Sunday morning on Madison Street. BCSD officials at the scene early Sunday and in the office this morning were unable to identify the persons in the truck...

EMS official earns honor from state (09/15/08)
Michael Clements, Assistant Director of Bedford County Emergency Medical Services, was one of 22 public safety responders from across the state recognized on Sept. 11 during ceremonies in Nashville. Tennessee Department of Safety and the state Office of Homeland Security held a Law Enforcement and First Responder Recognition Ceremony at the old Supreme Court chambers at the State Capitol building...

Fire destroys Bedford County home (09/14/08)
The trailer home of Johnny Carter, U.S. 41-A South, burned Friday morning despite efforts of Volunteer Fire Service Inc. firefighters. "We have no earthly idea what caused the fire," Carter's stepfather, Wallace Baker, of Tullahoma, said. A pickup truck parked near the residence also burned...

Muggers attack, rob man on Belmont (09/14/08)
A young Shelbyville man told police two men attacked him and stole his wallet and cell phone as he walked along Belmont Avenue early Thursday night. Police said a man fitting the description of one of the victim's attackers appeared to be hiding from officers, but the victim couldn't positively identify him...

Foster mom to face hearing on sex charges (09/12/08)
A foster mother accused of having sex with the boy in her care will appear in court later this month -- either to make a plea, or be to bound over to the next session of the Bedford County grand jury. Jennifer Renee McWhirter, 33, of Mountain View Road, Bell Buckle, is scheduled to appear on Friday, Sept. 26 at 8 a.m., according to court officials...

Nurse killed in accident (09/12/08)
A night shift nurse at Heritage Medical Center was killed in a accident on Interstate 24 Monday near exit 105, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol. According to a report by Trooper Jason McGee, 42-year-old Melissa Grace Bennett, of Manchester died after her eastbound Ford F-150 truck swerved to miss being hit by a 2002 Ford Mustang driven by a Tullahoma woman, 19-year-old Stacie LeAnn Lowe...

Two charged in theft of copper tubes (09/12/08)
Suspicion over a large amount of copper tubing brought to a Chapel Hill recycling firm has resulted in the arrest of two men, authorities say. "A man brought in copper to Hubert's Recycling in Chapel Hill," Detective Brian Crews of the Shelbyville Police Department said. "We were notified and, working with the sheriff's department, suspected it was stolen from Adams & Floyd Electrical and Plumbing in Wartrace."...

Alabama man accused of tire theft (09/09/08)
An Alabama man has been accused of stealing tires from a Madison Street tire store as the owner looked on. Ervy Shane Adams, 45, Anniston, Ala., allegedly attempted to flee with several tires in the bed of his truck Friday night, Shelbyville police said...

Female inmates charged with rape (09/08/08)
Charges have been filed against two female Bedford County Jail inmates accused of raping another female inmate. Brooke Lee Whitaker, 25, and Evetta Mai McGee, 23, both of Shelbyville, were charged with rape and criminal responsibility for facilitation of a felony, says a report filed by Lt. Becky Hord of Bedford County Sheriff's Department...

Judicial commissioner faces Oct. 2 court date (09/08/08)
Oct. 2 will be an important day for a Bedford County judicial commissioner. That's the date when the case involving Billy Hardin will either be settled or set for a jury trial. Commissioner Hardin was indicted for sexual battery and official misconduct -- both of which are felonies, and patronizing prostitution, a misdemeanor. A charge of solicitation of prostitution against Hardin was dropped in June...

Man charged after hitting pedestrian (09/05/08)
A Murfreesboro man is facing multiple charges after allegedly striking and injuring a Shelbyville pedestrian early this morning. According to Tennessee Department of Safety spokesperson Laura McPherson, 22-year-old Angila M. Thery, of Shelbyville, was struck by a vehicle on Highway 269 between Wartrace and Bell Buckle at about 3:30 a.m...

Nearly everything taken from emptied home (09/04/08)
Whoever broke into a Midland Road home allegedly took everything including the kitchen sink -- and much more, the Bedford County Sheriff's Department reports. The home's landlord arrived Tuesday morning to find all the home's doors, light fixtures, carpet, living room's hardwood floor, kitchen cabinets, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher and a bathtub were gone, Deputy Jason Freeman said...

Female inmate allegedly victim of sexual assault (09/03/08)
The mother of a 19-year-old woman incarcerated at Bedford County Jail is alleging her daughter was sexually assaulted within the jail on the night of Aug. 21. "She was in her cell about to go to sleep before lockdown when some of the other inmates tried to rape her with a toothbrush," the women's mother said...

Area steps up Gustav relief (09/03/08)
Scott Johnson, of Bedford County Emergency Management Agency, assisted on Sunday in processing Hurricane Gustav evacuees at Berry Field/Nashville International Airport. "The evacuees came in on military transport aircraft such as C-130s and C-17s as well as commercial charter aircraft," wrote Johnson in an e-mail to the Times-Gazette. "Our operation was set up in an Air Force hangar at the airport. I believe our group at the airport processed approximately 1,300 evacuees...

Visitors can't find their man, but walk away with stolen wallet (09/03/08)
Two men who allegedly claimed they had a "bill" for $12,000 stole a wallet at a Belmont Avenue apartment before leaving Friday, Shelbyville police said. The resident, who police said doesn't speak English well, told officers two white men said they were looking for "Rodriguez" and needed to enter the apartment. No one by that name lives there, officers were told, but the resident allowed the visitors inside...

Ruling: Sachs can be tried (08/29/08)
Donald Ray Sachs is mentally competent to stand trial, according to court documents. Sachs is charged with criminal homicide in the death of 52-year-old Joyce Mattis of Murfreesboro. Her decomposed remains were found June 4 in a wooded area off Cannon Road...

Hill waives right to hearing (08/29/08)
Telling his attorney he wants to spare the family of a Unionville man grief, Kimery Wayne Hill waived his right to a preliminary hearing Thursday and was bound over to the Bedford County grand jury on a variety of charges, including vehicular homicide...

Tip alerts officers to drug suspects (08/28/08)
Three suspects were charged with possession of marijuana at a Davis Estates home after Shelbyville police said they received an anonymous tip. Officer Jeff Goodrich said he could smell marijuana as he approached the apartment and saw the substance in a plastic bag on the floor as Javier Rojas Rodriguez, 18, Deery Street, answered the door Tuesday...

Hearing date set for McGee (08/27/08)
Edward McGee made his first Bedford County court appearance in 41 years Tuesday, as a preliminary hearing was set for the man accused of killing 9-year-old Deborah Ray in 1966. McGee's next appearance will be on Thursday, Oct. 2 at 1 p.m. He is accused of murdering Ray on Dec. 18, 1966, and has already served more than 40 years in the murder that same day of 8-year-old Phyllis Seibers. The girls' bodies were found in a drainage ditch...

Firefighters protect Celebration grounds (08/27/08)
Uniforms are a common sight on the Celebration grounds, whether it's the Boy Scouts carrying in the giant American flag or the Bedford County deputies providing assistance to the Celebration security staff. State troopers, city police and emergency medical service providers are all on hand -- as is the Shelbyville Fire Department...

Burglary suspect runs into grasp of officers (08/26/08)
A suspect in a home burglary was arrested after he allegedly "burst through the rear door" of a Bates Street home Friday night as officers stood inside, Shelbyville police said. Grover Cleveland Angus Jr., 36, Tollgate Road, was charged with aggravated burglary, vandalism and public intoxication, Bedford County Jail records indicate...

Competing plans offered for new jail (08/25/08)
There's more than one way to build a jail. On Tuesday night, one construction management firm showed one possible floor plan for a new county jail and justice center to the county commission's courthouse and county property committee -- but on Thursday, Bedford County Sheriff's Department showed its own floor plan to the law enforcement and workhouse committee...

Case continued for child porn suspect (08/21/08)
The case of a man charged with the possession of thousands of images of child pornography has been continued until next month. The public defender's office has taken the case of Walter Dec, who was charged last month with 30 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. Dec is scheduled to appear in court Sept. 24, according to a member of the defender's office...

Judicial commissioner indicted by grand jury (08/21/08)
A county judicial commissioner is facing three charges after being indicted by the Bedford County grand jury on Monday. Judicial Commissioner Billy Hardin was indicted for sexual battery and official misconduct -- both of which are felonies, and patronizing prostitution, a misdemeanor...

DHS worker's wallet returned without cards (08/21/08)
A wallet belonging to a Department of Human Services worker was returned to the office by a client with $20 and two credit cards missing, Shelbyville police were told Tuesday. The client had been seen in the DHS parking lot on Madison Street an hour earlier and is considered a suspect, along with another client who was left unattended in the victim's cubicle, police said...

Murder suspect captured in Tullahoma (08/20/08)
A Shelbyville man accused of a first degree murder in Williamson County has been captured, according to police. Timothy William Sparrow, 24, was taken into custody at a home on West Grundy Street in Tullahoma early Tuesday afternoon after Bedford County authorities were notified of his whereabouts by a telephoned tip, Sheriff Randall Boyce said...

Informant led cops to gambling house (08/20/08)
More details have emerged about the investigation leading to a raid last week on an alleged gaming house in Shelbyville. Authorities conducted a raid at 101 Tillett Court on the evening of Aug. 12 where high dollar poker games were allegedly held. A total of 33 people were caught up in the raid -- with seven facing felony charges and 26 others charged with gambling, a misdemeanor...

Suspect allegedly takes mower-loaded trailers (08/20/08)
A Moore County man has been charged with stealing lawn equipment from a wide area, including Bedford County, over the past year. Officers recovered some of the property last week at a Franklin County home and arrested Norman Litchford of Raysville Road, Moore County Sheriff Mark Logan said...

BREAKING NEWS: Murder suspect captured (08/19/08)
The Shelbyville man accused of first degree murder in Williamson County has been captured. Timothy William Sparrow, 24, was taken into custody in Tullahoma early this afternoon after Bedford County authorities were notified of his location by a telephoned tip, Sheriff Randall Boyce said...

Fayetteville man dies in wreck (08/19/08)
A Fayetteville man died when his sport utility vehicle plunged off State Highway 130 West's narrow shoulder and overturned into a deep ditch about a mile north of Pleasant Grove around 2:45 p.m. Monday. James Scott Fee, 47, was apparently killed instantly when he was thrown out of the large, late-model Toyota Sequoia, which landed atop him, State Trooper Jackie Smith said...

Murder suspect sought in area (08/18/08)
A manhunt was underway this morning for a Shelbyville man accused of first degree murder in Williamson County. Police are looking for 24-year-old Timothy William Sparrow of Morton Street, Shelbyville. Sparrow allegedly shot and killed someone in Williamson County early today, Detective Brian Crews of the Shelbyville Police Department said...

Police: McGee charged to guard public (08/15/08)
Law enforcement officials say that 41-year-old murder charges were filed against Edward McGee to keep him away from the public as soon as his mandatory parole was granted earlier this week. McGee was charged with the Dec. 18, 1966, murders of 8-year-old Phyllis Seibers and 9-year-old Deborah Ray, whose bodies were found in a drainage ditch...

McGee charged in 1966 slaying (08/14/08)
After serving more than 40 years in prison for the bludgeoning death of an 8-year-old girl, a man has returned to Shelbyville to face first-degree murder charges for the death of her 9-year-old cousin, according to law enforcement officials and records...

Alleged gambling house raided, shut down (08/14/08)
The words on the doors at 101 Tillett Circle say "PRIVATE" and "DO NOT ENTER," but those warnings were ignored by local law enforcement Tuesday night when they raided an alleged gambling house. Following a four-month investigation, Shelbyville police, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol, along with an area FBI agent, executed a search warrant on the building where high-dollar poker games allegedly took place once a week.. ...

Jewelry, cash taken in home burglaries (08/14/08)
Large amounts of jewelry and cash were taken from two Shelbyville residences Tuesday, police said. Twelve gold rings, three gold necklaces and another gold pendant were taken as well, the couple told police. A door and drawers were open, and clothes strewn when the couple returned home, they said...

BREAKING NEWS: Alleged gambling operation raided (08/13/08)
Following a four-month investigation, Shelbyville police, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations, the 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, along with an area FBI agent, executed a search warrant Tuesday night on a building off Madison Street where high-dollar poker games allegedly took place weekly...

BREAKING NEWS: McGee charged in '66 murder (08/13/08)
After serving over 40 years in prison for the bludgeoning death of an 8-year-old girl, a man has returned to Shelbyville to face first degree murder charges for the death of her 9-year-old cousin. Edward Joseph McGee, 61, was brought to Bedford County Jail Tuesday night from the Northeast Correctional Institute Annex in Roan Mountain, Sheriff Randall Boyce said...

Hit-and-run driver leaves behind much damage (08/13/08)
A hit-and-run one-vehicle accident that apparently involved a tractor-trailer caused massive problems for Shelbyville traffic and utility workers Tuesday morning. The wreck, which occurred about 5:45 a.m. on Madison Street near Alton Avenue, left a utility pole snapped in two and the passenger side mirror arm from the truck lying nearby, Maj. Jan Phillips of the Shelbyville Police Department said...

Auction worker accused of taking cash, drugs (08/12/08)
An employee of a Shelbyville auction firm has been accused of taking cash from the business and prescription drugs from a fellow worker's purse during Friday night's sale. Bryan David Tibbs, 44, Tollgate Road, allegedly stole Xanax tablets from a purse left near the cash register by a co-worker, Shelbyville police said...

Thief steals Bible from vehicle (08/06/08)
Some thieves just have no respect. A Bible and a birthday gift were stolen this week in the Shelbyville area, police say. The Bible was taken Sunday night from a case in a car parked outside a Fairoak Street home, police said. The case, bearing a cross on its cover, also contained Sunday School books...

Woman escapes after intruder enters shower (08/05/08)
A man who allegedly grabbed an Elizabeth Street woman as she was taking a shower left with her car when she escaped his clutches early Saturday, Shelbyville police said. The thief allegedly broke a window to enter the home shortly before 4 a.m., then left with the victim's car as she ran out of the house and reached safety at a nearby residence, according to police. The suspect left behind a Ford pickup truck, police said...

Swimmer drowns in Duck River (08/03/08)
A 15-year-old Community School student drowned near the Halls Mill bridge off Halls Mill Road at mid-afternoon Friday after swimming into a deep area of Duck River, the Bedford County Sheriff's Department said. Bryan Leverette, Hopkins Bridge Road, was found by divers Deputy Jimmy Rhodes and paramedic Brian Bruce of Bedford County Emergency Medical Service's Tech Team at 8:20 p.m., BCSD Capt. Tony Barrett said. Leverette's body was in seven-foot deep water near a bank, Barrett said...

Crime spree suspect unable to talk (08/03/08)
An Atlanta man who allegedly went on a crime spree last week is still in critical condition in a Chattanooga hospital, and Franklin County investigators say they may never learn what his motives were. Abbas Hussein was severely injured after being involved in a high speed chase with Franklin County authorities. ...

BREAKING NEWS: Youth drowns in Duck River (08/01/08)
A 15-year-old Community School student drowned near the Halls Mill bridge off Halls Mill Road at mid-afternoon Friday after swimming into a deep area of Duck River, the Bedford County Sheriff's Department said. Bryan Leverette, Hopkins Bridge Road, was found by divers Deputy Jimmy Rhodes and Brian Bruce of Bedford County EMS at 8:20 p.m. His body was in seven-foot deep water near a bank, the BCSD said...

Child porn suspect's images stun officials (07/31/08)
A man allegedly found with thousands of images of child pornography waived his bond hearing Tuesday as investigators sifted through boxes of evidence. Walter Jude Dec, of West Lane Street, Shelbyville, was arrested last Thursday and is facing multiple charges of sexual exploitation of a minor. He is currently being held at Bedford County Jail under $350,000 bond...

Accused foster mother faces August court date (07/31/08)
A foster mother accused of having sex with the boy in her care has had her case continued until Aug. 26. Jennifer Renee McWhirter, 33, of Mountain View Road, Bell Buckle, was charged in June with three counts of statutory rape by an authority figure and one count of criminal responsibility for facilitation of a felony. She is currently free on $11,000 bond...

Drug charges filed against 4 suspects (07/25/08)
Marijuana was confiscated in two incidents Wednesday in Shelbyville, police say. "I asked who was smoking marijuana," Boyd said. "Karl Kerry McCoy II stood up and said he was smoking marijuana, and then he pulled a plastic bag from his left pocket that continued approximately 29.07 grams of marijuana."...

Man critical after alleged crime spree (07/25/08)
An Atlanta man who allegedly stole a truck in Shelbyville Wednesday is in critical condition in a Chattanooga hospital after allegedly attempting to sexually assault a woman, run down a deputy and flee from police at high speed through Franklin County...

Mental evaulations continue for murder suspect (07/24/08)
Mental evaluations on Donald Ray Sachs, who is accused of killing a homeless woman in rural Bedford County, are still ongoing, according to court documents. Sachs is charged with criminal homicide in the death of 52-year-old Joyce Mattis of Murfreesboro. Her decomposed remains were found June 4 in a wooded area off Cannon Road...

Alleged attack at ER leads to assault charges (07/24/08)
Two assault charges have been filed against a Shelbyville man who allegedly attacked a couple at Heritage Medical Center's emergency room about 9:30 p.m. Tuesday. David Eugene Stacey Jr., 20, Green Lane, was arrested on Hart's Chapel Road after allegedly running in front of a police car and initially refusing orders to stop, Officer Tory Moore said...

Stereo equipment stolen from cars (07/23/08)
Stereo equipment has been taken from vehicles at three locations in Shelbyville since Sunday, police report. An employee told police a GPS display module was missing from one of the trucks. A video surveillance system at the business allowed Officer Jerry Lawrence to view the in-dash players and an amplifier and speakers being taken...

Dates set for Cook retrial (07/22/08)
New dates for jury selection and a trial have been set for Ashley Cook, whose trial for the murder of Bill Ross ended in a mistrial last week. Cook, 23, is charged with first degree murder and conspiracy to commit first degree murder in the Feb. 14, 2007, murder of Ross, a Shelbyville car salesman...

Hardin case not sent to grand jury (07/22/08)
Two charges against a county judicial commissioner were not presented to the Bedford County grand jury as expected. Judicial Commissioner Billy Hardin has been charged with sexual battery and official misconduct, and had been bound over to the grand jury last month, but Assistant District Attorney Mike Randles said his case and several others were not presented during this term...

Wreck victim's family wants to thank helper (07/22/08)
The family of a man who was found seriously injured along a rural roadside after a motorcycle accident Friday night is trying to contact the woman who stopped. Timmy Freeman, 31, of Shelbyville, was flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center after he was discovered off Wheel Road, said Misty Mitchell, who says she's a friend of the victim...

Judge declares mistrial in Cook case (07/20/08)
A deadlocked jury has resulted in a mistrial in the case against Ashley Cook, who is charged with the murder of Bill Ross. Cook, 23, is charged with first degree murder and conspiracy to commit first degree murder in the Feb. 14, 2007, murder of Ross, a Shelbyville car salesman...

Mistrial declared; more details tomorrow (07/18/08)
A deadlocked jury has resulted in a mistrial in the case against Ashley Cook, who is charged with the murder of Bill Ross. Cook, 23, is charged with first degree murder and conspiracy to commit first degree murder in the Feb. 14, 2007, murder of Ross, a Shelbyville car salesman...

Police say CalsonicKansei worker admits embezzlement (07/18/08)
An employee of CalsonicKansei North America's business office allegedly embezzled more than $60,000 during a period of at least two years, Shelbyville police said Thursday. Johnson was charged Monday with theft of property over $60,000, Crews said, and was fired by Calsonic. She is free on $100,000 bond, Bedford County Jail records show...

Still no verdict in murder trial (07/18/08)
Circuit Judge Robert Crigler again denied the defense's motion for a mistrial this morning in the murder trial of Ashley Cook for the slaying of Bill Ross. The judge studied a variety of case law and appeals decisions overnight relating to the topic of deadlocked juries. Crigler said at 9 this morning that he would ask the jury at 10:30 whether it is hopelessly deadlocked...

Electronics stolen from vehicle (07/18/08)
A "very expensive" television/CD monitor, several amplifiers and speakers were taken June 26 from a 1984 Chevrolet Caprice at Wright's Wrecker, U.S. 41-A North, said a Bedford County Sheriff's Department report released Thursday. The vehicle was the only one entered of many on the lot, the report said...

Thief cuts store's power to reach lottery tickets (07/17/08)
A thief removed the electric meter from a Shelbyville convenience store before smashing a window and stealing Tennessee lottery tickets Monday, police said. The front door glass at P & R Market was broken when police arrived to investigate a report of a broken door, Officer Cody King said...

Jury continues deliberations (07/17/08)
The jury in the murder trial of Ashley Cook appeared deadlocked as deliberations continued into the third day this morning. The jury continued deliberations at 9 a.m. As of 10:20 a.m., no decision had yet been made, but Judge Robert Crigler had initially said a mistrial would be declared at 10:30 if the jury could not agree on whether to convict Cook for first degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder...

Jury continues deliberations (07/17/08)
Friday is the first day for early voting for the Aug. 7 election in Bedford County, not only for local offices but for state primaries. Registered voters can cast their ballots until Aug. 2 at the elections office in the basement of the courthouse, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday...

Deliberations continue in murder case (07/16/08)
A jury will continue deliberations today to determine whether 23-year-old Ashley Cook will be convicted of murder and conspiracy for the shooting death of Bill Ross. Cook is facing charges of first degree murder and conspiracy to commit first degree murder. Defense attorney Jack Dearing has said that Cook should be charged with "something less than first degree murder."...

Ross murder trial begins (07/15/08)
Defense attorneys for Ashley Cook told jurors Monday that while she did fire the shots that killed Bill Ross on Valentine's Day last year, she should be charged with "something less than first degree murder." Meanwhile, the jury heard the 911 call reporting the shooting and extensive testimony from a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation agent...

Hearing set for homicide suspect (07/11/08)
A preliminary hearing date has been set for a man facing a number of charges, including vehicular homicide, in connection with the death of a Unionville resident. Aug. 21 is the day when Kimery Wayne Hill, 28, of U.S. 41-A North, will learn if his case will proceed to Circuit Court, according to defense attorney David McKenzie...

Firefighters rescue cats from blaze (07/10/08)
Two cats survived a fire in a Shelbyville home Wednesday afternoon with the help of firefighters and Bedford County emergency workers. "Both of the cats are fine," Assistant Chief Brian Nicholson of the Shelbyville Fire Department said this morning...

Robber bites victim, threatens accusations (07/10/08)
A woman allegedly bit a Shelbyville man as he was being robbed Monday, then threatened to accuse him of attempted rape if he reported the crime, police said. The victim told Officer Gregg Loyd the woman waved him down as he drove along Carter Street and asked if he could loan some money...

Bicycle rider arrested after foot chase (07/09/08)
A foot chase of a bicyclist early Saturday ended with the rider's arrest, Shelbyville police said. Richard Anthony Ransom, 44, Thompson Street, rode his bicycle in front of a patrol car on Depot Street and wrecked, Officer Tory Moore said. Ransom allegedly told Moore he was uninjured, then rode away despite orders to stop...

Police to add Purdy Court substation (07/09/08)
A new police substation at Purdy Court could be ready for use within the next month, Shelbyville city officials say. The use of a three-bedroom unit at 900 Purdy Court has been offered by the Shelbyville Housing Authority and can be used for a variety of purposes, such as a place where officers can fill out reports, and to relieve overcrowding at the main police station on Lane Parkway, city manager Ed Craig said...

Ross slaying trial to begin (07/08/08)
Jury selection will begin Thursday in the trial of Ashley Cook, charged with the 2007 Valentine's Day slaying of Shelbyville car salesman Bill Ross. Opening arguments are scheduled to start at 9 a.m. Monday at Bedford County Courthouse, District Attorney Chuck Crawford said Thursday...

Police accused of favoring tow firm (07/07/08)
A Shelbyville wrecker operator made allegations Tuesday that police were directing business to a particular tow company instead of following a set rotation schedule. But Shelbyville City Council members seemed unconvinced and asked for more evidence concerning the charges...

