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[Shelbyville Times-Gazette]
Shelbyville, Tennessee ~ Friday, November 21, 2008
Crime, justice and emergency services

Crime, punishment, the court system and emergency response.

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."...
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...