City firefighters receive promotions (07/07/08)
Three Shelbyville firefighters have moved up in rank, according to Chief John Habel. Habel said he has made Brian Nicholson an assistant fire chief. Nicholson is the city's fire inspector and in charge of prevention and assists Habel with reports that have to be turned into the state Department of Commerce and Insurance...

Suspect charged in thefts of trucks (07/03/08)
A Shelbyville man has been arrested on two counts of theft of property after allegedly selling two trucks to scrap metal businesses. Glen James Green, 26, Barksdale Lane, posted bond at Bedford County Jail, Detective Billy Smith of the Bedford County Sheriff's Department said...

Sachs scheduled for mental test (06/30/08)
A mental evaluation has been ordered for a man accused of killing one woman and kidnapping and raping another. Donald Ray Sachs is charged with criminal homicide in the death of 52-year-old Joyce Mattis of Murfreesboro. Her decomposed remains were found June 4 in a wooded area off Cannon Road...

Deputies tempted by higher-paying jobs (06/27/08)
Holding the line on salary increases sounds like a cost-saving measure, but for the Bedford County Sheriff's Department, it can be a costly proposition, according to administrator Larry Lowman. For example, one officer recently left the local department for a job with the Rutherford County Sheriff's Department that paid $8,000 more...

Shelbyville man dies in train accident (06/26/08)
A Shelbyville resident has been identified as one of two men killed in a train collision in Nashville early Sunday morning. Barwago Liban, 26, of Shelbyville was identified as the driver of a Nissan Sentra that was struck by a locomotive on East Thompson Lane near Glenrose Avenue, according to information from the Metro Nashville Police Department...

Court date set for slaying suspect (06/26/08)
A Shelbyville man who is facing charges of criminal homicide, rape and aggravated kidnapping met his defense attorney for the first time Wednesday and has a court date set for next month. Donald Ray Sachs is scheduled to appear in Bedford County General Sessions Court on July 23 at 9 a.m., according to his defense attorney, Kathy Hickerson, who is an assistant public defender for the district...

Officer uses Taser against suspect (06/26/08)
A Shelbyville police officer says he was forced to use a Taser on a suspect who allegedly resisted arrest late Saturday night. Officer David Curley, who was responding to calls of a man screaming and smashing mailboxes on West Lane Street, said he found Billy Joe Colburn, 18, Hobson Avenue, walking in the middle of Earnhart Street...

Rec Center lifeguard dies in crash (06/24/08)
The body of a Tullahoma man was found early this morning in southern Bedford County by members of the sheriff's department. Bedford County authorities recovered the body of 19-year-old Nathan Andrew Young, of Tullahoma, 50 feet down a ravine off U.S. 41-A South near Granny Fishes Restaurant, said Lt. Ray Higginbotham of the Tullahoma Police Department...

Riddle trial date set for January (06/22/08)
LYNCHBURG -- Opening arguments will commence early next year in the trial of a Tullahoma man accused of killing a Wartrace resident. Judge Robert Crigler set Jan. 19, 2009 as the date when opening arguments will be presented against Jacob Wayne "Jake" Riddle at the Moore County Courthouse...

VFSI trains on new 'quint' truck (06/22/08)
Personnel with Volunteer Fire Services Inc. were busy Thursday practicing rescue procedures with one of the department's new 75-foot ladder trucks, also known as a "quint." Mark Thomas, fire chief for the county fire service, explained that firefighters had been training all day with the truck, which was released to the department Wednesday...

Scam nets almost $1,000 from victim (06/22/08)
A Shelbyville woman told police last week she was the victim of a scam. She received a letter containing a check for $980 and information about a "mystery shopper" program for nationally-known department stores, police said. The woman called a contact number in the letter, became convinced the offer was legitimate and deposited the check from "Bank of the West," with orders from the contact to wait 24 hours and call back, according to police...

County mayor studies options for new jail (06/20/08)
County Mayor Eugene Ray told Bedford County Board of Commissioners' law enforcement and workhouse committee on Thursday that he has been to see the new jail in Franklin County, and that Franklin County plans to add a justice center to the facility as well...

Slaying suspect in custody (06/18/08)
A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with the slaying of a Murfreesboro woman whose body was discovered two weeks ago near Wartrace. Donald Ray "Donnie" Sachs, 40, of Scudder Drive, is charged with criminal homicide in the death of Joyce Mattis, 52, whose remains were found June 4 in a wooded area off Cannon Road, Sheriff Randall Boyce said. The charge was filed late Tuesday afternoon...

Breaking news: Suspect charged in murder (06/17/08)
A Shelbyville man has been charged with the murder of a Murfreesboro woman two weeks ago near Wartrace. Donald Ray 'Donnie' Sachs, 40, Scudder Drive, is charged with criminal homicide in the death of Joyce Mattis, 52, whose remains were found June 4 in a wooded area off Cannon Road, Sheriff Randall Boyce said. The charge was filed late Tuesday afternoon...

Shelbyville expands fire fleet (06/17/08)
Shelbyville's fire department will soon put a new pumper truck into service, expanding its fleet and possibly lowering insurance rates, the city's fire chief said. Fire Chief John Habel said the new pumper contains some of the latest firefighting innovations, such as extra capacity for foam used to extinguish newer mixtures of fuel containing alcohol...

Guns stolen from pawn shop (06/17/08)
Guns were stolen overnight Friday from Pawnbrokers of Shelbyville, Thompson Street, police said. The firm's owner told investigators at the time he was unsure how many guns were missing. A former employee is suspected, police were told. The man was described as black and standing about 6 feet tall, police said. The victim told officers other customers addressed the suspect as "Smiley."...

Seven indicted by grand jury (06/17/08)
The Bedford County grand jury indicted seven persons on 30 charges at its June session Monday. According to records provided by Bedford County Circuit Court, those indicted were: Thomas Allen Burgess, 24, possession of a schedule VI drug for resale...

DCS says foster case is 'shocking' (06/16/08)
A foster mother charged with having sex with a teenager in her care is scheduled to appear in court late next month. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Department of Children's Services is continuing to look into the case, which a spokesman termed "shocking to us all."...

Hardin case goes to grand jury (06/14/08)
At least one charge against Bedford County Judicial Commissoner Billy Hardin has been dismissed, but two others have been sent to the grand jury, said Judge Andy Myrick of Fayetteville. "My judgment was to dismiss the solicitation of prostitution," said Myrick...

Racer faces more charges (06/13/08)
Auto racer Marvin Parker is facing more charges after a series of incidents Saturday at Duck River Speedway. According to Bedford County Jail records, Parker faces one assault charge and four aggravated assault charges filed Sunday and another aggravated assault charge filed Monday...

Grease fire guts residence (06/13/08)
A Davis Street home was largely gutted in a blaze ignited by grease splattered from frying potatoes Thursday night. The home, occupied by the Wanda Nix family, caught fire shortly after 9 p.m. "The occupant's son was frying potatoes with grease and left the kitchen for a moment," Inspector Brian Nicholson of the Shelbyville Fire Department said. "He attempted to fight the fire himself and actually expanded the fire."...

Robbery suspect charged (06/13/08)
One arrest has been made in the alleged robbery of a Shelbyville man at a Barksdale Lane trailer park early Wednesday. Edward Christopher Berry, 19, Purdy Court, was charged with especially aggravated robbery and especially aggravated burglary, Detective Charles Merlo of the Shelbyville Police Department said Thursday. Berry is being held at Bedford County Jail on $80,000 bond...

Woman's body identified (06/11/08)
A body found near Wartrace last week has been identified as a Murfreesboro woman, authorities said late Wednesday. The remains of Joyce Anne Mattis, 52, were discovered by a fisherman near a dirt trail and creek off Cannon Road. The largely-decomposed body had been in the area for at least a week, Sheriff Randall Boyce said....

Man drowns in farm pond (06/11/08)
A Flat Creek-area man drowned in a farm pond behind his New Herman Road home early this morning. Bobby Cunningham, 62, apparently fell out of his boat, Sheriff Randall Boyce said. Family members told Boyce that Cunningham had said he was going to check an aerator in the pond. They found the boat floating upside down with its contents nearby...

Racer allegedly hits man with car (06/10/08)
One man, Chad Smotherman, was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center by LifeFlight Saturday night after being struck by a race car and then assaulted at Duck River Speedway, 1100 Haskins Chapel Road, according to law enforcement officers and reports...

Workhouse escapee captured after chase (06/10/08)
An escapee from Bedford County Workhouse was captured a few hours after his disappearance Wednesday, according to investigators. David Nowlin, 25, of Shelbyville, disappeared from the Lane Parkway facility about 3 p.m., said Chief Deputy David Williams Jr. of Bedford County Sheriff's Department...

Traffic stop leads to marijuana charges (06/10/08)
Police say they found marijuana in a truck after its driver was stopped for an alleged light law violation Saturday. Brian Steven Wilson, 18, Myers Street, the driver, and Paul Dusty Tucker, 26, Troupe Road, were both charged after a small bag of marijuana was confiscated from under the front seat and two marijuana cigarettes were discovered in a tackle box on the seat, Officer David Curley said...

Court date set in Floyd stabbing (06/09/08)
A trial date has been set in Lynchburg for a resident of Tullahoma accused of murdering a Wartrace man. The trial is to begin June 20 at the Moore County Courthouse for Jacob Wayne "Jake" Riddle. He was indicted in late April on charges of first degree murder in the stabbing death 20-year-old Joseph Timothy Floyd of Wartrace. Riddle entered a plea of not guilty...

Hardin allegations presented to judge (06/07/08)
A Shelbyville police investigator testified Friday that the department has audio recordings of a county judicial commissioner negotiating prices for various sex acts. A preliminary hearing was held before Judge Andy Myrick of Fayetteville to see if there is enough evidence to send the case involving judicial commissioner Billy Hardin to the Bedford County grand jury later this month...

One foster mother pleads guilty, another charged (06/06/08)
One foster mother pleaded guilty to sex-related charges Thursday, while another foster mother -- who is the foster care coordinator for the Center for Family Development -- is facing similar charges involving the same underage victim. The detective in both cases blasted the Tennessee Department of Children's Services, claiming the state kept the victim in the foster home despite her warnings...

Body still unidentified (06/06/08)
Authorities continue attempts to identify a body found in woods near Wartrace Wednesday afternoon. She has been determined to be Caucasian, said Detective Sgt. Brian Farris of the Bedford County Sheriff's Department. No identification was found on the woman, who was found near a creek in a wooded area off Cannon Road. An attempt will be made to lift fingerprints from the largely-decomposed body, Farris said...

Vehicle entered at Bridlewood Drive home (06/06/08)
A in-dash radio and hunting knife were stolen from a locked car at a Bridlewood Drive home Wednesday night, Shelbyville police report. Joe Wayne Bynum, 50, charged last weekend with public intoxication, no longer lives at the Quail Hollow Lane address listed in Monday's jail intake, a resident of the home says...

Driver pinned after crash (06/05/08)

County considers fire tax district (06/05/08)
The unusually tight county budget year may cause a renewed push to shift more of the funding burden for Volunteer Fire Services Inc. onto rural taxpayers by creating a fire tax district. The subject was raised Wednesday during a study session of Bedford County Financial Management Committee. Commissioner Joe Tillett said he would favor enacting a fire tax district right away, for the 2008-09 fiscal year, while Commissioner J.D. "Bo" Wilson said that was too sudden...

Body found near Wartrace (06/05/08)
Investigators say they're perplexed about the identity of a largely-decomposed body discovered in a wooded area near Wartrace late Wednesday afternoon. The remains of what is believed to be a woman were found near a dirt trail far from the roadway close to a creek off Cannon Road. It appears to have been there for at least several days, Boyce said....

Tractor flips, operator stable (06/04/08)
A slick, steep embankment spelled trouble for a Shelbyville man seriously injured in a tractor accident Tuesday afternoon near Normandy. Johnny Darnell, 41, was in stable condition this morning at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, a spokesperson said...

Victim thrown from tumbling SUV after wreck (06/03/08)
A Smyrna man was seriously injured when thrown out of his tumbling SUV during a wreck south of Shelbyville early Tuesday afternoon. Gregory Alexander Jr., 23, was flown from Bedford County Medical Center to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Cpl. Rick Gann of the Bedford County Sheriff's Department said. Alexander was listed in stable condition this morning, according to a VUMC spokesperson...

Computer, jewelry taken from home (06/03/08)
A home on Unionville-Deason Road in northern Bedford County was burglarized during daylight hours Friday, according to the Bedford County Sheriff's Department. Jewelry, a laptop computer and Playstation II with eight games and seven DVDs were taken between 12:05-1 p.m...

Detective ferrets out net predators (05/29/08)
The 36-year-old Shelbyville police detective sits at his computer, chatting over the Internet with a middle-aged man attracted to whom he thinks is a 13-year-old girl. The alleged child predator agrees to meet the "13-year-old" in Shelbyville, and Charles Merlo's work takes another alleged child predator off the Internet and streets...

UPDATED: Bank robbery suspect confesses (05/28/08)
A suspect arrested in connection with Wednesday's armed robbery of Regions Bank's Madison Street branch has confessed to the crime, police say. Tyler Campbell, 22, of Cottonwood Drive in Shelbyville, gave what Detective Sgt. Jason Williams of the Shelbyville Police Department described as a "full confession" during questioning....

Man seriously hurt when struck by car (05/28/08)
Witnesses told police a man seriously injured Friday night was "dancing" in the McDonald's Restaurant parking lot before allegedly running into the path of a car on Madison Street. Sontay Henry, 20, Belmont Avenue, was flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville following impact, which occurred at about 9 p.m...

Marijuana found after car strikes house (05/27/08)
Marijuana was found on a man arrested after his car struck a house on Lafayette Street early Friday, Shelbyville police said. Casey Ward, age and address unavailable, allegedly attempted to discard a bag containing .52 grams of marijuana. Ward told officers he was attempting to turn around and "went backwards" into the residence...

Shelbyville man claims carjacking (05/22/08)
A Shelbyville man was reportedly robbed and threatened during a Saturday carjacking. According to the Murfreesboro Post, 30-year-old Jason Swineheart of Shelbyville told Rutherford County authorities he was carjacked from Shelbyville by a black man and white woman Saturday evening...

Grand jury indicts 27 (05/21/08)
The Bedford County grand jury indicted 27 persons on 84 charges at its May session Monday. Among suspects indicted are Jonathan Wayne Anders, 20, and Deanna Jean Anders, 21, both of Old Columbia Road, and Tony Terrell Hord, 19, Barksdale Lane, accused of attempting to rob the construction supervisor of the new Bedford County Medical Center while smashing his truck with a baseball bat in late November 2007...

Over $2K taken by video store employee (05/21/08)
A former employee of Hollywood Video, North Main Street, embezzled the firm of over $2,800, police were told Monday. When customers paid cash for video rentals the suspect kept the money, making change from a cash drawer if necessary, and deleted the transaction from the store computer's screen, according to a store manager...

Bird flu's potential impact could be massive (05/20/08)
Bedford County Emergency Management Director Scott Johnson and Avian Influenza Planning Project Manager Dr. Carl Bailey have been examining what difficulties the county will likely face in the event of an Avian Flu pandemic. The pair stressed they do not want to frighten the public about what an outbreak of the deadly virus could mean, but encourage preparedness for everyone -- no matter if they are involved in government, business, civic groups or just protecting their families...

Arson suspected in garage fire (05/20/08)
An attempt was made to burn a garage Saturday at a home on Peacock Street in Bell Buckle, according to investigators. The home's resident said she left at 10:30 a.m. and returned at 5 p.m. to find a pile of ashes from burned cardboard boxes and wooden crates in the center of the garage floor, Sgt. Nikia Elliott of the Bedford County Sheriff's Department said...

Emergency planners brace for bird flu pandemic (05/19/08)
"We're not trying to be paranoid, we're trying to be prudent." Those are the words of Scott Johnson, director of Bedford County Emergency Agency, about the planning his department is doing to prepare for the day when the avian flu, or "bird flu", becomes pandemic...

Avian flu: a primer (05/19/08)
Many people have heard the terms "pandemic," "avian flu" and "bird flu" over the past few years, but may be confused about what they mean and about the difference between the flu outbreaks seen many years and the deadly H5N1 virus. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), seasonal (or common) flu is a respiratory illness which can be transmitted person to person. Most people have some immunity to it, and a vaccine is available...

Alleged Internet predator arrested (05/16/08)
A Savannah man who thought he was driving 130 miles to meet a 13-year-old girl Wednesday was met instead by Shelbyville police detectives. Hoppy Joe Brown, 45, had been in contact over the Internet since Saturday with Detective Charles Merlo, who said he posed as the girl in a chat room...

Shelbyville woman raped by intruder (05/16/08)
A west Shelbyville woman told police Wednesday she was raped late Sunday night at her home. The victim named a man who allegedly entered the home about 10 p.m., grabbed her hair, forced her to a bedroom and attempted to remove her clothes. She managed to escape the home but the man grabbed her, forced her inside and raped her before making a threat while leaving, police said...

Tribute offered to fallen police officers (05/15/08)
Fallen officers were on the minds of a group of Shelbyville policemen as they raised a flag Tuesday in honor of their own during a commemoration of National Police Week. "You can't take anything for granted," Chief Austin Swing noted, pointing out prisoners who seem totally trustworthy are capable of suddenly becoming violent...

Several thefts reported to Shelbyville police (05/15/08)
Thefts of several items were reported to Shelbyville police on Tuesday. Several other homes in the area were entered the same day, according to previous police reports. The following persons were arrested since Tuesday by the Bedford County Sheriff's Department, Shelbyville Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol or 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force and processed through Bedford County Jail. They are only charged; guilt or innocence will be determined by the courts...

Three Paso Finos disappear from farm (05/14/08)
Three Paso Fino horses have been reported stolen from a Normandy Road farm. The horses were described by the owner, a Coffee County resident who leases the land, as white with brown spots, black with two white spots and red. Deputy Benjamin Burris was told Monday by the horses' owner he had driven the area searching for them and found no damaged fences through which they could have escaped...

Apologetic subject faces drug charges (05/13/08)
Marijuana was confiscated Friday night from a speeding driver on Wartrace Pike, Shelbyville police said. A car driven by Richard Shelton Hathaway, 33, Melody Drive, was allegedly clocked at 80 mph in a 55 mph zone by Officer David Curley. Hathaway, 33, Melody Drive, allegedly had a ball of tin foil containing marijuana and two Xanax tablets in his pocket, Curley said...

Vehicular homicide suspect makes court appearance (05/09/08)
A man facing charges of vehicular homicide for the death of a Unionville man appeared briefly in court on Thursday. Kimery Wayne Hill, 28, of U.S. 41-A North, is charged with one count of vehicular homicide in the death of Robert "Bobby" Brown, 69, of Unionville...

Dog allegedly finds marijuana in car after search refused (05/08/08)
Marijuana was allegedly detected in a vehicle after the driver refused to allow a police search Tuesday night, officers say. Officer Waymond Boyd said he stopped James Burnett Sanders Jr., 22, April Lane, for speeding on South Cannon Boulevard and noticed a "cigar" on the rear seat...

Six planters stolen from Carriage House (05/07/08)
Six planters containing newly set plants were carried without permission from Carriage House Inn, Colloredo Boulevard, early Saturday night, Shelbyville police said. Officers were told of a possible connection with an individual who left the assisted living facility owing back rent last year...

Crash into utility pole leaves two pinned in car (05/06/08)
Two persons were pinned in a vehicle after it struck a utility pole Friday night on West Jackson Street, Shelbyville police say. Tija Marie Murphy, 19, Moulder Road, the driver, and Joshua Wayne Clanton, 24, Meadowlark Drive, were extricated by Shelbyville Fire Department personnel after the accident, which was reported at 10:30 p.m...

Fire Academy to hold graduation Friday (05/05/08)
Recruits from Shelbyville Fire Department will be standing tall Friday as they officially complete their training at the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy on Unionville-Deason Road. State Fire Marshal and Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Leslie A. Newman will deliver the commencement address to the recruit firefighter class at the Academy at 9 a.m....

Foster mother accused of statutory rape (05/03/08)
A Shelbyville foster mother has been indicted by the Bedford County grand jury for allegedly having sex with a foster child she had access to. Alea Rhea Rippy, 25, has been charged with eight counts of statutory rape by an authority figure, according to true bills issued by the grand jury on April 21...

Patel sentenced for tax evasion (05/03/08)
A Shelbyville businessman will spend less than a year in federal prison after he pled guilty to income tax evasion earlier this year. Dharmendra B. Patel, 41, of Shelbyville was sentenced Thursday in Chattnooga by U.S. District Judge Curtis L. Collier to serve nine months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release...

Marijuana, stolen gun found after traffic stop (05/03/08)
A gun stolen 15 years ago was recovered during a traffic stop late Thursday night, Shelbyville police said. Officer Jody Shelton said he stopped the car occupied by driver Jake Allen Raby, 22, East Lane Street, and passenger Damon Juvea Hickmon, 21, King Arthur Trailer Court, due to no headlights in use at night. A strong odor of marijuana was coming from the...

Debit cards, billfolds stolen (05/02/08)
Lost debit cards and billfolds attracted the eyes of thieves this week. Three further attempts to use the card were unsuccessful. The card was used six times before police were notified Wednesday. Other incidents reported to Shelbyville police: The victim, who uses a walker, said she went to a nearby store to call police because she didn't want to "cause a scene" at the clinic...

Winning lottery ticket stolen (05/01/08)
A thief took a gamble and won last Friday, making a loser out of a $500 lottery winner. An employee of a Bedford County farmer took the Tennessee Lottery ticket from the glove box of his boss's vehicle, the Bedford County Sheriff's Department was told this week...

A big bang in Bedford (04/30/08)
BOOM! That's been the sound coming for the northern part of the county this week, specifically from the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy. With members of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) looking on, as well as high school students from Williamson County, instructors from the ATF set off a variety of explosive types to demonstrate their effects...

Tool time for thief in Brookhaven area (04/30/08)
A large haul of tools, lawn care items and fishing equipment was stolen from four homes in the Brookhaven area of south Shelbyville overnight Sunday. The incidents occurred on South Cannon Boulevard, Hilltop Drive and Brookhaven Circle, Shelbyville police said. One of the victims is a police officer...

Man struck, killed in front yard (04/28/08)
A Unionville-area man is dead, struck by a vehicle while standing in his front yard Monday, and the man accused of causing the wreck is spending the night in Bedford County Jail. Robert "Bobby" Brown, 69, U.S. 41-A North, Unionville, died a few minutes after the mid-afternoon accident. A LifeFlight helicopter was en route to Bedford County Medical Center but Brown was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital...

Head-on crash takes life (04/28/08)
A head-on collision on a narrow, rural road left a Bedford County man dead and another seriously injured Monday morning. William Howard Cooper, 81, Possom Trot Road, died about 9:15 a.m. at the scene on Sandusky Road shortly after the impact drove the passenger side of the truck in which he was riding into a guard rail....

New EMS hall rises near new hospital (04/28/08)
Walls have risen at the new Bedford County Emergency Medical Services station in Airport Industrial Park. The station, built on land donated by Wal-Mart Distribution Center, will become the new headquarters and administrative offices of BCEMS, a short distance away from the new Heritage Medical Center which opens this summer. BCEMS's existing headquarters on Union Street will remain open as an ambulance station...

Thief enters home, departs with $8 (04/28/08)
A home on Kingdom Road in northern Bedford County was entered while the occupants were in bed early Friday morning. Only $8 was taken from one room, according to a report filed by Cpl. Kent Jacobs of the Bedford County Sheriff's Department. The screen was torn from a front window to gain entry...

Riddle pleads 'not guilty' in Floyd murder (04/28/08)
LYNCHBURG -- A Moore County grand jury indicted a Tullahoma man on charges of first degree murder Friday in the stabbing death of a young Wartrace man. Jacob Wayne "Jake" Riddle entered a plea of not guilty of murdering 20-year-old Joseph Timothy Floyd of Wartrace...

Unionville man dies following three-vehicle crash (04/26/08)
A Unionville man died Friday following a three-vehicle crash at a dangerous Shelbyville intersection. Allen Haynes, 71, of U.S. 41-A North, was pronounced dead on arrival at Bedford County Medical Center, Maj. Jan Phillips of the Shelbyville Police Department said...

A big bang at the Fire Academy (04/25/08)
If you think you hear explosions around Bedford County next week, there isn't anything to be worried about. "Post blast training" is to be conducted at the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy (TFACA) on Unionville-Deason Road by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) next week for the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) in preparation for possible deployment...

Copper taken from underneath home (04/24/08)
An estimated $2,500 worth of copper wiring was stolen between April 16 and Monday from a home under construction in Valley View Estates subdivision on Red Hill Road in Normandy. Builder John Morton told the Bedford County Sheriff's Department the wiring was taken from underneath the home...

Injunction bars Tyson from advertising claim (04/23/08)
BALTIMORE (AP) -- A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction Tuesday barring Tyson Foods from advertising that its poultry products don't contain antibiotics thought to lead to drug resistance in humans. The ruling by U.S. District Judge Richard Bennett was a victory for rivals Perdue Farms and Sanderson Farms Inc., who are suing to stop the advertisements...

Murder suspect bound over to Grand Jury (04/23/08)
LYNCHBURG -- A Tullahoma man has been bound over to the Moore County grand jury, who will decide if first degree murder charges are warranted for the stabbing death of a Wartrace man. Jacob Wayne "Jake" Riddle of Tullahoma has been charged with criminal homicide in connection with the death of 20-year-old Joseph Timothy Floyd, who was fatally stabbed in the early morning hours of Feb. 2 at a party in the Lost Creek area of Moore County near Tims Ford Lake...

Shelbyville bank robbed; suspect escapes (04/23/08)
The thief who robbed First Community Bank's Madison Street branch at mid-afternoon today (Tuesday) may have gotten away red-handed -- literally. A red dye bomb within a money bag taken in the robbery exploded less than 100 yards away behind the bank, police said...

Earthquake felt in Bedford County (04/18/08)
Some residents of northern Middle Tennessee say they felt an earthquake this morning centered in eastern Illinois. Calls poured in to television stations. Bedford County Communications Center said only two calls were received from local residents who felt the quake...

A year later, Odom's license revoked (04/17/08)
Over a year after a Bedford County paramedic was sentenced to 35 years in prison after nearly 200 sex crimes charges, Tennessee's Board of Emergency Medical Services finally revoked his license. Edward Raven Odom, 31, accepted a negotiated sentence of 35 years in February after he was charged in April 2006 with child rape, rape and statutory rape over a period of several years...

Local woman convicted of TennCare fraud (04/17/08)
A Bedford County woman has been convicted on TennCare fraud charges, state officials reported Tuesday. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) said Deborah Ann Jewell, 51, of Shelbyville, pleaded guilty to one count of TennCare fraud and was ordered to repay TennCare $4,686...

Burglary's no game for Bell Buckle resident (04/17/08)
Three game systems, including a XBox and Nintendo Wii, were taken Friday or Saturday of last week from a home near Bell Buckle, according to a Bedford County Sheriff's Department report. The Pleasant M. Curry residence, Orchard Lane, was entered by prying a door, Deputy Benjamin Burris said...

Local officer snares Blount County suspect online (04/16/08)
The middle-aged Blount County man thought he was forming a relationship with a 13-year-old girl over the Internet. But Hal Ernest Helton, 45, received a surprise when Blount County deputies informed him the "girl" was actually a middle-aged male police officer...

Drug dog detects marijuana in car (04/15/08)
A Shelbyville man was arrested on drug charges following a traffic stop Thursday night. Police say 70.65 grams of marijuana were found in a car driven by Justin Franklin Baker, 24, Jennings Lane, after he was stopped for allegedly running a stop sign at the West Lane Street-Lane Parkway intersection...

Garage door set to strike bystander (04/11/08)
Racist graffiti and emblems were sprayed on the walls of a West Jackson Street home at which the garage door was booby-trapped, Shelbyville police said Wednesday. The door's handle was set so, when opened, it would swing out and strike the person opening it in the face...

Standing up for the children (04/10/08)
It's a heartbreaking job, but somebody has to do it. And that's what Capt. Becky Hord of the Bedford County Sheriff's Department does - investigate child abuse and neglect cases. There have been success and failures as well, but the 49-year-old Hord keeps at it to try to end the vicious cycle of abuse and give children a new chance at life...

Girl Scout cookie funds taken from van (04/09/08)
A thief took $400 in proceeds from Girl Scout cookie sales Tuesday from a van parked on Tate Street. Brandon Butler of Shelbyville said the money had been left between the front seats. No signs of forced entry were found by Shelbyville police. Bathe said he had made a purchase using money from the wallet during the taxi ride. The wallet was gone when Bathe looked for it 15 minutes after returning home; the taxi driver was also unable to locate it in his cab...

Outside judge to hear Hardin case (04/09/08)
A judge from outside Bedford County will hear the case against a judicial commissioner who is facing several charges. Billy Hardin will appear June 6 for a preliminary hearing on charges of official misconduct, sexual battery and soliciting prostitution...

Equipment stolen from brick masons (04/08/08)
A brick saw, tool box with masonry tools and six pieces of angle iron used in construction, belonging to Diego Navarro and Leopoldo Estrada of D & L Masonry, was taken overnight Friday from a construction site on John Shaw Road, according to a Bedford County Sheriff's Department report...

New string trimmer stolen from garage (04/04/08)
Someone got a new Craftsman weed trimmer for free Wednesday. The Weed Eater, still in its box, was taken from the Germantown Road garage of Patrick Scott, who is in the process of moving, police said. Other thefts reported to Shelbyvlle police: The following persons were arrested since Wednesday by the Shelbyville Police Department, Bedford County Sheriff's Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol or 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force and processed through Bedford County Jail. ...

Ungrateful youths steal away with cash (04/03/08)
Two young boys took advantage of a break from heavy rain to steal money they spotted, Shelbyville police say. The boys, who cannot be identified due to their ages, stopped their bicycles under an awning at Miss Menza's Day Care, Kingree Road, during heavy rain Tuesday afternoon. A day care worker brought the boys inside for a few minutes and helped dry them with towels and blankets, Officer Sam Jacobs said...

Jacob is safe after ordeal (04/03/08)
The small child sleeping comfortably in Capt. Becky Hord's arms late Wednesday afternoon at the Bedford County Sheriff's Department likely had no idea of the uproar caused by his mother's trip to Pleasant Grove. Hord and Deputy Kevin Holton removed 2 �-month-old Jacob Martin from a home near Pleasant Grove without incident after his mother, who had allegedly threatened to harm him, left Gainesboro in her mother's pickup without permission...

Suspect allegedly tried to flee officers (04/01/08)
A man arrested on drug charges Friday night was attempting to flee from a home at which surveillance was being set up, according to the director of the 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force. Aaron Churchwell, 29, of Nashville was stopped by a Bedford County deputy after leaving a house on Brown Lane, DTF Director Timothy R. Lane said...

Stores burglarized along Highway 64 (03/29/08)
A thief took the grand tour of rural convenience stores west of Shelbyville overnight Wednesday, getting away with merchandise from two locations. Deputies responded following a alarm about 11:30 p.m. to find glass broken in the drive-through window, through which the market was apparently entered, a report by Cpl. Kent Jacobs said...

Flat Creek residents help catch burglary suspects (03/28/08)
A father and son have been charged in a series of daytime home burglaries in the Flat Creek and Wartrace areas after alert residents helped officials track the suspects. James Arthur Brown, 43, and Joe Brown, 20, who are both listed as residents of Forest Hills Apartments in Shelbyville, were arrested Wednesday while driving on New Hope Road. A 17-year-old girl was also charged...

VFSI receives enhancement grant (03/25/08)

Rotarians ask for whom the bell tolls (03/25/08)
The 86-year-old bell and gavel belonging to the Shelbyville Rotary Club are missing. Noon Rotary President Barbara Blanton filed a complaint with the police department that the historic bell had been taken from its home at the American Legion building somewhere between Feb. 28 and March 13...

Seven guns taken in home burglary (03/25/08)
Two residences were entered over the weekend in Bedford County. The guns were listed as a Glock 19.9mm, 1980 SKS Bayonet 7.62mm, a .22 Marlin, a .22 Mossberg, a .22 Magnum, a Shadow 1000 pellet gun and a S&W .38 caliber revolver. All had been in a safe, Graham told Deputy Mike Henry of the Bedford County Sheriff's Dept...

Timely phone call led to grand jury action (03/24/08)
Bedford County's grand jury has indicted a Shelbyville man on theft and traffic charges arising from a December incident that culminated with his arrest at about the time police were interviewing the complainant. With a suspect in custody, an observant officer noticed his prisoner had a cell phone, so he had a fellow officer call the victim's number. The cell phone found on the suspect began to ring, according to police reports...

Marijuana discovered during traffic stop (03/21/08)
The driver of a car initially stopped due to a defective taillight was charged with possession of marijuana after a vehicle search Wednesday night. Michelle Lynn Andrus, 21, Shelbyville Mills Road, was stopped by Officer David Curley in the parking lot of a Madison Street bar, As a computer check showed her license had been revoked for DUI, Andrus allegedly told a waitress who was checking on the commotion that she would "have to be arrested for DUI."...

Two churches step up for disaster relief (03/20/08)
Last year, Bedford County Emergency Management Agency began working with area churches to provide short-term shelter locations where people could ride out a severe storm in safety. But those shelters are only meant for a few hours, until severe weather has passed. What happens in the event of a major disaster, like the tornadoes that struck Tennessee in February, when a substantial number of people lose their homes all at once?...

E-911 board can't be reorganized for four years (03/20/08)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners' rules and legislative committee heard Tuesday night that the county can't reorganize the Emergency Communications District (E-911) board for four years, due to a contractual agreement between the district and the county...

Father accused of forcibly taking son (03/20/08)
An eight-month-old boy is back with his mother following a brief ordeal Wednesday in Shelbyville. Michael Brothers, 20, Madison Street, is being held at Bedford County Jail on $16,000 bond, charged with vandalism, reckless endangerment and violating an order of protection...

Trucker charged in serious wreck (03/20/08)
The truck driver accused of causing an eight-vehicle pileup March 12 on Madison Street has been charged with reckless endangerment. Teresa K. McInnis, 46, of Morrison was arrested after arriving at Shelbyville police headquarters Tuesday to pick up a copy of the accident report...

Online scam hits two different ways (03/19/08)
Steve Mallard of Tennessee Technology Center at Shelbyville reports that two different acquaintances of his have been touched in different ways by the same type of online scam. The scam, which has been popular for many months, involves classified ads placed in newspapers offering puppies -- often Yorkies. This isn't a case of someone local offering puppies for sale or to be given away. Those ads -- like the one placed recently by T-G staff writer Sadie Fowler -- are usually legitimate...

Two seriously hurt as vehicle hits tree (03/18/08)
Two young Shelbyville men were seriously injured Saturday night in a crash on State Highway 130 south of Shelbyville, authorities said. Cameron Hix, the driver, and Clint Nichols were flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center after their southbound vehicle ran off the road and struck a tree, according to Volunteer Fire Services Inc...

Big screen TV stolen (03/14/08)
A Shelbyville family received a rude welcome to their new home Wednesday. Jose Hernandez told police a 64-inch screen television set, DVD player, radio and makeup case were taken from his 231 Trailer Park residence overnight Tuesday. Hernandez and his family had just moved into the home, police said...

Victim seriously hurt after massive crash (03/13/08)
A Shelbyville man was in unconscious but stable condition at a Nashville hospital this morning after a Madison Street crash which left eight vehicles damaged or destroyed Wednesday afternoon. Charles R. Jewell Jr., 20, Railroad Avenue, was hurt when his Ford Taurus was struck hard in the driver's side by a large box truck driven by Teresa K. McInnis, 46, Morrison...

Hardin suspended from judicial commissioner post (03/13/08)
The Bedford County judicial commissioner accused of soliciting sex while on duty has been removed from his position pending outcome of the case. Billy Hardin, 59, of Shelbyville has been suspended without pay, General Sessions Judge Charles Rich said Wednesday...

Bell Buckle hires police officer (03/12/08)
Bell Buckle moved closer Tuesday to having law enforcement on their streets with the hiring of a part time police officer. The board of Mayor and Aldermen voted to hire LaVergne police officer Chris Spradling on a part time basis. The officer will work only 10 hours a week, with his main duty to watch for speeders...

Unionville VFD celebrates 25th anniversary (03/11/08)

Judicial commissioner faces charges (03/11/08)
A Bedford County judicial commissioner faces charges including official misconduct after allegedly requesting sex from a person seeking a warrant last weekend. Billy Hardin, 59, of Shelbyville is also charged with solicitation of prostitution and sexual battery...

Officer uses taser on suspect (03/11/08)
A Shelbyville police officer says she was forced to use a taser twice on a man who allegedly resisted arrest early Saturday. Officer Tracey Nelson said she was attempting to arrest Lazaro Martinez Garcia, 23, Madison Street. Garcia allegedly pulled in front of Nelson's patrol car while attempting to turn from Madison Street into Tillett's Trailer Park, then didn't stop for blue lights until reaching his residence. Nelson said she suspected Garcia was drunk...

Local man faces gaming charges in Kentucky (03/08/08)
A trial date has been set in Kentucky for a Shelbyville man accused of trying to cover up illegal gambling machines at a Southern Kentucky business. According to the Times Tribune of Corbin, Ky., Russell Elliott of Shelbyville was arrested in January after police allege they saw him loading illegal video poker machines into a truck at the Pilot Travel Center in Williamsburg in Whitley County...

Drug suspects arrested in sweep (03/07/08)
A large number of drug suspects in Bedford and Marshall counties were arrested Tuesday in Operation Byrne Blitz, part of a nationwide effort on the National Day of Drug Enforcement. About 100 warrants were issued, said director Timothy R. Lane of the 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force...

Thieves target U.S. 231 North (03/06/08)
A number of burglaries and thefts have occurred on U.S. 231 north of Shelbyville in the past few days, reports indicate. An alarm alerted law enforcement to a break-in. Deputy Jimmy Rhodes arrived at 11:22 p.m. to find broken door glass and glass broken in the front of the machine...

Mother charged with neglect (03/05/08)
A Shelbyville woman has been charged with felony child neglect in Murfreesboro after she allegedly left her 1-year-old daughter in her car while getting a manicure and pedicure. Sarah Dahlinger Hastings, 31, was charged Saturday after citizens told authorities that she left her baby unattended for an "extended period of time," according to the Murfreesboro Post...

Trail of wrecks left by 'scared' driver (03/04/08)
A Shelbyville man who survived two accidents Saturday, one a rollover, told police he fled because he was afraid. Edgar Andres Rivas, 21, Ward Circle, allegedly pulled in front of a car driven by Kaitlin Womack, 19, of Shelbyville after running a stop sign at the Hickory Drive-Fairfield Pike intersection...

Drugs discovered in suspects' shoes (03/01/08)
Two alleged drug offenders couldn't step away from a traffic stop as drugs were found in their shoes Thursday night, Shelbyville police said. A car driven by Billy Joe Leslie, 19, La Vergne, was allegedly spotted pulling from a Madison Street parking lot into the path of an oncoming vehicle...

9-day-old girl found after father's flight (02/28/08)
Charges are pending against the father of a 9-day-old baby after he allegedly took her from a Cannon County home while armed Wednesday, authorities say. Eddie Markham, 21, of Cortner Mill Road near Normandy was "waving a gun around" when he took his daughter, Gabriella, from her mother, Kayla Arledge, Deputy Mike Henry of the Bedford County Sheriff's Department said...

Arson case goes to Grand Jury (02/28/08)
A Unionville woman accused of breaking into a home and setting a fire late last year waived her right to a preliminary hearing and has been bound over to the Bedford County grand jury. Sheila Bledsoe briefly appeared before Judge Charles Rich Tuesday in Bedford County General Sessions Court with her court-appointed attorney...

Burglary suspect says home was his (02/26/08)
A man who claimed he was retrieving his dog from the Shelbyville Mills Road home of his girlfriend was arrested after allegedly attacking the woman, who told police she doesn't know him. Adrian Adair Buck, 42, is listed in public records as living at the home where the incident occurred...

Sorrells' sentence will stand (02/25/08)
A Bedford County man, who pleaded guilty to the shooting death of his grandfather figure, failed to persuade a judge on Friday that his 17-year prison sentence is too harsh. Matthew Wayne Sorrells, 22, was charged in early June 2006 with the death of George Houston Arnold, 67, in the older man's home on Old Columbia Road. Arnold had been shot with his own gun...

Two indicted in vehicular assault cases (02/22/08)
Two Bedford County men were indicted Thursday in separate cases on charges of vehicular assault. John Bryant Hofstetter, 31, of U.S. 231 North, Deason, and Tristan Scott Klipa, 18, whose address is listed in court records as Bell Buckle, were among two dozen defendants indicted by the Bedford County grand jury...

Police capture two drug suspects (02/21/08)
Two suspects have been arrested in connection with alleged drug traffic at Bedford Manor Apartments, Barksdale Lane. Joseph Wayne Anderson, 19, was approached after leaving his apartment late Tuesday night by Officer Tracey Nelson and Waymond Boyd, an off-duty Shelbyville officer who was working security at the complex...

Verdict's still out on space crunch (02/20/08)
Local court officials are still considering their space problems, and haven't yet made a request to the county about how to solve them. County Mayor Eugene Ray told the county commission's courthouse and property committee Tuesday night that the court system will probably propose both a temporary and a long-term solution to the problem. ...

Suspect paid $200 for forged license (02/20/08)
The buyer of an allegedly-forged Tennessee driver's license attempted to use it to open an account at a Shelbyville bank last week, police say. An employee of Peoples Bank of Bedford County, North Main Street, realized the "license" was fake and notified police of bearer Jesus Romero Morales' presence...

Russell ruling upheld for serial traffic offender (02/16/08)
ennessee Court of Criminal Appeals has affirmed Bedford County Circuit Court Judge Lee Russell's order last March sentencing a Shelbyville man to 11 years in prison after the defendant pleaded guilty of violating two orders declaring him an habitual traffic offender...

Barrett oversees SRO program (02/15/08)
There were only six road deputies when Tony Barrett started working with the Bedford County Sheriff's Department in 1978. Barrett, then 24, and the other five deputies, along with the sheriff and a warrant officer, made up the complete force. "When I was 28 years old I was made chief deputy, and I imagine I was the youngest chief deputy around," Barrett said. ...

Tyson immigration suit thrown out (02/14/08)
CHATTANOOGA (AP) -- A federal judge threw out a long-running lawsuit that accused Tyson Foods, Inc., the world's largest meat producer, of hiring illegal immigrants to depress wages. U.S. District Judge Curtis L. Collier in a Wednesday order granted the Springdale, Ark.-based company's motion for a summary judgment in the 2002 damage suit...

Rankins investigation progresses (02/14/08)
Coffee County authorities have "pretty good leads" and have identified "persons of interest" as they continue to look into the murder of 33-year-old Derrick Lavell Rankins of Shelbyville. The remains of Rankins were found last Wednesday morning in a wooded area along Highway 55, near Belmont Road just outside of Manchester...

Bell Buckle to employ part-time officer (02/13/08)
Despite opposition from some citizens, Bell Buckle's Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously voted Tuesday to hire a temporary, part-time police officer to enforce traffic and codes violations. The officer, who will be picked from Bedford County Sheriff's Department personnel, will work only 10 hours a week with his main duty to watch for speeders...

Floyd murder probe continues (02/13/08)
The death of a Wartrace man is still under investigation as Moore County officials await the results of an autopsy before releasing any more information. 20-year-old Joseph Timothy Floyd died Feb. 2 from a stab wound to the chest. Charged with criminal homicide is 20-year-old Jacob Wayne "Jake" Riddle of Tullahoma, who is being held at Moore County Jail under $250,000 bond...

Another charged in January robbery (02/13/08)
Another suspect has been charged in connection with a Jan. 4 robbery at a Ward Circle home, Shelbyville police say. Jason Matthew Shelton, 20, Mullins Chapel Road is being held on an aggravated robbery charge. Bail is set at $200,000. Three men, two women and three teenage girls were part of a plan to attract two men to a home and rob them, Detective Brian Crews of the Shelbyville Police Department said...

Chapel Hill helps fund EMS station (02/13/08)
CHAPEL HILL -- Public safety for motorists in north Marshall County and area residents should improve soon because of a town board decision on Monday to help fund a new ambulance station. The current ambulance station, in a building owned by the Lions Club, could house one ambulance back when the emergency vehicles were vans. Today's models, however, are much larger, with an aluminum box mounted on a truck chassis, containing equipment and supplies once limited to emergency rooms...

Academy is site for fire loss seminar (02/11/08)
Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy (TFACA) on Unionville-Deason Road will host a national web based seminar regarding fire loss and prevention issues on Wednesday. Titled "Vision 20/20", the web based seminar is actually a forum discussion where participants will receive a presentation on the nation's fire problem -- and what is expected in the future. ...

Friends 'numb' after Welch deaths (02/09/08)
LAFAYETTE -- A community already devastated by deadly storms suffered another loss when a minister who was helping lead recovery efforts was killed in a traffic accident two days after the storm. The Rev. Michael L. Welch, 51, died Thursday along with his wife and two of his children when a tractor-trailer slammed into the rear of their van...

Store owner guilty of income tax (02/09/08)
Dharmendra B. Patel, 41, of Shelbyville, pled guilty Thursday to one count of income tax evasion before Judge Curtis L. Collier in U.S. District Court in Chattanooga. Patel, owner and operator of Pik N Check convenience and check-cashing store in Shelbyville, faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced on May 1...

Rankins death was homicide, officials say (02/08/08)
Coffee County authorities are treating the death of a Bedford County man as a homicide, the Times-Gazette has learned. The remains of 32-year-old Derrick Lavell Rankins of Deery Street in Shelbyville were found early Wednesday morning in a wooded area along Highway 55, near Belmont Road just outside of Manchester...

Former First Christian pastor and family killed in wreck (02/08/08)
Members of First Christian Church were shocked to learn of the death of their former pastor, the Rev. Michael Welch, his wife Julie, and their two children, during an automobile accident Thursday afternoon in tornado-ravaged Macon County. "It's been devastating to our church," said Bedford County Register of Deeds Johnny Reed, a member of First Christian, who said that all four were killed in the accident. "He was a great minister, and his family was a great bunch."...

Thieves return to pick up stolen tools (02/08/08)
Many tools stolen from an outbuilding at a Midland Road home in Shelbyville were left a short distance away near Bedford County Agriculture Center for later retrieval, police say. The tools -- including saws, a drill, truck toolbox, and speakers -- had been taken overnight Tuesday from an outbuilding behind a rental home owned by Marion Whitaker...

Bobo placed in pre-trial diversion (02/07/08)
A Liberty school teacher who bought a firearm to school last year was placed on pre-trial diversion Wednesday in Bedford County General Sessions Court. Dawn Bobo was sentenced to 11 month, 29 days of probation, will have to forfeit the weapon and pay fines and court costs...

Shelbyville man found dead near Manchester (02/07/08)
A murder investigation is underway in Manchester after the body of a Bedford County man was discovered Wednesday. According to WMSR Radio, the remains of 32-year-old Derrick Lavell Rankins of Deery Street in Shelbyville were found early Wednesday morning in a wooded area along Highway 55, near Belmont Road just outside of Manchester...

Generator unchained, stolen (02/07/08)
A 5,500-watt generator was taken from Hillis Group, Squire Hall Road, according to a report filed by Deputy Kevin Roddy. The generator had been chained to cinder blocks surrounding the fuel tank. The blocks were "busted" and the chain was removed, Roddy said...

Cab driver stabbed after fare dispute (02/05/08)
A taxi driver told police he was stabbed during an argument over a fare early Saturday. Danny Bellew of Shelbyville said a man he'd picked up at Tyson Foods, West Jackson Street, about 5:20 a.m. insisted his fare was only $2.50 instead of $3.50 after being taken a short distance from the plant to Central Avenue...

Wartrace man killed in Moore County incident (02/02/08)
A Wartrace man is dead and a Tullahoma man in custody following what an investigator calls an "altercation" Friday night in Moore County. Joseph Timothy Floyd, 20, died early Saturday at Harton Regional Medical Center in Tullahoma of what several friends said was a stab wound to the chest...

Deery Street home entered (02/02/08)
Items including a television set, dryer and antiques were stolen sometime before Thursday from the Darryl Trice home, Deery Street, Shelbyville police said. Entry was gained by breaking a window. The following persons were arrested since Thursday by the Shelbyville Police Department, Bedford County Sheriff's Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol or 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force and processed through Bedford County Jail. ...

Tracfone purchases investigated (02/01/08)
Shelbyville's Wal-Mart store has become one of many hit in a scheme involving large numbers of Tracfone purchases. Police were told two individuals purchased 63 Tracfones in 32 transactions late Tuesday night in violation of store policy. A Wal-Mart official told police stores in Murfreesboro, Tullahoma and Lewisburg were struck in a similar fashion with a total of over 200 phones purchased...

Drunk, armed man arrested in store (01/31/08)
Police arrested a man who was allegedly carrying a loaded pistol while drunk Tuesday in Wal-Mart. Officers, notified of a man who was "staggering around the store," arrived to find Samuel Prosser, 51, Temple Ford Lane, "smacking" two packages on a counter with his hands, Officer Bruce Davis said...

One killed, others injured in two morning accidents (01/31/08)
A Tullahoma man is dead after his car struck a bridge in Flat Creek this morning. Alfred H. York Jr., 47, was dead at the scene when his Lincoln struck the bridge over Flat Creek near Sally's Market on State Route 82 South about 6:45 a.m. State Trooper Barry Qualls said York was traveling northbound toward Shelbyville when his car ran off the road, hit the end of the bridge and went down an embankment near the bridge...

Tullahoma fire kills 5-year-old (01/31/08)
TULLAHOMA (AP) -- A 5-year-old girl is dead as a result of a house fire at her grandparents' house. Her body was found crouched behind a chair after firefighters reached the scene about 5 p.m. Wednesday. Officials said the girl was related to one of the firefighters...

Three face charges on drug violations (01/30/08)
Three persons were arrested for drug violations Monday night in Shelbyville. Joshua Adam Parker, 22, Tara Drive, Rover, was spotted on North Main Street by Officer David Curley and stopped in a Fairfield Pike parking lot. Parker, who Curley said seemed "confused," allegedly said he was unfamiliar with the vehicle after recently being released from prison. A computer check showed Parker's license was suspended for failure to satisfy citations...

Argument ends with knife in back (01/29/08)
A Shelbyville man was taken to Nashville for treatment of a stab wound following a argument Sunday, police said Monday. Officers arrived at a King Arthur Trailer Court home to find Dewayne Starr in the kitchen with a knife blade in his back. Tiffany Shane Eddings, 26, Sherwood Trailer Court, was charged with aggravated assault and released on $7,500 bond...

TWHNC is animal evac site (01/28/08)
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration Grounds will be an emergency evacuation site for large animals, according to an agreement reached between the world championship horse show and Bedford County government. The request for the agreement originated with the Law Enforcement Committee of the Bedford County Commission and included input from Bedford County Animal Control, Bedford County Emergency Management Agency, Shelbyville-Bedford County Humane Association, the University of Tennessee Extension Service, and The Celebration.. ...

Pistols, scanner taken from home (01/26/08)
A thief has items needed to continue that pursuit after breaking into a Hoover Street home late Thursday. Three pistols and a police scanner were missing when Claude Aldridge returned home about 1:30 a.m. Friday, Shelbyville police said. Also missing were $990 and a portable TV set...

One property owner refutes fraud accusations (01/26/08)
One of the individuals accused of fraud involving Greystone Subdivison has brought the T-G evidence that the specific tenant to whom he is renting misrepresented the facts of his situation. Jason Neal provided extensive documentation that shows that Andrew Andreason of 414 Quarry St. gave Neal checks for rent in November and December of 2007 that were returned due to insufficient funds...

Subject possessed rare Jack Daniel's (01/26/08)
A four count indictment was handed down Friday against a Lynchburg businessman in connection with the discovery of hundreds of bottles of Jack Daniel's whiskey last year. Randy Piper was charged with one count of possession of non-tax paid alcohol in excess of three gallons, unlawful sale of whiskey, illegal storage of alcohol for resale and transportation of alcoholic beverages...

Fraud claimed in home deals (01/24/08)
Several Shelbyville families in Greystone subdivision off Nashville Dirt Road, near North Main Street, are suddenly faced with losing the roofs over their heads -- even though they have been making their house payments on time. The families claim they have been victimized by several individuals from Murfreesboro who are purchasing properties from American Value Homes and setting up two-year leases with purchase option agreements...

Attorney appointed for arson suspect (01/24/08)
A Unionville woman facing arson charges will appear in Bedford County General Sessions Court next month. Acording to a member of the District Attorney's office, Sheila Bledsoe has been given a court-appointed attorney and will appear before Judge Charles Rich on Feb. 27. She is being held under $125,000 bond for charges of arson and aggravated burglary...

Pot, stolen items found during stop (01/23/08)
Two persons in a car stopped by police for a headlight out were charged after a vehicle search Monday night. After checking to ensure Nathan Devall Ringer, 19, Peacock Lane, had a valid driver's license, Officer Waymond Boyd asked to search his car and was granted permission...

Gordon wants to close loophole in sex offender registry (01/23/08)
U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon is supporting legislation to close a loophole in a federal law requiring convicted child predators to register as sex offenders. "As a parent, I take the job of protecting children against sex offenders and online predators very seriously," said Gordon. "When Congress passed a law requiring a national sex offender registry, we wanted to give law enforcement agencies and parents the tools they need to safeguard children against these criminals."...

Grand Jury indicts two (01/21/08)
Bedford County's grand jury indicted two people on Thursday, a low number because General Sessions Court adjourned for the holidays last month, but five drug cases drew convictions Thursday morning. All five drug cases were developed by the 17th Judicial District Drug and Violence Task Force and led to guilty pleas on charges involving cocaine. The defendants, their sentences or next court date are as follows...

Help in finding invaders worth $1,000 (01/19/08)
Shelbyville police and CrimeStoppers are asking for the public's help in nabbing those responsible for a recent home invasion. On Nov. 6, 2007, two or more individuals invaded the home of Alton and Patricia Davis, 1518 Fairfield Pike. Upon entry to the residence, the armed individuals used duct tape to bind the hands and feet of the elderly victims. The suspects then ransacked the Davis home and made off with an undisclosed amount of cash, a firearm, and jewelry...

North Main beggar still asking for money (01/19/08)
More persons continue to be victimized by a woman who begs money around stores in the North Main Street area. A concerned Shelbyville citizen said she gave the suspect money and a ride after she claimed to be destitute and in need of money for her children in college...

Pre-trial diversion possible for Bobo (01/18/08)
The attorney for a veteran teacher charged with carrying a gun on school property last month said Thursday that he is in the process of working out a pre-trial diversion in the case. Attorney John Norton, who is representing Dawn Bobo, the Liberty School teacher facing the weapons charge, said that a tentative agreement had been reached between his office and prosecutors in the case...

Mathis says dispatch meetings have been positive (01/17/08)
Bedford County Communications Center officials said Wednesday night that recent meetings with local emergency departments to discuss dispatch procedures have been productive, but that the center needs additional dispatchers to function more effectively...

Continuance granted in Bobo case (01/17/08)
Another continuance has been granted in the case of a Liberty School teacher accused of carrying a gun on school property last month. Veteran teacher Dawn Bobo will appear Feb. 6 in Bedford County General Sessions Court before Judge Charles Rich. Court typically begins at 9 a.m...

Neighbors chase robbers from home (01/16/08)
Two men told police they were slightly injured by intruders who forced the door of a Chockley Street home and demanded money Saturday night. The suspects got no money for their efforts and were chased from the duplex by other occupants. Miguel Robles and Sebastian Hernandez said the two white men, one armed with a stick, attacked after being told there was no money in the home...

Local woman charged with TennCare fraud (01/14/08)
A Bedford County woman is accused of TennCare fraud for trying to use benefits to pay for an altered prescription for the addictive painkiller Hydrocodone, a state spokeswoman said Friday. Christine A. Sullenger, 28, of Shelbyville is being prosecuted by Coffee County District Attorney Mickey Layne, according to the state Office of Inspector General. Sullenger's arrest was a result of joint efforts by the Bedford and Coffee counties' sheriff's departments...

Marijuana found after light law stop (01/12/08)
Police say they found marijuana on two persons in a car stopped early Friday because a brake light was out. Jeremy Michael Crow, 19, McBride Lane, the driver, and Brittani Nicole Fulton, 21, Barksdale Lane, both were charged with possession of a schedule VI drug. Crow was also charged with possession of a schedule IV drug after telling police he had two Xanax tablets in his clothing...

Bobo case continued one week (01/10/08)
A one-week continuance was granted Wednesday in the case of a Liberty School teacher accused of carrying a gun on school property last month. Veteran teacher Dawn Bobo is now scheduled to appear Jan. 16 in Bedford County General Sessions Court. Court typically begins at 9 a.m...

Commissioners hear report on radio system (01/10/08)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners, meeting Tuesday night, heard quarterly reports from various county departments. Here are some of the highlights: Eugene Nichols of Bedford County Emergency Management Agency noted that the county's new emergency radio system was scheduled to go online last June but has been delayed by three different lightning strikes. He said proper lightning protection is in place and the system is finally ready to go live next week...

Wartrace installs surveillance cameras (01/09/08)
Law enforcement and emergency personnel will be able to keep a closer eye on downtown Wartrace and the CSX rail line that runs through the town, thanks to a homeland security grant. Workers with Stewart Security braved high winds Tuesday installing security cameras...

Money-seeking women grab wallet (01/09/08)
Two women claiming they needed money for car repairs took off with the wallet of a man searching for change, police said. The women knocked on the door of Rolando Nieto, Hillcrest Apartments, Monday night. As Nieto went upstairs the women grabbed the wallet, containing $200, from a gym bag and fled...

Robbery plot leads to arrest of seven suspects (01/08/08)
Several persons have been arrested in connection with what police describe as a "setup" at a Ward Circle home Friday. Three men, two women and three teenage girls were part of a plan to attract two men to a home and rob them, Detective Brian Crews of the Shelbyville Police Department said...

Gunfire results in multiple charges (01/05/08)
A Shelbyville man faces charges after allegedly firing gunshots during a drunken argument with his wife. Lawrence Edward Evans, 60, River Ranch Road, became upset as his wife was removing possessions from their home Thursday, Capt. Tony Barrett of the Bedford County Sheriff's Department said...

Dog will likely lose leg to bullet (01/04/08)
A pit bulldog chained within a fenced backyard on Horse Mountain Road in Shelbyville will probably lose a leg after being shot, police said Wednesday. "Peetie" was shot in the left rear leg between 11 p.m. Monday and 4 p.m. Tuesday, the dog's owner, Lindsey Bolin, told police...

Stockyard fires impact farmers (01/03/08)
Two stockyards in Tennessee burned this week and officials say the fires will hurt their areas' farm economies. Other stockyards, however, may benefit because of the fires. "Whenever you lose a facility like that, you lose some of your competition," said Rick Skillington, director of Marshall County Agricultural Extension Service. "When farmers carry their livestock to market, they like the competition."...

Fishing poles stolen (01/03/08)
Several fishing poles were stolen from a mini barn at the home of Alton Thomas Jr., Cunningham Lane, during December, according to a police report released Wednesday. The following persons were arrested since Monday by the Bedford County Sheriff's Department, Shelbyville Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol or 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force and processed through Bedford County Jail. They are only charged; guilt or innocence will be determined by the courts...

Dance moves lead to stabbing (01/02/08)
FARMINGTON -- A man is recovering from stab wounds suffered Saturday morning at his mobile home, where he'd been dancing with a girl from his neighbor's trailer, according to his mother. Gerald Michael "Jerry" Watterson , 21, of 2648 Nashville Highway (U.S. 31-A), has been released from Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he was taken by helicopter ambulance after being examined at Marshall Medical Center in Lewisburg, Karen Watterson said of her son...

One robber takes cash; another gets only steak (01/02/08)
An armed robber took a relatively small amount of money from Saddlegait Market, South Cannon Boulevard, late Saturday night. The clerk told police the suspect entered shortly before 11 p.m., laid a black handgun on the counter and ordered her to give him the cash drawer...

Police will be on guard tonight (12/31/07)
If you venture out tonight, New Year's Eve, be aware that law enforcement will be keeping an eye out. Shelbyville Police Chief Austin Swing said that they will have the same amount of patrols they would have on a normal evening, but they will be keeping a sharp eye out for drunk drivers due to the holiday...

Thomas' firing is year's top story (12/31/07)
For the past week, the Times-Gazette has been looking back at 2007 by counting down the top 10 news stories of the year as voted by a panel of T-G staffers. Here are the stories revealed so far: 10) Standardized School Attire proposed...

Safe escape from cave (12/28/07)
Three persons who denied they were lost were rescued from a cave near Raus early today. Jeremy Leverette, 20, and Tonya Davis, 19, both of Park Trail Apartments, Green Lane, and Brad Pierce, 28, of Camden were found in the cave off John Brinkley Road at 1:30 a.m. by Joanna Valesquez and Brian Bruce of Bedford County Emergency Management Agency's cave rescue team...

Internet scam catches another victim (12/28/07)
Another Shelbyville resident has become the victim of an Internet scam in which money was sent to England, police say. Joan Fleming told police she lost $7,800 after receiving an e-mail in late November asking her to be a United States financial representative and help individuals outside the country consolidate and transfer funds...

Drunk man aims pistol at officers (12/27/07)
Eight guns were confiscated from an intoxicated man who allegedly raised a gun toward officers and pulled the trigger Monday night. James Melvin Adams, 53, faces multiple charges stemming from an argument with his wife at their Cloverdale Road home, Shelbyville police said...

Whitaker pleads guilty to robbery, evading arrest (12/26/07)
A Shelbyville man who pistol-whipped a woman and robbed the Lane Parkway convenience store where she worked last spring has pleaded guilty to charges of evading arrest and armed robbery. Scheduled for sentencing on Feb. 21 is Keenan Terrell Whitaker, 27, of Cherokee Trail, who pleaded Pic-N-Chek Market...

Caller, employee may share blame for dispatch (12/26/07)
The director of Bedford County Communications Center stated that the discrepancy over the location of a fire in Unionville Friday was due to confusion over the name of a road, both by a 911 caller and a dispatcher. Firefighters were called to the blaze, allegedly caused by arson, Friday morning. Outraged neighbors told the T-G at the scene that the home could have been saved if personnel were sent to the correct location...

Grand Jury indicts alleged jewelry thief (12/24/07)
A man accused of stealing jewelry, dolls, knives, copper, coins and other collectibles was indicted last week by a Bedford County grand jury. Allen Jasper Lawson, Jr., 29, of 1358 Pickle Road, is named in three burglary and theft cases reported out on Dec. 17 in Shelbyville when 13 other defendants were indicted...

Gordon secures funding for meth cleanup (12/24/07)
U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon has helped to secure $1.1 million in federal funding to help state and local officials fight methamphetamine production and abuse. "Strong state and federal laws are making an impact on meth production, but we still have too many meth labs in Tennessee," said Gordon. ...

Mother burns daughter's home (12/22/07)
A Unionville woman and her three children have lost most of their possessions after her mother allegedly set fire to their home Friday morning. And neighbors and emergency personnel are claiming that firefighters were dispatched to the wrong location...

Purses stolen from home and hallway (12/22/07)
A billfold belonging to Lucille Campbell was stolen from her Colonial Avenue home Dec. 11, police say. Someone unsuccessfully attempted to withdraw money Monday from her account at First Bank, according to a family member. The family was told by bank personnel security camera footage may show who made the attempt...

Crimestoppers needs funding (12/21/07)
The Crimestoppers program has been the key to solving a number of criminal cases thanks to tips from people in Shelbyville and Bedford County, say law enforcement officials. But now funding is urgently needed to keep the program going and crooks off the streets...

Planning to prevent disaster (12/21/07)
Emergency management includes not only helping the community respond to disasters, but trying to prevent them in the first place. That's why Bedford County Emergency Management Agency is working with planning contractor General Physics to complete a Hazard Mitigation Plan for Bedford County and its incorporated cities...

Real wine, fake money lead to arrests (12/21/07)
Charges were filed Thursday against a Bedford County man accused of selling homemade wine. The home of Alvin Brown, of Pokey Brown Lane near Longview, was entered by state agents Thursday morning who confiscated and poured out approximately 70 gallons of wine, Sheriff Randall Boyce said...

Copter keeps an eye on drug offenders (12/20/07)
Criminals beware: Local law enforcement has an eye in the sky at its disposal that could be watching you. Members of the Shelbyville Police Department, the Bedford County Sheriff's Department and the 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force paid a visit to the Shelbyville Airport Wednesday to take a look at the air support offered for free by the Army and the Tennessee National Guard...

Shelbyville man shot in Tullahoma (12/20/07)
A Franklin County resident is being held on $1 million bond for the alleged shooting of a Shelbyville man. According to WMSR radio, 22-year-old Dominic Tillman of Shelbyville was shot in the arm early Sunday morning after bullets were fired into the Good Times Lounge on Anderson Street in Tullahoma...

Reward offered for info in missing woman case (12/19/07)
The family of a Murfreesboro woman who disappeared nearly two weeks ago is offering a reward for information concerning her whereabouts. Marsilene Smith, the 68-year-old mother of Leann Barnes of Shelbyville, was last seen shopping at K-Mart or Old Time Pottery on Dec. 6, but was reported missing by her husband Glover Smith after she did not return home after dark...

Court date set in Bobo case (12/19/07)
A Jan. 8 court date has been set for Liberty School teacher Dawn Bobo, who was charged with carrying a gun on school property last week. Bobo said she accidentally carried a .22 Ruger target pistol, which she kept for protection for coyotes while checking her rural mailbox, into the school building, according to Capt. Tony Barrett of the Bedford County Sheriff's Department...

Gaming machines lose against thieves (12/18/07)
Thieves took a gamble against machines and won over the weekend. Money was stolen from Pop-A-Top, Madison Street, after closing time Saturday morning, police said. Five poker machines were entered and a "small amount" of money taken from the bar's lottery area, Sgt. Bill Logue said...

Breaking News: Teacher has gun in school (12/17/07)
A Liberty School teacher has been charged with possessing a gun on school property. Investigators said Dawn Bobo arrived at school one day last week and, after entering the building, verbally exclaimed that she had accidentally brought the gun inside...

Two staph cases at Post Office (12/15/07)
Shelbyville's post office is taking precautions to make sure the potentially deadly MRSA or "staph" infection isn't spread through the mail after two employees became infected with the bacteria. The T-G received a call Thursday from a concerned citizen who claimed that Shelbyville's postmaster Larry Ellis was allowing a postal employee with a staph infection to continue to work, possibly exposing the public to the bug...

Threat shutters Forrest schools (12/15/07)
CHAPEL HILL -- Forrest Schools' classes were suspended Friday and two home basketball games with Community High School are postponed until next year because of a threatening note, Marshall County schools' officials said. "There was a bomb threat in the note," said Nancy Aldridge, interim director of schools. The note -- presumably written by a boy, although Aldridge wasn't specific -- was found in a bathroom at Forrest High and taken to the school office...

Traffic stops lead to drug discoveries (12/15/07)
Shelbyville officers stayed busy Thursday night finding drugs during vehicle searches following traffic stops. Three persons were arrested, two on drug-related charges. Brown's car was searched after a check showed he was driving without a license. An estimated 3.13 grams of marijuana were found between the car's driver's seat and center console, police said...

T-G readers help identify robbery suspect (12/14/07)
Sharp-eyed Times-Gazette readers played a critical role in the arrest of a suspect in last week's armed robbery of a Shelbyville check cashing store. Kenya LaFont Streeter, 32, Cedar River Road, has been charged by Shelbyville police with aggravated robbery in connection with a Dec. 4 holdup at Check Advance, North Main Street...

Gordon's meth cleanup bill passes (12/13/07)
On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate approved U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon's legislation to help communities clean up former methamphetamine lab sites, putting the bill one step closer to becoming law. "We have a duty to protect innocent families not only from the criminals who make and use this illegal drug, but also from the aftereffects of that crime, said Gordon, chairman of the House Committee on Science and Technology, in a news release. ...

Suspect throws cash into trash (12/13/07)
A Shelbyville man allegedly dumped nearly $700 in a convenience store restroom's trash can early Wednesday after ignoring a police officer's order not to enter the room. The driver of a car in which the suspect arrived at the store was charged after drugs were found inside...

Truck stolen from The Scoop (12/12/07)
A truck belonging to The Scoop horse industry newspaper was stolen from in front of its Elm Street offices after noon Sunday, Shelbyville police say. The theft was reported Monday. The following persons were arrested since Monday by the Shelbyville Police Department, Bedford County Sheriff's Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol or 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force and processed through Bedford County Jail. They are only charged; guilt or innocence will be determined by the courts...

Stereo equipment stolen from vehicle (12/11/07)
Two amplifiers and two speakers belonging to Ariosto Zunin, Quarry Street, were taken from his car at his home overnight Sunday, Shelbyville police said. Entry was gained by breaking a window. Shelbyville police are advising people not to give to a woman who they say begs money in parking lots of businesses along North Main Street between Madison Street and Colloredo Boulevard...

Shelbyville man dies in Murfreesboro wreck (12/10/07)
A Shelbyville man was killed early Sunday when an out-of-control SUV driven by a 13-year-old boy slid in front of his vehicle on Interstate 24 near Murfreesboro. Earl James Draine, 43, of Shelbyville died at the scene, according to investigators. Latosha Draine and Trenton Locke, both of Shelbyville, and a third unidentified passenger were taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. The survivors were listed in critical condition, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol...

Searchers for missing woman hit the streets (12/10/07)
Volunteers and authorites in Murfreesboro are continuing the search for a woman who vanished Thursday afternoon while Christmas shopping. Marsilene Smith, the 68-year-old mother of Leann Barnes of Shelbyville, was last seen shopping at K-Mart or Old Time Pottery on Thursday afternoon, but was reported missing by her husband Glover Smith after she did not return home after dark...

Local woman's mother missing (12/08/07)
The mother of a Shelbyville woman was reported missing Friday in Murfreesboro after her SUV was found abandoned. Marsilene Smith, the 68-year-old mother of Leann Barnes of Shelbyville, was last seen shopping at K-Mart or Old Time Pottery on Thursday afternoon, but was reported missing by her husband Glover Smith after she did not return home after dark...

Odor indicates marijuana in motel (12/07/07)
Drugs were found in a Shelbyville motel Wednesday night following a call advising of suspicious activity, Shelbyville police say. Officers said they could smell a strong odor of marijuana when entering a room occupied by Joshua Dean Stanley, Manchester, shortly before midnight...

Cell phone stolen from SCHS student (12/06/07)
A cell phone which fell from a pocket of Shelbyville Central High student Morgan Pope during class Tuesday was reported stolen. Shelbyville police said they'd been told another student was attempting to sell the phone. The following persons were arrested since Tuesday by the Bedford County Sheriff's Department, Shelbyville Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol or 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force and processed through Bedford County Jail. ...

Armed robber takes $3,000 (12/06/07)
An armed robber got away with over $3,000 from Check Advance, in the Mane Street Centre on North Main Street, after apparently "casing the joint" for a few minutes Tuesday afternoon. "A man came into the store armed with a handgun," Officer Jeff Goodrich of Shelbyville Police Department said...

Shebyville man admits Lewisburg holdup (12/06/07)
LEWISBURG -- A Shelbyville man was sentenced Wednesday to 11 1/2 years in prison for the Aug. 30 armed robbery of a convenience store on what Marshall County residents call the New Columbia Highway. Robert Derrick Johnson, 36, of Cherokee Lane pleaded guilty to Circuit Court Judge Robert Crigler who sanctioned the sentence negotiated for Johnson by Shelbyville-based attorney Robert Marlow with Assistant District Attorney Eddie Barnard...

Purse, contents stolen from vehicle (12/05/07)
The latest purse theft in Shelbyville occurred at either Wal-Mart or Food Lion, police say. Brandie Hamilton of Shelbyville said she left her vehicle unlocked Saturday. The purse contained $16 and personal cards and papers. The following persons were arrested since Monday by the Shelbyville Police Department, Bedford County Sheriff's Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol or 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force and processed through Bedford County Jail. ...

Suspect accused of taking car, bicycle (12/04/07)
A man who allegedly stole a car from Bedford County Medical Center was captured when he attempted to run after wrecking it between Wartrace and Bell Buckle, investigators said. Dustin Danyale Darnell, 21, Purdy Court, allegedly stole the car belonging to Elizabeth Wendel early Sunday morning...

Man sentenced in child rape case (12/03/07)
A 55-year-old man, described by at least two officials as having remarkably low intelligence, was sentenced Friday to serve 20 years in prison after pleading guilty in Bedford County Circuit Court of child rape. Russell Raymond Aumick was indicted in January 2006 on seven counts of child rape, nine counts of aggravated burglary and 12 counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. All but three child rape charges were set aside...

'Fashion show' leads to jail firings (12/01/07)
Three jailers have been dismissed and one suspended following a mock "fashion show," including a bikini made from a sweatshirt, put on by women in Bedford County Jail. The trusties involved have had their privileges revoked. "Obviously, they exercised very poor judgment," District Attorney Chuck Crawford said Friday night, but he referred further questions about the matter to Sheriff Randall Boyce and his department administrator, Larry Lowman. ...

Four attempt to rob BCMC construction chief (12/01/07)
Charges have been filed against four persons accused of attempting to rob the construction supervisor of the new Bedford County Medical Center while smashing his truck with a baseball bat late Thursday afternoon. Witnesses told Deputy Caleb Doak four persons in a tan Ford Explorer began attacking the truck occupied by Jeffrey E. Truelove, 60, Franklin, at the hospital construction site on U.S. 231 North...

Suspect showers following pursuit (11/30/07)
A man accused of wrecking his car during a police chase Wednesday night allegedly headed straight for the shower. Officer David Curley of the Shelbyville Police Department said he clocked a Ford Mustang convertible driven by Joshua Van Allen, 25, Glover Lane, at 54 mph in a 30 mph zone on Kingree Road...

Woman, 29, charged with raping 12-year-old (11/30/07)
A 29-year-old Shelbyville woman was indicted this month on five counts of rape of a 12-year-old boy, according to public records. Rhonda Louise Medley, 29, was arrested Aug. 21 by Shelbyville police detective Brian Crews who charged her with the crimes alleged on July 10, 12, 16, 17 and 19, the woman's arrest warrants state...

Two more churches join Storm Shelter program (11/30/07)
Two more churches, Southside Church of Christ and Rover Baptist Church, have been added to the Bedford County Storm Shelter Program. The program, a cooperative effort between the Bedford County Emergency Management Agency, Bedford County Communications Center, Volunteer Fire Services, Shelbyville Fire Department, Bedford County Ham Radio Club, and local churches, offers temporary shelter during severe weather...

Local resident charged with TennCare fraud (11/29/07)
A resident of Bedford County has been charged with a felony count of TennCare fraud. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) Monday announced the arrest of Deborah Ann Jewell, 51, of Bedford County. Jewell is accused of fraudulently obtaining benefits she was not entitled to and theft of TennCare services less than $10,000. ...

Trail horse stolen while rider away (11/28/07)
A trail horse belonging to Amie Lee Marks was taken from her Highway 130 East home between Wednesday and Saturday of last week, according to a Bedford County Sheriff's Department report. The horse is branded under its mane with the letters DOG and has a white band around its left rear foot, Marks told Deputy Kevin Roddy...

Serious injury in Himesville road wreck (11/27/07)

Copper wire taken from construction site (11/27/07)
An estimated $3,000 worth of copper wire was taken over the weekend from a home under construction on Whispering Oaks Drive. Ruben Rivera told police Monday the home had been entered after 5 p.m. Saturday. Other thefts reported over the holiday weekend:...

Fire claims lives of 30 Spotted Saddle Horses (11/26/07)
A pre-dawn fire today took the lives of approximately 30 Spotted Saddle Horses. The blaze at Dickie Gardner Stables, Whitaker Road, was discovered after 3 a.m., officials said. "Some neighbors saw it and called us," Gardner said. "We (Gardner and his wife, Misti) got here and tried to get in but the firefighters wouldn't let us inside. They said it was already too far gone."...

Committee hears about judicial space needs (11/23/07)
If you thought it was easy to be an elected official, think again. Bedford County Board of Commissioners' courthouse and county property committee is beset on all sides: The problem was highlighted Tuesday night as the committee continued its discussion of space needs. ...

Gordon honors volunteer firefighters. (11/21/07)
Invoking his mother's childhood memories, U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon honored the Bell Buckle Volunteer Fire Department on Tuesday for its important work. Gordon presented a plaque to the fire hall which contained a statement he read into the Congressional Record on Nov. 15 honoring the department. He told Bell Buckle officials Tuesday that his family has strong memories of what can happen when a fire gets out of control...

Purse stolen from restaurant customer (11/21/07)
A customer at Great Wall Chinese Restaurant, North Main Street, told police Monday her purse was stolen while she was away from her table for a moment. Mary Wright of Shelbyville said the purse contained cards and prescription medication. The following persons were arrested since Monday by the Bedford County Sheriff's Department, Shelbyville Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol or 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force and processed through Bedford County Jail. ...

Repeat offender charged after chase (11/20/07)
An allegedly-drunk man managed to briefly elude a pursuing officer on foot Friday before being arrested on his eighth offense of driving on a revoked license. Darnell Sutton, 44, Gordon Road, was stopped on Lane Parkway after being clocked at 49 mph in a 30 mph zone on Lane Parkway and for a registration violation, police said...

Keeping safe at ATMs (11/19/07)
Industry group offers ATM safety tips Eds: Moving on general news and financial services. With BC-SOU--ATM Violence By The Associated Press Following are the basic safety procedures for cardholders should to follow when using an ATM, according to the ATM Industry Association:...

Threat, but little information, on ATM violence (11/19/07)
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- An off-duty Orlando police is gunned down after withdrawing money from an automated teller machine. Two armored truck guards are shot to death in Northeast Philadelphia while servicing a bank ATM. A retired couple is accosted in their Jacksonville home and then forced to reveal their ATM numbers before being buried alive...

Youth tries to run after stealing truck (11/17/07)
A 16-year-old Winchester boy driving a stolen truck was arrested by Shelbyville police following a foot chase near Wal-Mart on Thursday. Officer Jose Garza said the youth didn't immediately stop the truck after being clocked at 47 mph in a 30 mph zone on North Main Street near the store's entrance...

Officer finds drugs after traffic stops (11/14/07)
Two persons were charged with drug possession after Officer Waymond Boyd asked to search their vehicles following traffic stops, Shelbyville police said. McCullough told Boyd the device was used to smoke marijuana. After being arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia, two Lortabs were found in McCullough's pocket during a search at Bedford County Jail, police said. A charge of introducing contraband into a penal institution was added...

Jail intake (11/13/07)
The following persons were arrested since Friday by the Bedford County Sheriff's Department, Shelbyville Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol or 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force and processed through Bedford County Jail. They are only charged; guilt or innocence will be determined by the courts...

Flag placed in jury room (11/12/07)
The jury room at the Bedford County Courthouse has a new historic decoration -- a flag flown during World War II. On Friday, members of Bedford County Bar Association presented a flag flown during that conflict on the USS LCI (G) 458, commanded by Chancellor John D. Templeton, to County Mayor Eugene Ray...

'60 Minutes' will highlight Thompson case (11/10/07)
The CBS news program "60 Minutes" is scheduled to report Sunday night on death row inmate Gregory Thompson's 1985 murder of Brenda Blanton Lane of Shelbyville and the issues that his case raises about the death penalty. The program can be seen at 6 p.m. Sunday on WTVF (Channel 5), according to Lane's sole surviving blood relative, Barbara Brown of Longview, and other people interviewed for the news program who declined to be identified...

Stereo system, speakers stolen (11/10/07)
A CD-video player, amplifier, subwoofers and speaker box were taken from a car owned by Jamie Powell at his Edgemont Drive home overnight Wednesday. Powell reported the theft at 4:51 a.m. Thursday. Entry was gained by forcing a window. The car had been parked in the yard for six months, police said...

Two suspects caught in shoplifting attempt (11/09/07)
Two Nashville men attempted to leave Wal-Mart without paying for nearly $500 in merchandise Wednesday, Shelbyville police said. Larry Eugene Scales, 53, and Billie Noble Forrest, 68, are accused of carrying a tote bag containing blue jeans, work shirts and other assorted merchandise...

Unionville driver hits, kills Marshall County resident (11/09/07)
A Marshall County man died Tuesday night after being struck by a pickup truck driven by a Unionville man near Farmington, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Kyle Patrick Starr, 20, was walking in the roadway of U.S. 31-A near Wade Brown Road when hit by a southbound 1993 Ford operated by Leonard Burgett, 34, said State Trooper Jack Sutphen's preliminary report. The location is just north of the intersection of 31-A and State Highway 64...

Tyson wage trial underway (11/09/07)
Hearings got underway in federal court in Chattanooga this week in a civil suit largely based on charges made against Tyson Foods executives and managers in 2001. On Wednesday, defense attorneys for Tyson asked Chief U.S. District Judge Curtis Collier to rule a report and testimony from an economist inadmissible which claimed that the food giant depressed wages by hiring illegal immigrants at eight plants, including one in Shelbyville...

Suspects charged in home burglary (11/08/07)
Three persons were arrested this week in connection with a burglary at a home in the Unionville area. Jamie Lee Flora, 30, Qualls Lane; Jamie Lenay Webb, 29, Cedar Circle; and Jonathan Michael Qualls, 24, Midland Road, each face charges of theft of property in a Oct. 19 burglary in which approximately $125,000 of items were taken...

Ross pleads guilty to husband's murder (11/08/07)
LEWISBURG -- With a co-conspirator who turned state's evidence on Monday, a Shelbyville car salesman's widow pleaded guilty on Wednesday, the day before jury selection for her trial was scheduled to begin at Bedford County Courthouse. Kimberly Ann Ross, 38, was sentenced to life in prison by Circuit Court Judge Robert Crigler for her part in the Valentine's Day murder of her husband, Bill, who was shot three times while he slept in his bed at their Wartrace Pike home...

Armed robbers strike home, store (11/07/07)
rmed robbers struck a home and store in Shelbyville on Tuesday night. •Alton and Patricia Davis, Fairfield Pike, answered a knock on their door and were met by four persons carrying guns, police said. The armed invaders tied up Alton, 67, and Patricia, 66, with duct tape and "demanded to know where the money was," Officer Jody Shelton said...

Shelbyville man sentenced on Ecstasy charges (11/07/07)
A Shelbyville man was sentenced to 16 years and three months in federal prison Monday after he was found guilty of being a large-scale dealer of the drug Ecstasy. According to the Chattanoogan, Kham Thammarath was found guilty of selling 165,000 Ecstasy doses over a 10-month period, mostly in the Nashville and Murfreesboro areas...

Rape accuser says she doesn't remember (11/07/07)
A Shelbyville woman told police she was raped Friday night by a man she met at David's Bar, Madison Street. The woman said he offered to buy her a beer. She said she took two sips and remembers nothing further until Saturday morning, when she woke up in her bed with the man beside her asleep...

Grants address courthouse security concerns (11/06/07)
Courthouse security grants announced Monday by Tennessee's Administrative Office of the Courts renew the debate in Bedford County over whether the judicial system should be relocated away from the county courthouse. Marshall County is to receive up to $26,000, and Bedford County is to get up to $6,000 as their parts of a $2 million appropriation from the Tennessee General Assembly to the state court system's budget for this fiscal year, according to Elizabeth Sykes, administrative director of the courts.. ...

Home, vehicles targeted by thieves (11/06/07)
Thieves kept Shelbyville and Bedford County officers active over the weekend. •An XBox video game, 12 XBox games, tool box, DVD player and double-edged battle axe were taken during the day Saturday from the home of Richard D. Slover II, U.S. 41-A South...

Man admits to police that pot belonged to him (11/02/07)
Marijuana was found on a man Wednesday when officers were called to Circle O Trailer Park, police said. James Edward Lewis, 49, told police 9.97 grams of marijuana were his. Officers went to the trailer park to investigate a domestic dispute between two other people. The marijuana was discovered as police talked to Lewis, who was listed as a witness to the dispute but wasn't directly involved...

Running a stop sign leads to pot find (11/01/07)
An officer who requested to search a vehicle she stopped for allegedly running a stop sign was rewarded with a marijuana find. Officer Tracey Nelson placed K-9 Remy into a car driven by Ashlee Robyn Lyon, 20, Bryant Street, early Tuesday night on North Brittain Street. Remy sniffed Lyon's purse, where Nelson said she found two "roaches" and a pipe, and under the passenger side seat, where approximately 1.71 grams of marijuana was found in a plastic bag...

Sound system stolen from church (10/31/07)
Members of Ray's Chapel United Methodist Church, Old Columbia Road, arrived Sunday morning to find the electricity out and sound system missing. The electric meter, four microphones, two speakers and the sound system's control board were stolen between 10:30 p.m. Saturday and 9:52 a.m. Sunday, Deputy Benjamin Burris said...

Drug suspect tries to eat evidence (10/30/07)
A drug suspect allegedly attempted to eat the evidence before being stopped by Shelbyville police. Rhett Jacob Dawkins, 27, Horse Mountain Road, was pulled over for a light law violation early Sunday, then arrested when officers found he hadn't shown up for a previously scheduled 48-hour jail sentence...

Car seat safety check planned (10/30/07)
Brian Nicholson of Shelbyville Fire Department estimates that a majority -- a majority -- of all of the child safety seats in use are being used incorrectly. It could be the wrong size seat for a particular child's age and weight. Differences in each car's interior can make a difference in how a car seat should be installed and positioned. Straps must be used properly, with the right amount of tension...

Police will protect Halloween spooks (10/30/07)
Wednesday evening will bring the kids out in force for their yearly search for treats and that means the Shelbyville Police Department will have extra patrols on the move. Chief Austin Swing said the patrols will be keeping a close eye on schools and neighborhoods on Halloween night and officers will even be patrolling undercover...

'Thousand' gets 20 years in cocaine case (10/29/07)
A 20-year prison sentence was handed down last week for a Shelbyville drug addict nicknamed "Thousand" who was convicted by a Bedford County jury for crack cocaine sales. "Being an addict -- sometimes we don't think about the consequences," Derrick Brandon "Thousand" Wells, 36, of Frank Martin Road said in a statement found in his court file after his Aug. 6 trial...

Wreck victim's parents ask leniency for driver (10/29/07)
A Wartrace man indicted last week by the Bedford County grand jury on vehicular homicide charges shouldn't be incarcerated, according to the victim's father and stepmother. Tewaan and Tommy Tucker of Wartrace say they "terribly miss" Daniel Tucker, who died June 30 in a crash near Fairfield, but David Jordan Cataldo should face "a large amount of public service work" instead of jail...

Shelbyville man indicted in Lewisburg holdup (10/26/07)
LEWISBURG -- A Shelbyville man charged with robbing a Lewisburg convenience store clerk at knifepoint was indicted Wednesday by the Marshall County grand jury. Robert Derrick Johnson, 35, of Cherokee Lane is charged with the Aug. 30 robbery of the On The Run store at an Exxon station. He surrendered to Lewisburg police on Sept. 28...

Gann loses murder case appeal (10/26/07)
Two Bedford County men recently lost their arguments before Tennessee's Court of Criminal Appeals in separate rulings, with the court blasting the conduct of an area prosecutor in one of the cases. James William Gann, Jr. of Shelbyville, who was convicted in Coffee County of first degree premeditated murder, arson, and setting fire to personal property, lost his appeal on Oct. 16...

Drug charge filed after traffic stop (10/25/07)
A Moore County man who allegedly “fishtailed” his truck while turning from 82 Bypass to Depot Street was charged with drug possession Tuesday. Benny Robert Reese, 38, Lynchburg, had three Loritabs in his pocket while being arrested for DUI, police said. Loritabs are listed as a prescription, Schedule III drug by the state of Tennessee...

Wreck leaves one dead (10/25/07)
A 30-year-old Fairfield Pike man died this morning in a two-vehicle collision on Unionville-Chapel Hill Road. The name of the victim had not been released by authorities at press time pending notification of next of kin. His identity will be released on the T-G’s web site when available...

30-year term for cattle rustler (10/25/07)
The Bedford County man who pleaded guilty of rustling cattle that were recovered at a farm west of Interstate 65 in Marshall County was handed an effective sentence of 30 years on Monday. Mark Robert Carter, 30, who had been living in rented quarters north of Shelbyville when he was arrested a year ago, had already been sentenced to four years in the state penitentiary, District Attorney Chuck Crawford said...

Thieves hit two locations hard (10/24/07)
At least seven vehicles were entered Saturday in the parking lot of Bedford Manor Apartments, Barksdale Lane, One victim told police of missing items. Mattie Gipson said her purse and a safe containing collectible coins were gone. •More vehicle burglaries occurred Monday on Oakwood Place...

Pot suspect carried knives, police say (10/23/07)
A Lynchburg woman armed with switchblade and combat knives was arrested on drug charges after being stopped for speeding in Shelbyville early Sunday, police say. Jacqueline Campbell Wheeler, 50, was allegedly driving 48 mph in a 30 mph zone on North Main Street at 2:24 a.m. Following a computer check showing Wheeler’s license was suspended for failure to satisfy 14 citations in Davidson County, Officer Tory Moore asked if she was armed. She handed over the switchblade knife, Moore said...

Suspect charged in hit-and-run accident (10/22/07)
Two occupants of a truck struck by a hit-and-run driver were fortunate to escape without serious injury in a crash on U.S. 231 north of Shelbyville early Sunday night. The Ford Explorer truck, occupied by driver Everette Boutwell, 17, of Union Street, and passenger Aubrey Craig, 15, Bell Buckle, overturned three times and landed on its wheels in a field after being struck in the rear by a van driven by John Hofstetter, 31, U.S. 231 North, Deason...

Money stolen from Shelbyville home (10/19/07)
Cash was stolen from the home of Cathryn Simmons, Hoover Street, during the day Wednesday. The back door was open and alarm system had been turned off, Simmons told police. The report indicated the home had been three previous times without police reports being filed...

Haunted House items recovered (10/18/07)
A group of grateful monsters -- that is, Shelbyville Jaycees -- have regained items stolen from their annual Halloween Haunted House after four persons were charged . "The Jaycees appreciate the A-1 job the Shelbyville police did," CEO Kevin Holton said Wednesday as Jaycees members picked up the items at police headquarters...

Car stolen from dealership (10/17/07)
A 1995 Nissan Altima was stolen between Saturday and Monday from Warren and Associates Auto Sales, North Main Street. The car was described by Dayton Warren of the dealership as white with a black, unpainted bumper, Shelbyville police said. Other thefts reported to authorities:...

Pot found in home; resident charged (10/16/07)
Yells for help led to police finding marijuana and a man being arrested on drug charges early Monday. Police were dispatched to Lafayette Street shortly after 12:30 a.m. after a resident reported hearing a woman yelling. Officer Darrell Birdsong said a woman coming from the back yard of the Will Cook home refused to stop before going inside...

Biker survives crash with 7-point buck (10/16/07)
A motorcycle rider discovered deer are out in full force Monday night when he struck a 7-point buck near Shelbyville. Charles Little, 59, Highway 82 South, was flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville by LifeFlight helicopter after the accident, which occurred about 6:30 p.m. on State Highway 82 just south of Shelbyville...

'Operation Payback' puts inmates to work (10/13/07)
When a person is sentenced to do time at the Bedford County Jail, the popular misconception is that he or she wastes the days away sitting around watching television. But some of those who have ended up as long term guests of the county have talents and skills which Sheriff Randall Boyce and his staff are putting to good use...

City wins motions in lawsuit, but issues remain (10/13/07)
Summary judgment in favor of the City of Shelbyville was handed down Wednesday in Fayetteville in a lawsuit between the city and a local paving company. However, two legal issues still remain in the suit that was filed nearly two and a half years ago...

Assault victim offers $2,500 reward (10/13/07)
The man who was brutally attacked outside his Eastland Avenue home Wednesday night is offering a $2,500 reward for the arrest and conviction of his assailant. Gilbert McCarter, 77, was struck as he got out of his car. McCarter fought off the suspect, who was last seen running toward Greenwood Avenue...

Novelty lighters create risk to children (10/11/07)
No, they are not toys. They look like a little motorcycle or a play cell phone, or a tiny racing car. But these innocent looking trinkets, which can be found in area stores, are actually cigarette lighters -- and in a child's hands, can bring tragedy to an entire family...

Man, 77, attacked in robbery attempt (10/11/07)
A 77-year-old man was brutally attacked in an attempted robbery outside his Eastland Avenue home Tuesday night, Shelbyville police said. Gilbert McCarter suffered head and arm wounds. He was taken to Bedford County Medical Center for treatment, according to police...

Webb, town, county officials try to slow traffic (10/11/07)
In August 1981, 13-year-old Lisa Bennett was crossing Highway 82 in front of Webb School in Bell Buckle to visit her mother, who works at the boarding school. Lisa never made it. She was struck by a car and died of her injuries the next day. The school, the Town of Bell Buckle and county law enforcement want to prevent a reoccurrence...

Gordon seeks 9-1-1 protection for VOIP users (10/11/07)
U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon's legislation to improve public safety by ensuring the reliability of 9-1-1 calls made from Internet phone services is progressing through the U.S. House of Representatives. On Thursday, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet cleared Gordon's 9-1-1 Modernization and Public Safety Act, H.R. 3403, for full committee consideration...

Witnesses say food was available for horses (10/10/07)
LEWISBURG -- A Chapel Hill-area man accused of cruelty to animals made arrangements to have his horses fed while he was out of state during last summer's heat when one of them died, according to witnesses he has ready for his trial. Marshall County General Sessions Court Judge Steve Bowden announced Tuesday that Derrick Ulmer's witnesses must return on Dec. 18, when he will preside over the case brought as a result of two citations issued by the sheriff's department...

Tools, cash taken from business (10/10/07)
Over $3,000 worth of hand tools were stolen from a Deason business over the weekend. A cash drawer was dumped on the floor and $300-$400 missing, Richard T. Smith, owner of Select Trailer Sales and Service, U.S. 231 North, told investigators. Entry was made by breaking glass in a garage door, Cpl. Kent Jacobs of the Bedford County Sheriff's Department said...

Crowd chases down fleeing suspect (10/09/07)
A man who allegedly caused a ruckus at a Quarry Street barbecue was chased down and held for police early Sunday night. Police were told Gregory Maurice Marlin, 25, Christopher Court, allegedly pushed an older man into a tree, pushed a woman holding an infant and threw a glass bottle at a 13-year-old boy, cutting his nose...

Emergencies, football keep EMS busy (10/09/07)
Bedford County Emergency Medical Services, after a record month of 509 calls in August, had another busy month in September with 27 calls for service in one day, Sept. 27, and 26 calls on Sept. 29. The BCEMS board met Monday evening. Assistant Director Michael Clements reported that BCEMS will soon need to add a fifth ambulance crew during peak hours. ...

Officials: Boat driver was drunk (10/09/07)
A Bedford County man is facing charges in connection with a August drowning incident at Normandy Lake. Michael Crosslin, 39, Frank Martin Road, was charged Monday with boating under the influence, Coffee County investigator Danny Ferrell said. The charges are related to the death of Chad Alan Hittson, 32, of Shelbyville...

Fate of donated instruments still in doubt (10/08/07)
NASHVILLE (AP) -- Bob McLean was once lauded as a guardian angel protecting American musical history -- buying and donating prized instruments played by some of the founders of country and bluegrass. But the fate of the artifacts is in doubt after the 60-year-old was found dead behind First Christian Church in Shelbyville Sept. 25 in an apparent suicide, months after investors accused him of fraud by collecting $40 million in an alleged Ponzi scheme...

Mother and son share marijuana (10/06/07)
Shelbyville police arrested four suspects on drug-related charges Thursday night. After questioning Kristopher Paul Henson, 19, Madison Street Apartments, on an unrelated matter Shelbyville officer David Curley and Bedford County deputy David Sakich both noted they'd smelled marijuana. Sakich said he thought the odor was coming from Henson...

Clinic robber's next stop: prison (10/05/07)
LEWISBURG -- A Hohenwald man was sentenced to 5 1/2 years in prison Wednesday for robbing a Chapel Hill medical clinic last year; he pepper-sprayed the proprietor during the crime. In a Bedford County-related development, Dr. Robert W. Delaplane, 81, previously of Thompson Road, surrendered his medical license last summer because of state Health Department findings. He was one of North Medical Clinic's two physicians when it was robbed Dec. 20...

Assault charge filed after officers struck (10/04/07)
A woman initially arrested on DUI and drug charges was charged with assault after allegedly striking two police officers early Tuesday. Esther Miriam Arroyo, 22, Highland Avenue, is accused of "brushing" the chin of Officer Tory Moore and pushing Officer Tracey Nelson while being restrained at Bedford County Medical Center's emergency room...

Wind shift blows fire onto horse farm worker (10/03/07)
A longtime Shelbyville horse industry worker was seriously burned Tuesday afternoon when his clothing caught fire while burning brush. Ray Campbell, said to be in his 40s, was working at Samuel Acres, Highway 64 West. "The wind shifted and burned the fire toward Ray," horse trainer Dude Crowder, who extinguished the flames, said...

Alleged shoplifters leave partner behind (10/03/07)
A man accused of shoplifting says his alleged accomplices fled, leaving him behind, when Dollar General Market personnel approached them Monday afternoon. Amanda Evans, 22, and Tasha Evans, 19, who were with Anthony Johnson, 22, deny his claims, saying he was doing the shoplifting...

BREAKING: Judge rules against Knox County in Sunshine Law case (10/02/07)
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- A Knox County jury has ruled unanimously that the county commission violated the state's open meetings law by privately discussing appointments for vacant positions. The jury began deliberating Tuesday morning and took about 4 1/2 hours to reach verdicts on 29 separate questions they were required to answer...

Puffing pot in park put down by police (10/02/07)
Two Tullahoma men were charged after allegedly deciding to spend a warm, fall Saturday smoking pot in the park. William Thomas Allen, 18, and Eric Reynolds Anderson, 20, were both allegedly sitting on small bags of marijuana when confronted by police, who had been notified by a Griffin Park security guard of possible drug use...

Funds could be holdup on immigration enforcement (10/02/07)
While one of Bedford County's chief law officers says that the county "desperately" needs a federal database sharing program used to identify and deport illegal immigrants, getting it funded locally will be the biggest roadblock. The program in question is called 287(g), named after a section of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) passed in 1996, which permits the Department of Homeland Security [DHS] to enter into agreements with state and local law enforcement agencies to allow them full federal authority to enforce immigration laws.. ...

Shelbyville man charged in Lewisburg robbery (10/02/07)
LEWISBURG -- Police have charged a Shelbyville man with aggravated robbery in connection with a convenience store robbery on Aug. 30. Officials said a knife was used during the crime. Robert Derrick Johnson, 35, of Cherokee Lane was being held in the Marshall County Jail Monday afternoon in lieu of $15,000 bond, county records show. Johnson surrendered Friday to Police Detective Sgt. Dac Burrow...

Gunmen take wallet in store parking lot (09/29/07)
Two men robbed a convenience store customer at gunpoint Thursday night, police say. Matthew Murray told police he was held up outside Hopps Express, Elm Street. One man stuck a gun in his back while the other took his wallet containing $150, cards and documents...

Attempt made to cash stolen check (09/28/07)
An attempt was made to cash a check stolen from a Shelbyville woman's purse, police said Thursday. The check, apparently stolen Sept. 20 from Clara Mantanona while she was at Bedford County Medical Center, was presented several times at Regions Bank's Madison Street branch...

Escapee doesn't get far (09/27/07)
A suspect who allegedly attempted to run from Bedford County Courthouse was picked up several blocks away within moments Tuesday afternoon. James William Hill, 33, White Street, was captured behind a building on East Lane Street near the Deery Street intersection...

Suit against city moved to federal court (09/27/07)
A suit filed by a former building official for Shelbyville has been moved to federal court, the T-G has learned. Wayne Williams, a 12-year employee of the city, is suing his former employer for breach of contract and wrongful termination. Papers were filed in Bedford County Circuit Court in May, but the case has been removed to the Winchester Division of the U.S. District Court's Eastern District of Tennessee by the city due to constitutional issues, according to City Manager Ed Craig...

McLean takes own life behind Shelbyville church (09/26/07)
The collapsing life of Murfreesboro financier Robert "Bob" McLean came to an abrupt end early today when he apparently shot himself to death behind First Christian Church in Shelbyville. "We got a call early this morning that there was a deceased person behind First Christian Church," Detective Lt. Pat Mathis said. "We got there and found a white male identified as Bob McLean.

Money, wallet taken from parking lot (09/25/07)
A flat tire couldn't have come at a worse time for a man whose money was taken on Elm Street early Monday. Erik Sekola of Shelbyville and a companion were walking back to First Community Bank from a nearby pay phone when a man across the street began whistling and yelling in Spanish and following them, police said...

Murder suspect faces 18 years in drug case (09/25/07)
A Davidson County man who's also been named as a defendant in a Nashville murder case has been sentenced here to 18 years in a state penitentiary as a result of his conviction on drug sale charges. Cory Dwan Jordan, 26, also known as Frederick Abernathy, was sentenced last week by Judge Robert Crigler, who presided over Jordan's trial in June. Jordan was found guilty of selling crack cocaine to a confidential informant in July 2006...

Special event will promote safety (09/24/07)
October is National Safety Month and community organizations and local public safety departments are getting together to educate the public on this important topic. Wal-Mart Supercenter will host a safety event Oct. 13 starting 10 a.m. Participating will be Volunteer Fire Services Inc., Shelbyville Fire Department, the Shelbyville Police Department and Bedford County Sheriff's Department, Tennessee State Trooopers, Bedford County Emergency Medical Services, the Community Resource Center, the Humane Society, and the Haven of Hope.. ...

Jurors can be told of Young's statements (09/24/07)
Bedford County Circuit Court Judge Robert Crigler has denied a request to prevent jurors from being told about statements made by one of the three people charged with killing a Shelbyville car salesman last winter. Justin Young, previously of Lewisburg, "made statements to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation which we sought to suppress, on the grounds that he didn't completely waive his Miranda right," defense attorney Hershell Koger said...

Com center buys new dispatch equipment (09/22/07)
Bedford County Emergency Communications District board voted Wednesday night to purchase new radio, telephone and computer-aided dispatch equipment. The new system brings state-of-the-art improvements and should also remedy some telephone system problems experienced by the com center...

City fire department gets grant for new truck (09/21/07)
The Shelbyville Fire Department has been awarded a $475,000 U.S. Department of Homeland Security vehicle acquisition grant, it was announced Wednesday. The funds will be used to purchase a 75-foot ladder truck, which will replace a 1973 truck that doesn't have a pump or tank...

Prank calls plague E-911 centers (09/20/07)
Communications centers across the country continue to be plagued by prank calls from decommissioned cell phones, according to discussion at Wednesday night's meeting of the Bedford County Emergency Communications District (E-911) board. Com center director Cathey Mathis said that the local center had a recent problem with a young child who had three such phones and was making numerous prank calls, calling up to 30 times at a sitting, giving false information, and using foul language. ...

Suspect charged in razor blade attack (09/20/07)
A Shelbyville woman is being held on aggravated assault charges after allegedly attacking another woman Tuesday night at Fisherman's Park. Robin Yvette Baker, 39, Wartrace Pike, is accused of slashing Emily Michelle Swing of Shelbyville several times with a razor blade in the neck, chest, arms and left knee. The neck cut was described by police as "severe."...

Committees favor grouping helipad with com center (09/19/07)
The helipad at Bedford County Medical Center is important and should be preserved even after the hospital relocates, said two county committees meeting Tuesday night. At issue was whether or not the helipad should be added to the county's lease agreement with Bedford County Emergency Communications District (E-911). ...

Farris claimed he'd pay for stolen car (09/18/07)
Details have been released on how and when James E. Farris, a suspect in the murders of two Franklin residents, obtained the stolen 2008 Ford Mustang recovered when he was arrested Monday. Farris, 56, allegedly made a deal to buy the car Wednesday at Mark Pirtle Ford, North Main Street, and said he'd return Thursday, Officer David Curley of the Shelbyville Police Department said....

Farris captured in Johnson City (09/17/07)
A man suspected of killing two people in Franklin was arrested early today in a car allegedly stolen from a Shelbyville dealership. James E. Farris, 56, a former Shelbyville resident, was stopped at a Johnson City intersection and arrested without incident, reports WJHL-TV of Johnson City...

Franklin murder suspect had been living in Shelbyville (09/15/07)
The suspect in two murders Friday in Franklin had been living in Bedford County for nearly two weeks, investigators say they were told. James E. Farris, 56, is accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend and her boyfriend late Thursday or early Friday, according to Franklin police...

Bedford County finds Smith County escapee (09/15/07)
Bedford County authorities captured a Smith County work gang escapee this morning in Tullahoma. Charles Augustus Mayberry, 34, a former Shelbyvlle resident, was taken into custody at an East Moore Street residence. Mayberry allegedly stole a 2002 GMC picup truck in Smith County to make his escape...

Marijuana suspect caught at gunpoint (09/13/07)
A drug suspect was arrested at gunpoint following a foot chase in H.V. Griffin Park early Tuesday night. Victor Keyonta Taylor, 20, Fairoak Street, allegedly fled while being questioned by city and county officers about drugs allegedly purchased from another person at the park...

Wartrace hopes to slow speeding drivers (09/12/07)
Calling it "an ongoing, terrible situation," Wartrace's mayor said Monday he will look into ways to get motorists to slow down on parts of Highway 64 East. Stephanie Hickerson asked for the topic to be placed on the town's agenda following three serious accidents that occurred on a quarter-mile stretch of the state highway. Hickerson said that two of the accidents were serious enough to require life flight assistance...

Death penalty advocate studies Holton execution (09/12/07)
A documentary regarding the execution of convicted murderer Daryl Holton is being filmed in Shelbyville this week by a New York School of Law professor who is a death penalty advocate. "The thing about the Holton case is that most Americans worry about the death penalty is that an innocent person might be executed," writer-director Ted Schillinger said between shots at the Shelbyville Times-Gazette newsroom on Monday. ...

Holton executed (09/12/07)
NASHVILLE -- The execution of Daryl Holton ended with the pronouncement of his death at 1:25 this morning at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution, where the Shelbyville man's last words were a play on words. After a microphone check, Warden Ricky Bell asked, "Do you have any last words?" And the man who's all along accepted execution as the consequence for shooting his three sons and their half sister to death replied, "Yes. Two words. I do."...

Home entered, mini-recorder taken (09/12/07)
A JVC mini-recorder was stolen from the home of Evon Helmick, Sunset Drive, between 11:15 p.m. Sunday and 1:45 a.m. Monday, police said. Helmick told police she thought the home had been entered through a side door. No signs of forced entry were visible, according to police...

Thieves strike over weekend (09/11/07)
Theft investigations kept Shelbyville police busy over the weekend. A red 1994 Dodge pickup truck owned by Mary Dunn was stolen from Dollar General Market, North Main Street, between 8-8:11 p.m. Saturday. Dunn's son, Charles Dunn, told police he'd rolled up the windows and left the keys in the floorboard...

Holto scheduled to die Wednesday (09/10/07)
A Shelbyville man who's been incarcerated for nearly 10 years since he killed his three sons and their half-sister is scheduled to die Wednesday morning in the electric chair at Riverbend Maximum Security Prison in Nashville. Daryl Holton, 45, has selected electrocution for his death...

Emergency response volunteer meeting planned (09/08/07)
Tennessee Department of Health's South Central Regional Office is conducting emergency response volunteer meetings throughout the region during September. The purpose is to train or retrain persons who have volunteered to assist in the seven Points of Dispensing (mass clinics or PODs) that will be put into operation if an emergency situation occurs to make that action necessary...

It's TUFF challenge time again (09/08/07)
The dangerous task of fighting fires isn't just about making sure the water gets to the right place -- there's a lot of back-breaking work that goes into it as well. There are tasks such as climbing, busting through doors and walls, ventilation and the rescue of victims, which puts great physical demands on a firefighter...

Police use Taser on angry suspect (09/08/07)
Police say they were forced to use a Taser to subdue a struggling suspect Thursday night. Aaron Herrera, age not available, of Ranchero Trailer Park was allegedly attempting to sell boots stolen from a Belmont Avenue store without realizing he was talking to the owner at another store, the Carniceria store on Lane Parkway, police said...

Items stolen from parked vehicle (09/06/07)
Checks, golf clubs and shoes and compact discs were taken from a car in a parking lot near Madison Street on Aug. 28, police were told. Brock Horner of Shelbyville reported the theft Tuesday. The following persons were arrested since Tuesday by the Shelbyville Police Department, Bedford County Sheriff's Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol or 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force and processed through Bedford County Jail. ...

Police find marijuana in speeding vehicle (09/05/07)
Marijuana was discovered in a car stopped for speeding Saturday, police say. Kris Allen Stefan, 34, Columbia, had 4.15 grams of marijuana in his pocket after admitting he'd had "about a 12-pack of beer" when stopped for allegedly driving 56 mph in a 30 mph zone on Lewis Avenue, Officer Raymond Boyd said...

Suspicious activity near ATM (08/31/07)
A man allegedly hiding in shrubbery near an automatic teller machine Wednesday night was carrying drug paraphernalia, Shelbyville police said. Police arrested Antonio Tremain Huddleston, 19, Cedar Grove Street, on Delray Street near Regions Bank's North Main Street branch shortly before 11 p.m. Officers were told that Huddleston had approached a customer in an "aggressive manner." The initial call to police indicated the suspect was "in the bushes."...

Marijuana found in car with child (08/30/07)
Marijuana was found in a car after its allegedly-drunken driver stopped in the middle of Laurelwood Drive and stopped traffic for several minutes early Tuesday night, Shelbyville police said. The marijuana was in the ashtray and on the floor of the Lincoln Town Car in which Teresa Beth Burns, 28, Fairway Green Drive, was found with her infant child, police said...

Rape by masked intruder alleged (08/29/07)
A woman told investigators she was raped by an masked intruder at her home east of Shelbyville late Tuesday night. The woman, 19, said she was asleep and woke up to find the man already attacking. She told Bedford County deputies she tried unsuccessfully to fight him off...

Credit cards from lost wallet misused (08/29/07)
Someone made two purchases and attempted to make many more with debit and credit cards stolen from a lost wallet at H.V. Griffin Park. The wallet, belonging to Troy Yoes, was dropped in the parking lot near the softball fields between 9:30-10 p.m. Saturday, Shelbyville police said...

Lurker suspected of robbery plans (08/28/07)
A charge of attempted armed robbery has been filed against a man allegedly seen lurking in and around Depot Street Market early Sunday night. Nolby Zunun Monzon, 27, Quarry Street, was behind a vacant home next to the store on Burt Street when Lt. Mike Baker and Officer Sam Jacobs arrived. Police had been alerted to the situation by a passing motorist who notified Deputy Kent Jacobs...

Shelbyville man drowns in Normandy Lake (08/28/07)
Normandy Lake claimed another victim over the weekend as a Shelbyville man drowned on the waters in Coffee County. According to Coffee County Investigator Danny Ferrell, rescue workers recovered the body of 32-year-old Chad Alan Hittson of Shelbyville Saturday afternoon...

Burning restrictions in place (08/28/07)
Due to extremely high wildfire danger caused by the drought, record high temperatures and low humidity, state Forestry officials announced the implementation of burning restrictions usually reserved for official wildfire season. Effective Monday, citizens are required to obtain a burning permit from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry before conducting any outdoor, open burning of debris within 500 feet of woodlands, grasslands or forest lands...

Guilty plea entered in rustling case (08/27/07)
A Bedford County man pleaded guilty to cattle rustling and stealing farm equipment in cases made by state Agriculture Department investigators and Sheriff Randall Boyce about six weeks after Boyce took office last fall. The case was revealed with the arrest of Mark Robert Carter, 30, and the recovery of 18 head of cattle, a pickup truck and several livestock trailers during a roundup that started on a farm off Orr Road in the Mooresville area of Marshall County in January...

Computers stolen from library office (08/25/07)
A laptop computer and software were taken from the office of children's librarian Margaret Reed at Argie Cooper Public Library between 3 p.m. Tuesday and 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, police said. Other thefts reported to area authorities: The following persons were arrested since Thursday by the Shelbyville Police Department, Bedford County Sheriff's Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol or 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force and processed through Bedford County Jail. ...

Victims chase, capture alleged wallet-snatchers (08/24/07)
Along with crowds visiting Shelbyville for the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration come criminals looking for easy targets. Three suspects didn't get their wish Wednesday. The victims of separate purse-snatchings at Wal-Mart took matters into their own hands, chasing one of the suspects from the store and holding him until police could arrive...

Police discover drugs during traffic stop (08/22/07)
Drugs were allegedly found in a vehicle stopped by Shelbyville police late Monday. Officer Jerry Draine said he saw a car run a stop sign at the intersection of Evans and East Cedar streets at 10:30 p.m.. Driver Nathan Todd Melton, 23, West End Circle, allegedly failed to stop for blue lights before stopping just inside the main entrance of the Celebration Grounds...

Committee considers county's office needs (08/22/07)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners' courthouse and county property committee continued to discuss the county's space needs Tuesday night, including such ideas as building a new jail behind the old Bedford County Medical Center and turning the existing hospital building or the Medical Arts Building into a judicial building with offices and courthouses...

Father, son drown in Normandy Lake (08/21/07)
A father-son fishing trip to Normandy Lake turned tragic as the bodies of two Rutherford County men were recovered from the waters of the Coffee County lake Monday. The pair were identified as 49-year-old John Michael Curran, Jr. and his son 28-year-old John Michael Curran III, both of Rutherford County...

Car chase leads to field fire (08/21/07)
Fields burned and a home was threatened after a car being chased by a drug officer wrecked on Fly Road near Wheel late Monday afternoon. The car's occupants escaped injury, but heat from the muffler ignited the field. Over 50 acres of corn and hay, owned by Leon Foster, on both sides of the road burned as wind gusts of up to 25 mph quickly spread the fire across tinder-dry, drought-stricken land...

Store burglarized as hold cut in side (08/21/07)
Items were taken from Aguascalientes Market, Belmont Avenue, overnight Saturday. Cookies, bread, leather belts and 15 pairs of cowboy boots were taken after a hole was cut into the building's side, Shelbyville police were told. A hole was cut in a fence to gain entry to the property, police said...

Robbery suspect caught in minutes (08/20/07)
A suspect in an robbery at the Huddle House, North Main Street, early today was captured within 10 minutes. Deana Renee Moxley, 39, Cascade Lane, was spotted by Deputy Scott Jones on Fairfield Pike and pulled over in the parking lot of Cascade Elementary School near her home at 1:24 a.m. She was arrested without incident...

THP does not solicit funds (08/20/07)
The Tennessee Highway Patrol does not ask for charitable donations and is warning residents about reports of recent phone solicitations, according to a news release. This month, several residents in East Tennessee have reported receiving phone calls from a person allegedly representing himself as a state trooper. In at least one report, the caller claimed to be raising money to buy bullet resistant vests for members of the Highway Patrol...

Arson records could be erased (08/20/07)
Four Bedford County men who were volunteer firefighters charged in arson cases have entered conditional pleas in circuit court where they were granted a judicial diversion by Judge Lee Russell. Successful completion of probationary periods could lead to erasure of criminal records for John Ryan Bussard, 18, Andrew Paul Goodrich, 20, Justin Kirk Haskins, 19, , and Alan Coy Vinson, 19...

Scaffolding planks taken from work site (08/17/07)
Aluminum planks from scaffolding being used by painters at Junior's Market, Lane Parkway, were missing when a work crew arrived Wednesday morning. A possible suspect was named by the planks' owner, Robert Lewis West, to police. The following persons were arrested since Tuesday by the Shelbyville Police Department, Bedford County Sheriff's Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol or 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force and processed through Bedford County Jail. ...

Man says he was robbed after ride (08/15/07)
Was it a robbery -- or not? Shelbyville police are unsure exactly what happened early Tuesday behind a Madison Street laundromat. The alleged victim, identified as Darby Redenour, said he was walking along Madison Street about 12:30 a.m. and asked occupants of a passing car for a ride to South Cannon Boulevard...

Bell Buckle will soon hold court (08/15/07)
Bell Buckle's Board of Mayor and Aldermen began taking the first steps Tuesday in establishing a municipal court for the small community. Workshops with the Municipal Technical Advisory Service [MTAS] are to be scheduled so that board members will know the proper handling in setting up the court...

Choosy thief rejects some types of music (08/14/07)
A choosy thief took rock and rap compact discs, along with the CD player, from a car owned by Martha Farrar overnight Thursday at Park Trail Apartments, Green Lane, but left behind country CDs. The driver's side door may have been left unlocked, police said...

(08/13/07)
The largest single group of respondents to a non-scientific poll on the Times-Gazette web site support leaving Volunteer Fire Services Inc. as is. However, if you add those who favor combining VFSI with the county ambulance service and those who support combining it with the Shelbyville Fire Department, you would find a majority of respondents in favor of some sort of change...

Three area homes hit with burglaries (08/10/07)
Burglars targeted three Shelbyville homes within the past few days, police report. The theft was discovered Wednesday by a friend who noticed a window open. Carter and a companion returned to find a back door open, police said. An estimated $150 was taken from an outdoor soft drink machine at Food Lion, Colloredo Boulevard, overnight Tuesday...

Drug dogs find pot during traffic stops (08/09/07)
Drug dogs were active in Shelbyville Tuesday night, finding marijuana in two vehicles, authorities said. Two bags containing approximately 6.06 grams of marijuana were discovered along with six rolled marijuana cigarettes in the ashtray, police said...

Traffic cases crowd city court (08/08/07)
"We've got seats if you've got tickets!" The standing room only crowd tried to stuff themselves further into the room where the man at the microphone was calling. Many strained to understand what he said while attempting to move closer, but the large mass of people made it difficult...

Shots into ground strike two (08/07/07)
Two bystanders were slightly wounded Saturday night after gunfire broke out during an outdoor argument at King Arthur Trailer Court. Deflected bullets from a gun allegedly aimed at the ground hit Earl Taylor in the shin and grazed the back of Kendrick Johnson, police said. Both were treated at Bedford County Medical Center...

Swing honored by fellow police chiefs (08/07/07)
Shelbyville Police Chief Austin Swing was honored last week as Middle Tennessee Division Chief of the Year by the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police (TACP). The group held its 37th annual conference in Memphis. Swing is a past board member for the association and is active on its finance oversight committee. ...

Theft suspects' plan foiled by store worker (08/06/07)
Two men were arrested Sunday of last week while allegedly trying to throw stolen items over the fence behind Tractor Supply Co., North Main Street. Ralph Edward Bryant, 40, Tullahoma, and Timmy Dean Brawley, 39, Manchester, were each charged with theft of property...

Three questioned about overnight stabbing (08/03/07)
Three people are being held for questioning following a stabbing incident this morning on Moody Street which resulted in two people being airlifted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Sgt. Jason Williams of Shelbyville Police Department said the call came in to the police department at 1:42 a.m. ...

Fire destroys Belmont home (08/02/07)
A two-story multi-family rental home located at 507 Belmont Ave. was destroyed by fire this morning, with some residents forced to evacuate through windows because their path was blocked by flame. "The people just barely made it out," said Fire Chief John Habel. Shelbyville Fire Department officials responded to a call at 6:04 a.m. The fire appeared to have started on or near the front porch, and the structure was fully involved by the time fire trucks arrived...

Unionville man facing charges in Rutherford County (08/02/07)
A Unionville man is facing felony sexual battery charges in Rutherford County after being accused of making sexual advances toward three female employees. Nicholas Davis, 29, manager of CiCi's Pizza on Memorial Boulevard in Murfreesboro is facing the charges for allegedly grabbing the backsides of workers at the business...

Buntley found guilty of bribery (08/01/07)
Mark Anthony Buntley was found guilty of bribery last night in Bedford County Courthouse; the defendant returns in two months to hear his sentence, which could be up to 10 years. Buntley, 20, was charged, along with James Edward "Blue" Farrar Jr., 34, of bribing a woman so she wouldn't testify against Buntley in a theft trial on Jan. 9. Judge Lee Russell declared a mistrial last winter and police investigated...

Jury selection begins in bribery trial (07/31/07)
Jury selection is scheduled to begin again this morning for a Shelbyville man being tried on a charge that alleges he bribed a witness to stay away from the Bedford County Courthouse when he was to be on trial for theft. Originally, Mark Anthony Buntley, 20, was to have been tried on Jan. 9 for taking electronic games from a resident of the trailer park where he was a handyman last year, but it's alleged that he, with another man, successfully persuaded a woman to stay away...

New grand jury members indict 11 (07/30/07)
Eleven people were indicted by the Bedford County Grand Jury last week when a new grand jury panel was seated for a six-month term of service. And as in other counties in the 17th Judicial District, there were a few alternate grand jurors sworn in so the panel won't fall short of 12 when needed, District Attorney Chuck Crawford said...

Jail intake (07/27/07)
The following persons were arrested since Tuesday by the Shelbyville Police Department, Bedford County Sheriff's Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol or 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force and processed through Bedford County Jail. They are only charged; guilt or innocence will be determined by the courts...

Be vigilant to protect your identity (07/26/07)
You get so many of them through your e-mail, regular mail and over the phone that we mostly ignore them, but with identity theft and e-fraud on the rise, it's a good idea to be aware of all the scams used. That was the message that Rebecca Jones of First Community Bank had for members of the Exchange Club of Bedford County, which met at the Shelbyville Recreation Center Wednesday...

Couple injured as SUV wrecks near Fairfield (07/25/07)
A Lewisburg couple were flown to Nashville for treatment after a single-vehicle wreck about 5:30 p.m. Monday near Fairfield. Terry and Deborah Baker of Lewisburg were hurt when he lost control of their westbound SUV at a sharp curve on State Highway 64, State Trooper Chad McAnally said. The SUV plunged down an embankment and struck a ditch hard in the lower front bumper area before coming to rest in a farm field...

Armed men flee as victim refuses order (07/24/07)
Two armed men ran away Saturday after their intended robbery victim refused to hand over any money. Enrique Garcia told police the masked men aimed black, automatic handguns and demanded money as he stepped out of his car at his Industrial Parkway home...

Officers trained in school safety (07/24/07)
Tennessee Highway Patrol, Bedford County Emergency Management Agency, and the 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force recently joined forces to sponsor school safety training for law enforcement officers from three counties. Deputies from the Bedford County, Lincoln County, and Moore County Sheriff's Departments, police officers from the Shelbyville and Wartrace Police Departments, Drug Task Force agents, and Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers participated in a two-day class on how to respond to an active gunman in a school incident. ...

Still a firefighter at heart (07/23/07)
The building housing the Bell Buckle Volunteer Fire Department bears his name, the James W. Elkins Firehall, and even though he's retired, he's still a fireman at heart. Elkins was born and raised in Bell Buckle and has lived in the same house for all but the first six months of his 82 years. His home sits catty-cornered across the street from the fire hall...

Purse stolen from car (07/20/07)
A purse and contents belonging to Chanelle Ashford-Smith were taken from her car in a parking lot on North Main Street just off the Shelbyville square late Wednesday afternoon. Ashford-Smith told police one door had accidentally been left unlocked. A possible witness said two persons, one described as a white female with blonde hair and the other a white male, walked through the lot three times within a 25-minute period. ...

Mayton commits suicide in jail cell (07/19/07)
The man who allegedly held a Shelbyville man hostage while robbing a Manchester bank in 2006 has committed suicide in a Georgia jail. Dwight Allen Mayton, 51, was found dead last Thursday in his cell at the Muscogee County Jail in Columbus, Bedford County Sheriff Randall Boyce said...

Suspect arrested in armed robbery (07/19/07)
A suspect has been charged in an invasion/robbery at a Cedar Grove Street home early Tuesday. Police arrested Patrick Kentral Gant, 20, Rolling Road, late Tuesday afternoon at the Shelbyville industry where he is employed. One of the men in the home where James Brown was robbed at gunpoint of $570 and the weapon was pointed at several others had named Gant to police...

Hearing begins but McLean in hospital (07/19/07)
Rutherford County Circuit Court Judge Mark Rogers denied the request yesterday to appoint a receiver on behalf of former investors suing Murfreesboro financial investment broker Robert W. McLean. McLean was admitted Sunday to Middle Tennessee Mental Health Institute in Nashville, according to documents presented to the court...

Murfreesboro man accused of fraud (07/18/07)
Ron Vannatta of Shelbyville is suing financial investment broker Robert W. McLean, president of McLean and Company of Murfreesboro. Vannatta's legal battle for millions invested by him at McLean's request is just one of the suits facing McLean. According to reports, Vannatta said McLean and Mark S. Riddle of Rutherford County convinced him to mortgage "virtually all of his real estate holdings in order to fund large investment accounts controlled by McLean."...

Suspects captured in home robbery (07/17/07)
Two men who allegedly robbed two women at gunpoint in a Shelbyville home Friday afternoon were arrested a few hours later. Steven Douglas Burian, 19, Highland Court, and William Thomas Davis, 20, Kennedy Road, are each charged with aggravated robbery. They posted $10,000 bond apiece...

GPS system in use at Com Center (07/12/07)
The same technology that helped Marshall County emergency workers to save the life of a Shelbyville dentist last year has been in use in this county for the last three years. Communication Center director Cathey Mathis says while the Global Positioning System [GPS] technology has been used in the past to locate cell phone callers who dial 911, it is only as reliable as the wireless service is in various locations...

Suspect in carjacking arrested (07/12/07)
Suspicions on the part of a Henry County deputy led to the arrest Tuesday of a suspect in a Shelbyville carjacking. Marquis Antwon Anderson, 22, Belmont Avenue, was arrested in Paris driving the 1999 Lincoln Town Car taken at gunpoint Monday from Sue Ray of Shelbyville, police said...

Car hijacked as woman dumps trash (07/11/07)
Two young men, one armed, stole a car from a woman depositing trash into recycling bins at Thomas Intermediate School, Tate Avenue, early Monday afternoon. "We need your car. Where are the keys?" one of the men told Sue Ray of Shelbyville as she pulled magazines from her gold 1999 Lincoln Town Car's trunk, police said. The man's arm was by his side and he brandished a silver pistol, according to Ray...

County's ambulance rates to increase (07/10/07)
Bedford County's Emergency Medical Services voted Monday to raise ambulance rates $50 across the board following a review of fee schedules from neighboring counties. Last month, the board asked BCEMS Director Chad Graham and his staff to look what other comparable ambulance services were charging and make recommendations for a new rate structure...

Robbery try fails as store clerk grabs cash (07/06/07)
A money-seeking customer learned the hard way not to mess with the clerk at the Kangaroo convenience store on Madison Street at South Hillcrest Drive early Monday. The customer, who didn't have enough money when attempting to buy a bag of potato chips, allegedly tried to reach for money from the cash register, police said...

Thieves steal wallets (07/03/07)
Two wallets were stolen over the weekend, police reports indicate. A wallet accidentally left Thursday night at Quik Mart, Lane Parkway, was gone when owner Joshua Darnell of Shelbyville returned to claim it Friday. Cyhthia Holman, West Lane Street, told police her wallet was stolen from her car outside her home overnight Friday...

Immigrant info system studied locally (07/03/07)
A federal database sharing program used to identify and then deport illegal immigrants could be in the future for Bedford County, according to law enforcement officials. Sheriff Randalll Boyce sat down with Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall and his staff in Nashville Friday to talk about the possibility of implementing the program in Shelbyville...

Cascade scholar-athlete killed in accident (06/30/07)
The hopes and dreams of a college-bound Cascade High scholar-athlete ended abruptly early Saturday when the truck in which he was a passenger overturned near Fairfield. Daniel Tucker, 18, Wartrace, a 2007 graduate bound for Lambuth University on a football scholarship, died at the scene after being thrown from a full-size Ford pickup truck driven by David Cataldo, 22, Wartrace...

Volunteers sought for Disaster Action Team (06/30/07)
The American Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) of Bedford County is ready to assist if there any type of disaster occurs. So far there are only four fully trained team members, but those involved are hoping to see that change soon. "We are really wanting to raise up some more volunteers for the Bedford DAT," said Kiel Hargrove, American Red Cross volunteer coordinator for Rutherford, Cannon and Bedford Counties. ...

Bikes, carts disappear from parking lot (06/30/07)
Three mini-bikes and two go-carts were stolen from the parking lot of Tractor Supply Co., North Main Street, overnight Thursday, police said. A security cable was cut from the carts. Total loss was estimated at $4,149.90. Other thefts and burglaries reported to area authorities include:...

Stolen purse found, but cards taken (06/29/07)
A purse stolen from a Wal-Mart shopping cart Saturday was quickly found, minus two credit cards, by store security. Krystal Woods told police she looked away from the cart for a moment while with her son in the toy department. The police report was not released until Thursday...

Wallet, credit cards stolen from car (06/28/07)
A wallet and contents belonging to Richard Bowden were taken from his car in the parking lot of Sanford Corp. overnight Monday, police said. Bowden said he had credit cards canceled and, as a result, an attempted use at Wal-Mart at 5:55 a.m. Tuesday was stopped by the store's fraud division...

Now, everyone must be carded (06/27/07)
No, you aren't looking younger these days and that clerk isn't paying you a compliment by suddenly asking for your ID. As of July 1, the Tennessee Responsible Vendor Act goes into effect, which makes our state the first in the nation to require the carding of anyone, without exception, who purchases beer for off-premises consumption...

Trip ends unhappily as home burglarized (06/27/07)
Household items were taken from a Saddlewood Drive home June 14 or 15, police were told Monday. Cynthia Morris said she returned from a trip June 21 to find a stereo system and speakers, refrigerator and new Motorola razor cell phone were gone, a door was open and a chest of drawers was smashed in the front yard...

'Next Step Home' helps women return to the real world (06/27/07)
It began with Bible studies held at the jail and the Tony Rice Center, showing women the steps to making a successful comeback in life after having served jail time or rehabilitation. "This is the next step," said Linda Vannatta, member of a group working diligently to create a program for women who are ready for a transition into back into the world...

Marijuana charges filed in two cases (06/26/07)
Marijuana was allegedly found in two vehicles Sunday by Shelbyville police. Tammy Lynn Nelson, 25, Halls Mill Road, told Officer Waymond Boyd the substance he found in a purse on the floorboard was hers. Nelson was charged with possession of a schedule VI drug and was being held Monday on $1,500 bond at Bedford County Jail...

Firefighters indicted in arson cases (06/25/07)
The four Bedford County men who were volunteer firefighters charged in arson cases have been indicted, according to the grand jury's report. Indictments may have been expected in the cases which included charges of conspiracy, but records show that there were no indictments on the conspiracy charges. Prosecutors decided against presenting those charges to the grand jury...

Numbers on currency belie defendant's claim (06/25/07)
A Nashville man awaiting trial there on a murder charge was convicted by a Bedford County jury Thursday in a drug case that exposed conflicts in the drug dealer's defense. Cory Dwan Jordan, 29, was arrested by the 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force after a confidential informant went to a house in Shelbyville and purchased illegal drugs with recorded money, a court officer reported Friday...

Farrar given no mercy in bribery case (06/25/07)
Bedford County Circuit Court Judge Lee Russell sentenced a Shelbyville man to six years in prison following a May 1 guilty verdict for bribing a witness. James Edward "Blue" Farrar Jr. was sentenced on the charge stemming from phone calls he and Mark Anthony Buntley had with a witness...

Restauranteur injured in motorcycle accident (06/23/07)
A Shelbyville restaurant owner was flown to Nashville after he pulled his motorcycle into the path of a car in front of his business Thursday. Wallace P. Holmes, 65, Minkslide Road, was leaving the Huddle House, North Main Street, shortly after 3 p.m. when his Honda was struck by a car driven by Melissa G. Wright, 18, Cortner Road, police said...

Copper wire theft darkens truck's lights (06/22/07)
The recent wave of copper thefts in Bedford County has taken a dangerous turn. A truck driver's carefulness in checking his vehicle may have saved lives after he discovered its clearance and running lights weren't working. Greg Johnson of Sequatchie Concrete, East Lane Street, told police the copper wire leading from the truck's electrical system had been stolen while it was parked at the firm between June 15 and Wednesday...

E-911 pays off debts but may borrow again soon (06/21/07)
Bedford County Emergency Communications District (E-911) board of directors, thanks to increases in state funding, voted Wednesday evening to pay off more than $130,000 in leases and debts -- but Bedford County Communications Center's debt-free status will be short-lived...

Smoking ban gets committees' approval (06/20/07)
Smoking is already prohibited inside Bedford County Courthouse, which is why the courthouse steps and exterior balconies can sometimes be clogged with smokers. On at least five recent occasions, said County Mayor Eugene Ray, smokers in those locations have set mulch around the courthouse on fire. Courthouse maintenance personnel put out four such fires, but in one case a city fire truck had to be called...

Woman injured when van struck (06/13/07)
A Wartrace woman was injured this morning on State Highway 64 near Fairfield when her van was struck by an out-of-control logging truck. Darla Huffman, 50, was flown from the scene to Vanderbilt University Medical Center by LifeFlight helicopter. She suffered a broken arm, several fractures and "multiple injuries," State Trooper Barry Qualls said...

Suspect captured after vehicle chase (06/13/07)
A Shelbyville man was charged after a car chase through eastern Shelbyville early Monday night. Troy Shondale Sales, 36, South Brittain Street, was pursued from Blue Ribbon Parkway to the Bethany Lane-Maplewood Drive intersection, where he allegedly fled on foot after a minor accident...

Legal battle continues between city and paving firm (06/12/07)
A long legal battle between the city of Shelbyville and a local paving company is continuing after Circuit Court Judge Lee Russell overruled a motion for partial summary judgment from the plaintiffs. The suit was filed nearly two and a half years ago in Bedford County Chancery Court by Tommy Wright, Norma Wright, Wright Paving Co. Inc. and Custom Stone LLC over a proposed controversial rock quarry which was turned down for approval in January of 2005...

Music attracts officer, dog discovers pot (06/12/07)
A driver initially stopped for allegedly loud music was arrested after a drug dog detected marijuana in his car Friday night, police said. Conard Julian Harris, 26, Shoma Drive, admitted he'd been drinking and did poorly on field sobriety tests, Officer Waymond Boyd said...

Unionville station helps EMS response time (06/12/07)
Bedford County Emergency Medical Service is already seeing some benefit from its new Unionville station, reducing emergency response time in the fast-growing Unionville area. BCEMS Director Chad Graham told the service's board on Monday night that in May, the first full month of operation for the new station, response time within the Unionville area averaged six minutes. That is within the American Heart Association's recommended 4-6 minute response guideline for cardiac emergencies...

Baler's dash to safety sets road, field on fire (06/08/07)
A successful attempt to save a tractor from burning left the driver's hay field and over a mile of roadside in flames near Unionville late Wednesday afternoon. Eugene Molder began driving the tractor down Smith Road after noticing the hay baler it was pulling had caught fire, according to Volunteer Fire Services Inc. firefighters. Molder was attempting to reach a less flammable area before unhooking the tractor...

Games stolen from Maple Street home (06/07/07)
Electronic games were the major items taken from a Maple Street residence Tuesday night. A Sony Playstation II and two controllers, Madden 2007 football game, DVD movies and $20 in change were gone when Brandi Whitfield arrived home at 1 a.m. Wednesday, police said...

Police, fire services cost city (06/06/07)
If you've ever wondered where all your tax dollars go, the city has worked that out in their latest revised budget, which was presented to the Shelbyville City Council Tuesday. According to figures tabulated, 25 percent of next year's budget expenditures go to the Shelbyville Police Department, with 22 percent earmarked for the Fire Department. Public works get 15 percent, followed by 11 percent to general government...

Woman says she was scammed by loan firm (06/06/07)
A Shelbyville woman who told police she attempted to secure a small business loan through a Web site may have been caught in a web of deceit. The woman said she began communicating with Nationwide Lenders Online and later talked by telephone with an alleged representative of the firm...

Night under the stars ends with drug arrest (06/05/07)
One of two persons spotted by police on a blanket at the park behind Shelbyville Power Co. early Saturday was charged with simple possession of marijuana. Officer Tracey Nelson said Belinda Freeman, 25, East Lane Street, and her companion, who is not named in the police report, appeared "nervous."...

Large fire destroys hay barn (06/04/07)
At a time when hay is at a premium due to drought conditions, a fire destroyed a large number of hay bales Sunday at a Bedford County farm. The blaze broke out at a large chicken farm on Midland Road owned by Tracy Vannatta at mid-afternoon. Volunteer Fire Services Inc. was notified at 2:51 p.m...

Kentucky woman hurt in wreck near Cascade (06/04/07)
A Kentucky woman was seriously injured late Sunday afternoon when her SUV overturned near Cascade School. Larita M. Davidson, 47, Franklin, Ky., lost control of her Ford Escape on a sharp turn south of the school on Wartrace-Bell Buckle Road about 5 p.m...

Car hits walker, keeps on going (06/02/07)
A driver struck a pedestrian without stopping to help Thursday night on North Hillcrest Drive. Frankie Prater told police a door on a red Chevrolet Corsica opened and struck him as it passed. Prater was treated for leg and back injuries at Bedford County Medical Center, Shelbyville police said...

Stereo systems stolen from vehicles in garage (05/31/07)
Three vehicles left at a North Jefferson Street garage were entered overnight Tuesday. Stereo systems were taken from vehicles owned by Carlos Arroyo and Michelle Phillips and a speaker stolen from a box in Stacy Webb's vehicle, Shelbyville police said. The cars were outside a fence at Holton's Auto Repair...

Deputy rides to honor fallen officers (05/31/07)
As Kim Moses Brown and her fellow cyclists rode out of one Virginia town, they were greeted by what Brown called an "awesome sight" -- the local police officers who had helped block traffic for them in town gathered together on an overpass, standing at attention, saluting as the procession went by...

Subject captured after car, foot chase (05/30/07)
A driver who Shelbyville police said was speeding 102 mph on Madison Street early Saturday was captured, with help from the Bedford County Sheriff's Department's dog, after a car and foot chase. Terry Dwight Mooningham, 24, Fay Creek Road, was pursued from U.S. 41-A South onto Whiteside Hill Road until his car's engine quit...

Murder trial dates scheduled (05/29/07)
Trial dates have been set for two of three people indicted on murder charges stemming from the Valentines Day shooting death of a Shelbyville car salesman. Schedules for Kimberly Ross, the widow of salesman Bill Ross who was shot three times in bed at his Wartrace Pike home, and Ashley Mai Cook, a family friend, were planned last Monday when the Bedford County Grand Jury indicted 13 other people...

New execution date set for Holton (05/24/07)
A September execution date has been set for Daryl Keith Holton, the Shelbyville man accused of killing his four children in 1997. Holton is now scheduled to die Sept. 12, the Tennessee Supreme Court ruled Wednesday. The court initially set Holton's execution for Feb. 28 in a January ruling. Gov. Phil Bredesen delayed the execution Feb. 1, ordering a review of the state's execution methods and the development of new protocols and written procedures...

Request for photos leads to porn charges (05/24/07)
A Fayetteville man was arrested Wednesday in connection with nine child pornography charges. Jonathan Mark Brinda, 43, has been indicted following an extensive investigation by Director Tim Lane of the 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force and FBI Special Agent Richard Poff. The Bedford County Sheriff's Department was also involved in the probe...

Clerk beaten by armed robber (05/24/07)
A suspect in the pistol-whipping and robbery of a Shelbyville convenience store clerk Wednesday night was captured minutes later by police. Keenan Terrell Whitaker, 26, Cherokee Trail, was tackled as he attempted to elude police officer Tory Moore's grasp...

Drug charges filed after traffic stop (05/24/07)
Three men face drug charges after the car in which they were riding was stopped for a light violation Tuesday on Madison Street. Michael W. Bridges Jr., 23, Industrial Parkway, the driver, and Justin Lamont Sims, 25, Charles Street, were charged by Shelbyville police with possession of a schedule II drug...

Sheriff's Department needs more money, officers (05/23/07)
Bedford County Sheriff's Department officials say the county must hire new officers to keep up with rapid growth; members of the county Financial Management Committee didn't argue the point but said the sheriff's department may have to convince taxpayers...

Truck driver's property stolen during time off (05/23/07)
Contents of a long haul driver's truck were stolen while it was parked for nearly a month at a Quintec Drive firm, Shelbyville police say. William Baggett said he was out of work during February and March. His employer, Royal Trucking Co., allegedly ordered the items be removed and stored...

Early morning fire destroys home (05/22/07)
Fire destroyed a Richmond Cemetery Road home early Monday morning. The residence of Cecil Adcock had burned to the ground when Volunteer Fire Services Inc. personnel arrived shortly before 5 a.m. Firefighters concerned about possible victims were relieved when Adcock arrived...

BREAKING NEWS: Four children, mom hurt in crash (05/18/07)
Four children and their mother were badly injured when her car struck a culvert near Flat Creek at mid-afternoon Friday. Danielle E. Noblitt, 31, Chasity Noblitt, 9, Corbin Noblitt, 8, Cody Noblitt, 6, and 9-month-old Coleman Lee Faulk are all listed in critical or serious condition at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) in Nashville, a family member said...

Gordon votes for COPS grants (05/17/07)
U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon voted Tuesday for a bill he says will help Tennessee's communities get the resources and personnel they need to fight and prosecute crime. On Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation to reauthorize the Community Oriented Policing Services, or COPS, grant program. The bill aims to add 50,000 new police officers nationally over the next six years though the COPS hiring grants program...

E-911 may create advisory council (05/17/07)
When Bedford County first started a 9-1-1 dispatch center in the 1980s, the two boards that controlled it were composed primarily of the heads of the local emergency departments which rely on the center. Some of those department heads were more active in attending board meetings than others, which led to problems when the boards didn't have the quorum they needed to conduct business. ...

Williams sues city for wrongful termination (05/16/07)
A former building official for Shelbyville is suing his former employer for breach of contract and wrongful termination, according to papers filed in Bedford County Circuit Court this week. Wayne Williams, a 12-year employee of the city, was terminated from his position last May following action he intended to take in regards to a controversial asphalt plant. He is suing both the city of Shelbyville and city manager Ed Craig...

Smith keeps the peace in Wartrace (05/16/07)
Editor's note: The Times-Gazette salutes the law enforcement community for their dedication and service to the public during this week of National Police Officers Week. The sleepy little town of Mayberry rarely hit the radar of the state police in Raleigh, but Andy and Barney were always ready in case something did crop up...

Men steal pit bulls from backyard pen (05/15/07)
While many Shelbyville residents are trying to avoid pit bulls, at least three are taking -- literally -- a different approach. A double registered pit bull and her six 6-month-old puppies were stolen from a Cates Street home early Saturday, Shelbyville police said...

Remembering those who served (05/15/07)
There's a different flag waving in the breeze at the Shelbyville Police Department this week under the nation's symbol that is that flying at half-mast. It says "In Memorium" and has been raised in honor of National Police Week, remembering the law enforcement officers who have fallen while serving their community...

Three-vehicle accident leads to four injuries (05/14/07)
A three-vehicle accident involving a Shelbyville police cruiser Saturday night on North Main Street left four persons injured. The accident occurred when 14-year-old Preonda Simpson, Hilltop Road, who is unlicensed, was southbound in the inside lane near Northside Professional Center and swerved into the outside lane directly in front of Officer Jody Shelton, 27, Fairfield Pike, investigators say...

(05/08/07)
Squealing tires with his lights off as a police officer observed was just the beginning of problems for a Shelbyville man Saturday night. Michael Cartez Knox, 23, Landers Street, was carrying marijuana in a book bag on his car's floorboard, Officer Tracey Nelson said...

Appeal predicted in juror bribery case (05/07/07)
An appeal will be filed for a Shelbyville man who was convicted by a Bedford County jury last week on a charge of bribing a witness, but not conspiracy in the bribery, according to the defense attorney. James Edward "Blue" Farrar Jr. was found guilty Wednesday on the charge stemming from phone calls he and Mark Anthony Buntley had with a witness who didn't appear at the courthouse on Jan. 9 when Buntley was to be tried on theft and burglary charges...

Habel gets reprieve, case could return (05/05/07)
The last of four defendants in Bedford County's 5-year-old quadruple murder case won't be prosecuted at this time, according to a judge's order issued April 16. "It's not really dismissed in a way that we can't bring it back up," District Attorney Chuck Crawford said last week about the order signed by Senior Judge Don Harris in Buddy Habel's case...

Execution date sought for Holton (05/05/07)
Tennessee's attorney general has asked the state Supreme Court to set an execution date for a Shelbyville man for the 1997 murders of his three sons and their half-sister. Execution of Daryl Keith Holton was stalled by a Feb. 1 directive from Gov. Phil Bredesen to give officials time to review the methods of execution. The reprieve ended Wednesday...

Daytime burglary occurs on Park Place (05/05/07)
A laptop computer and jewelry were taken during the day Wednesday from a Park Place home, Shelbyville police report. Deborah Dawson said she returned in late afternoon to find the back door and a small window in an inner door broken to gan entry. Jail intake...

Two homes entered in Griffin Park area (05/03/07)
A normally-quiet area near the west entrance of Griffin Park has been struck twice by burglars in the past few days. The home of Juanita "Dee" Bogue and Darla Rich and their daughters, Glenoaks Road, was entered between 9:30 a.m.-2:10 p.m. Monday, Shelbyville police said...

Police prevent evidence from being flushed (05/02/07)
Shelbyville police say they narrowly prevented a drug suspect from flushing alleged evidence. Danial Abraham Fajardo is accused of trying to toss a bag of marijuana into a toilet and attempting to flush it while being searched Monday at Bedford County Jail...

Gold ring leads police to suspect (05/01/07)
The bling was the thing leading to the arrest of a drug suspect last week. Shelbyville police searched a Landers Street apartment Thursday from which they were told drug sales were occurring. While officers were inside talking to the occupants Detective Charles Merlo, who was outside, said he saw a window suddenly open and the bag, containing approximately 3.4 grams, being tossed by someone with a gold ring on their finger...

Jury seated for burglary trial (05/01/07)
Opening arguments were expected this morning in the trial of a Bedford County man charged with allegedly bribing a witness to not appear in court to testify in a burglary trial against another man who's convicted of theft, but not burglary. By 3 p.m. ...

Maroquin may be deported (04/30/07)
A man who entered the U.S. illegally has pleaded guilty of attempted aggravated sexual battery and accepted an eight-year prison term, although he may be deported before next year, his lawyer said. "He rode across the border in the trunk of a car," Assistant Public Defender Jack Dearing said of his client, Gabriel Juan Maroquin, 22...

Tennessee reacts to VT tragedy (04/30/07)
NASHVILLE -- Responding to President Bush's request for analysis of what Congressman Jim Cooper calls America's worst mass murder, Gov. Phil Bredesen on Saturday hosted workshops on issues raised by the April 16 shootings at Virginia Tech. "Mental illness has not received ... ...

Suspects indicted in Ross murder (04/28/07)
The Bedford County grand jury has indicted two women and a teenage man on first degree murder charges in the Valentine's Day shooting death of a Shelbyville car salesman. "We concur with the findings of the grand jury and the general sessions judge that there is probable cause that each had a distinctive role to play in the planning and the actual murder of Mr. Ross," District Attorney Chuck Crawford said...

Coin collection recovered (04/28/07)
Thieves won't get another crack at Vicky Voelkel's coin collection. "It goes into bank security first thing in the morning," Voelkel said Friday night as she looked over $20,000 of recovered collectible money taken between April 20-24 from her former Old Flat Creek Road home...

Unionville driver killed in Christiana wreck (04/28/07)
A Unionville woman died early Friday afternoon after her car was struck by a pickup truck on U.S. 231 in Christiana. Gloria Kay McCrory Cook, 52, of Unionville, died in the emergency room of Middle Tennessee Medical Center in Murfreesboro after being cut from her car, officials said...

Drug offenders found guilty (04/28/07)
Three drug offenders appeared in Bedford County Circuit Court last week. In each instance, the party was found guilty and sentenced by Judge Robert Crigler. A 24-year prison term was handed down for Jovan Xavier Moore, a Shelbyville man who in February was found guilty by a jury of selling crack cocaine five times last April...

Home entered as resident sleeps (04/28/07)
Jewelry, 40-50 compact discs and prescription medication were taken from a Hillcrest Drive home Thursday morning, Shelbyville police say. A witness told police a short man with blonde hair left through the front door of Tammy Lathan's residence while she slept...

Runaway plane strikes building (04/27/07)
"It happened like lightning." That's how an employee of JabiruUSA described what happened Thursday afternoon when an plane ran off a taxiway at Shelbyville Municipal Airport and slammed into the side of a local aircraft manufacturer. No one was injured in the incident, which occurred around 2:30 p.m...

Driver slightly injured after tumble into creek (04/27/07)
A Shelbyville man walked away with minor injuries after his car plunged off Depot Street into a ravine during driving rains early Thursday. The car driven by Nurani Abuukar Gedow, 20, of nearby Anthony Lane landed on its top in a creek about 50 feet below the road, Officer Tory Moore said. Officers arrived at 2:21 a.m...

Taser used to subdue suspect (04/26/07)
Shelbyville police say they were forced to use a Taser on a struggling suspect late Monday night. Jeffery S. Blackman, 42, Highway 130 West, allegedly "lunged" at Officer Waymond Boyd while being arrested for DUI during a traffic stop on Depot Street near the VFW post...

Young attorney's death shocks community (04/25/07)
Attorney Tom Nance, 39, who served as Shelbyville City Attorney and as a partner in Bobo, Hunt, White and Nance, died Monday at Saint Thomas Hospital in Nashville. "I'm just devastated," City Manager Ed Craig said this morning. "Tom was a great friend and great advisor and I relied on him daily. He was such a wonderful man with a warm manner and great sense of humor. It has left a huge hole here in City Hall."...

Disaster drill simulates terrorist attack (04/25/07)
An explosion on the grounds of the Celebration released an unknown chemical/biological agent Tuesday, killing and injuring scores, while other victims awaited decontamination. Fortunately, this was only a test. While this wasn't an actual emergency, responders from seven counties converged for an emergency preparedness exercise to evaluate how they would react in a real-life mass casualty situation...

Nashville murder suspect in jail locally (04/25/07)
A man charged with allegedly murdering someone during a drug deal in Nashville is in the Bedford County Jail because his bond was revoked in a two local drug cases. Cory Dwan Jordan, 26, was charged on July 15 by Tim Lane, director of the 17th Judicial Drug Task Force for the alleged sale and/or delivery of illegal drugs, court records show. His bond was set at $20,000...

Light violation leads to pot find (04/25/07)
A car's non-functioning taillight led to a series of events culminating in the driver's arrest for possession of marijuana Monday night. Officer Waymond Boyd stopped Timothy Ray Baker on North Main Street and asked to search his vehicle. Inside the car was 7.21 grams of marijuana, Boyd said...

Three charged in Halls Mill shooting (04/24/07)
Charges have been filed against three suspects in connection with the shooting of a Unionville man Sunday at Halls Mill. Chris Michael Frame, 29, Possum Trot Road, and Charles James Dunn, 19, Baptist Church Road, are each charged with aggravated assault. Robby Joe Cook, 35, Ranchero Trailer Park, is charged with tampering with eviidence...

Sales gets 40-year sentence (04/24/07)
A Bedford County judge handed down a 40-year prison term for a Nashville man who pleaded guilty of second degree murder in Shelbyville last fall when he fatally shot a man, according to statements in court on Monday. Antwain Tapaige "Scooby" Sales, 32, faces 15 years in prison from a previous conviction and agreed to let Randles describe what the state intended to prove had the murder case gone to trial...

Fearful robber runs as car nears (04/24/07)
An oncoming car scared away a man who was in the process of demanding money at gunpoint early Monday, police say. Juan Pablo Chapas told Officer Tory Moore he was walking toward Tyson Foods on West Jackson Street about 12:15 a.m. when a man approached and pointed a pistol at his head...

Authorities look for shooting suspect (04/23/07)
Authorities are searching for a suspect who critically wounded a Unionville man in a dispute over a cell phone Sunday afternoon. Ralph James Smiley, 23, was shot once in the head in the parking lot of a Halls Mill Road store about 5 p.m., according to the Bedford County Sheriff's Department...

Cell phones stolen from home (04/20/07)
Two cell phones were stolen from the Barksdale Lane home of Katrina K. Smith by someone who came in through a window between 2 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Tuesday, Shelbyville police report. Jail intake The following persons were arrested since Tuesday by the Bedford County Sheriff's Department, Shelbyville Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol or 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force and processed through Bedford County Jail. ...

Marijuana discovered as man eludes police (04/18/07)
Police say they found marijuana in the possession of a man who allegedly attempted to flee the scene of a disturbance Monday night as officers arrived. Christopher Paul Henson, 19, West Highland Street, is accused of running after being spotlighted at a disturbance across the street from his home by Officer Tory Moore...

Arriaga probation revoked (04/17/07)
Probation was revoked and prison terms reinstated on Monday for a Shelbyville woman who'd been given second chances after she released her infants for adoption while struggling with addiction to pain pills, according to statements and records in Bedford County Circuit Court...

Driver dies in burning car (04/17/07)
Bystanders were unable to rescue a Lewisburg man from his burning car after it ran off Longview Road, struck a culvert and landed in a shallow ditch late Monday afternoon. Frank Bahou, 32, died in the car moments after the crash, which occurred about 5:30 p.m. just south of the Kingdom Road intersection, State Trooper Tommie Boleyn said...

Stolen purse found; money gone (04/14/07)
A wallet accidentally left in a shopping cart at Food Lion, Colloredo Boulevard, was gone when its owner returned to claom it Thursday night, Shelbyville police said. The purse belonging to Denise A. Redd, U.S. 231 North, was later taken to Saddlegait Market, South Cannon Boulevard, by a man who said he found it on the nearby Duck River bridge...

Robbery caught on tape (04/14/07)
A convenience store clerk took matters into his own hands early Saturday as two teenage boys allegedly attempted an armed robbery. The boys, one masked and appearing to be armed, entered the Kangaroo store at the Madison Street-South Hillcrest Drive intersection about 12:47 a.m., the time at which police said a holdup alarm sounded...

3-year-old twin drowns in backyard pool (04/14/07)
CHAPEL HILL -- A Marshall County mother made the hardest decision of her life last week -- removing life support from one of her twin boys. Yet Miranda Lamoreaux summoned inner strength to talk publicly one day after the death of her son, Lavone, twin 3-year-old brother of Javone...

Pot found on Sewanee man (04/13/07)
Marijuana was found Wednesday night in the possession of a man stopped for reckless driving, Shelbyville police say. Drug dog Remy alerted on the ashtray of a SUV driven by William Howard Yowell III, 21, Sewanee. A marijuana cigarette and pack of rolling papers were inside, Officer Tracey Nelson said...

Fairfield resident arrested in ecstasy case (04/12/07)
Drugs and guns were recovered in separate incidents Monday in Bedford County. Kham Thammarath was arrested and a federal search warrant executed at his home, Sheriff Randall Boyce and Police Chief Austin Swing said. Drug Enforcement Administration agents arrested others associated with Thammarath in Milwaukee as they attempted to deliver approximately 51,000 Ecstasy tablets with an estimated street value of $510,000 on Friday night, the DTF said...

Four-wheeler stolen from owner's yard (04/11/07)
A green Honda four-wheeler belonging to Richard Vester II was taken from behind his Sanders Street home during the day Sunday, according to a Shelbyville Police Department report. The following persons were arrested since Monday by the Bedford County Sheriff's Department, Shelbyville Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol or 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force and processed through Bedford County Jail. They are only charged; guilt or innocence will be determined by the courts...

Man charged with sixth DUI (04/10/07)
Charges of sixth offense DUI and of being a habitual traffic offender were among several filed against a man after police were notified of a reckless driver on North Main Street early Saturday. William Jeffrey Bledsoe, 39, Philippi Road, had 5.37 grams of marijuana in his car when arrested, Officer Jerry Lawrence said...

EMS income cut feared (04/10/07)
A change in the Managed Care Organization which handles TennCare claims threatens to cut the amount that county-owned Bedford County Emergency Medical Services is paid for transporting TennCare patients. Under the state's old MCO, TennCare Select, BCEMS was paid about $140 for a basic life support ambulance run, plus $4 per mile. ...

BREAKING NEWS: Murder suspects bound over to Grand Jury (04/09/07)
Bedford County General Sessions Court Judge Charles Rich concluded Monday that he'd heard sufficient evidence to send three defendants' murder charges to the grand jury, presumably for deliberations on April 23. The defendants are Kimberly Ross, Ashley Cook and Justin Young. All are charged in the Feb. 14 shooting death of Bill Ross, the Shelbyville car salesman whose death was to have been explained away as a result of home invaders...

Tanker spills milk and diesel into creek (04/09/07)
A tanker truck accident Sunday afternoon left behind a trail of spilled milk and diesel fuel and caused full or partial closure of U.S. 231 South until early today. The accident occurred about 2:15 p.m. when the southbound milk tanker, driven by Kenneth Dwayne Franklin, 36, Lewisburg, went out of control, through a fence and mailbox and into a creek...

Local murder has parallels with TV documentaries (04/07/07)
A car salesman's Valentine's Day murder takes center stage again Monday at a hearing to determine whether the case should go to the Bedford County grand jury. Ironically, a strikingly similar murder plot is playing out on three cable TV networks documenting a Florida murder 12 years ago, and one of those documentaries was televised three days before the crime...

Details of Sales sentencing explained (04/07/07)
The Times-Gazette ran an article on April 1 headlined "Bad driving leads to prison," dealing with the sentencing of Michael Sales by Circuit Judge Lee Russell on March 23. The article contained several misstatements of fact and omitted other facts important to an understanding of the case...

Probation imposed in rustling case (04/06/07)
A Shelbyville woman on Thursday agreed to serve four years on probation as a result of her best interest plea to theft charges connected to a series of cattle rustling cases revealed last fall. Ellen Clair Sales, 43, was sentenced by Bedford County Circuit Court Judge Lee Russell. Sales' defense attorney, David McKenzie, said that with the best interest plea, Sales acknowledged the facts prosecutors intended to prove if the case gone to trial, but she didn't admit guilt...

Safe-cracking attempt fails (04/06/07)
An unsuccessful attempt was made to enter the safe at Depot Street Market overnight Tuesday, police said. The store's owner told police three cartons of cigarettes and cash were gone from other parts of the store. A burglary alarm had sounded at the store earlier in the night, police were told...

Identity theft draws eight-year sentence (04/06/07)
A woman was sentenced here yesterday to eight years in jail for identity theft committed by giving another woman's Social Security number to open a bank account with $100 cash. A $58,000 4-door truck, land in Moore County priced at $375,000 and various products and services, all totaling nearly $477,000 were being purchased with checks from the account opened by Kathy Lynn Rosenberg, 47...

Thieves steal from yard, truck bed (04/05/07)
Two theft reports were received Tuesday by Shelbyville police. The following persons were arrested since Tuesday by the Shelbyville Police Department, Bedford County Sheriff's Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol or 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force and processed through Bedford County Jail. They are only charged; guilt or innocence will be determined by the courts...

Children safe as van slips from gear (04/04/07)
Four young children left in a parked van escaped injury Monday after one pulled the gearshift and it rolled into two four-wheelers at Tractor Supply Co., North Main Street. Erlys Anica, Hickory Hill Church Road, turned off the 2002 Ford Windstar's engine and took the keys, which should have left the shift lever immovable, Officer Justin Smith of the Shelbyville Police Department said...

Suspect admits having cocaine (04/03/07)
Crack cocaine was found in the pocket of a man who admitted possession of drugs to police before his arrest. Officer Jody Shelton spotted Marcel D. Bartlebaugh, 24, Highway 82 South, walking along Madison Street on Saturday afternoon and was aware of active arrest warrants against him...

Two found safe after river search (04/02/07)
Rescue workers spent much of Sunday night searching the banks of Duck River for two persons later found safe far from the area being searched. Officials were notified that cousins John Michael Williams, 19, Lane Parkway, and Justin Ratliff, 14, Midland Road, hadn't returned to a fishing trip...

Prison time for poor driving excessive: Family (03/31/07)
A Shelbyville man's sentence to 11 years in state prison on two guilty pleas that he's a habitual motor vehicle offender has left his family wondering if it's just because of his driving record. There's much more to it, according to defense attorney Chris Westmoreland, the court-appointed defense attorney for Michael Anthony Sales, 39, of Cherokee Trail, who filed notice last week that the case will be appealed...

Ex-teacher fired after conviction (03/31/07)
A former substitute teacher for Bedford County has had his employment terminated by the Rutherford County School System. Last week, 29-year old Nalin White of Bell Buckle surrendered his teacher's license after entering a no contest plea to three counts of soliciting a minor in Rutherford County...

Drug dog sniffs out marijuana (03/31/07)
Police say they found marijuana in a car stopped for speeding Thursday night on North Main Street. A "roach" was detected in an ash tray and seeds with a small amount of marijuana between the car's seats by drug dog Remy, Officer Tracey Nelson said...

Theft, not burglary, found by jury (03/30/07)
A Bedford County jury acquitted a Shelbyville man yesterday on a burglary charge, but convicted him of theft of electronic games from a mobile home at a trailer park where he worked as a handyman. Theft of X-Box and video games, valued by the jury at less than $500 instead of over $500, was a reduction in the charge filed against Mark Anthony Buntley, 20, and therefore a misdemeanor that's seen as a lesser offense...

Amplifier, speaker taken from car (03/29/07)
An amplifier and speaker were stolen Monday or Tuesday from a car owned by Lisa Jose, Bird Street, while the vehicle was being repaired at a North Main Street facility, Shelbyville police report. The following persons were arrested since Monday by the Shelbyville Police Department, Bedford County Sheriff's Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol or 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force and processed through Bedford County Jail. ...

Buntley burglary trial starts again (03/29/07)
Jury selection was scheduled this morning for the second time to begin the trial of a Shelbyville man charged with theft and burglary in a case that was postponed because officials charged the defendant and an associate with allegedly bribing a witness to not go to court...

Metal thefts increase in city (03/27/07)
Metal products are increasingly attracting thieves who sell them to unsuspecting operators of scrap firms. Three incidents of metal thefts occurred within the past week. An estimated $1,500 worth of steel items, including a large wagon-type wheel and various size pipes and tubing, were taken overnight Thursday from an Evans Street workshop owned by Richard Dugger...

Jury: horse owner owes trainer (03/27/07)
A Lewisburg Highway horse farm owner must pay his debt to a trainer because of a Bedford County Circuit Court jury verdict on Monday when the owner failed to persuade the jury he didn't owe money by claiming a contract was void when soring was allegedly used to train his horse...

Owner claims his horse was sored (03/26/07)
Jury selection was scheduled to begin this morning for a civil trial in a dispute between a horse trainer and a horse owner who says the trainer sored his horse, according to public documents. The trial in Bedford County Circuit Court is between Bill Reinhart, owner of a horse barn and farm on Highway 64, and Eddie Tuck of Eden, N.C., a horse trainer who had an oral agreement with Reinhart, records show...

Couple avoids jail time for TennCare fraud (03/26/07)
A Shelbyville couple charged with TennCare fraud pleaded guilty on Friday when a jail sentence was converted to probation and restitution ordered. Barbara Jean and David Michael Westmoreland of Robinson Lane were sentenced on two counts of fraud each and placed on probation for two years and six months...

Alleged registry violator arrested again (03/26/07)
The first man tried, convicted and sentenced in Bedford County on a charge of violating the state sex offender registry law had his conviction reversed by the Court of Criminal Appeals last month, but on Friday he was rearrested and charged in the same event...

Suspects accused of supplying fake IDs (03/24/07)
Two men, one from Shelbyville, have been charged with supplying false identifications to Hispanics throughout Middle Tennessee. Shelbyville and Columbia police arrested David Gonazlez at his Columbia home early Saturday. Gonzalez's computer system and printing equipment was brought to Shelbyville...

'Perry Mason couldn't have gotten him off,' says attorney (03/23/07)
A Shelbyville man who pleaded guilty to charges arising from a 2005 home invasion of a Lipscomb Street house occupied by Hispanics complained this week that his legal representation was inadequate. But a Circuit Court judge ruled the suspect's lawyers' work exceeded the standard required in Tennessee...

Suspect tries to wreck police cruiser (03/22/07)
A man who allegedly exposed himself to customers at a Union Street grocery store attempted to wreck a pursuing police cruiser during a chase moments later, officers said. Alan Earl Prouty, 55, U.S. 41-A North, led officers for several miles in and northwest of Shelbyville early Tuesday night before finally stopping at his home...

Drugs stolen from truck (03/21/07)
Prescription drugs were taken Saturday from a truck at Hank Williams Trailer Manufacturing, Eagle Boulevard. Jon Matthew Gattis, Halls Mill Road, told police a door handle on his truck was pried to gain entry. The following persons were arrested since Monday by the Shelbyville Police Department, Bedford County Sheriff's Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol or 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force and processed through Bedford County Jail. ...

Teacher resigns after sex charges (03/21/07)
A former substitute teacher for Bedford County surrendered his teacher's license Tuesday after entering a no contest plea to three counts of soliciting a minor in Rutherford County. According to the Murfreesboro Post, 29-year old Nalin White of Bell Buckle entered the pleas to soliciting a 15-year-old student for sex May 3, 2006, at Siegel High School in Murfreesboro where he taught geography...

Arriaga's attorney counters violation claim (03/20/07)
Religious freedom and drug avoidance are issues mentioned by a Shelbyville woman and her lawyer while explaining their side of allegations that she violated the terms of her probation from a TennCare fraud conviction. Even the prosecutor, Assistant District Attorney General Mike Randles, has acknowledged that the probation violation hearing to be conducted for Nellie Arriaga, 29, won't include incontrovertible evidence -- typically another crime or a failed drug test...

Man tells police to jail him (03/20/07)
You may have heard the radio commercial, broadcast around holiday periods, in which an actor portrays someone notifying police that he's drunk and needs to go to jail. It happened in real life Monday morning. Shelbyville police received a call via cell phone from a man who said he was "sitting in the middle of a road" extremely drunk and didn't know where he was...

Holton case featured in documentary (03/19/07)
A documentary film crew was here last week shooting scenes and interviewing people about Daryl Holton. The subject of the program is a law professor who videotaped Holton, who is on death row for killing his three sons and their sister. Professor Robert Blecker of the New York Law School in southern Manhattan is one of a very few people who have visited Holton since he's been incarcerated as a result of his conviction on four murder charges...

Motlow, TSU may offer criminal justice program (03/16/07)
Tennessee State University and Motlow State Community College are considering a program which would allow students to earn