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BCSO Sgt. Paul Singleton Awarded Law Enforcement Commendation Medal

Community, Police & Government November 19, 2021 , by
Congratulations to BCSO Sgt Paul Singleton for receiving The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Law Enforcement Commendation Medal.
Sgt Singleton was nominated for this award by Sheriff Steve Lawson. Sheriff Lawson stated, “Sgt Singleton is a steady, professional leader and respected by everyone. He is a Patrol Sergeant, SWAT Team and BCSO Honor Guard member. He never takes the credit for anything, but always compliments the people working under his command. We are blessed that Paul Singleton is a part of the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office.”
This award is only given out once a year in recognition of outstanding achievement and dedication to law enforcement.
Thank you for your service to Bradley County, Sgt Singleton! Congrats again on your well-deserved award!
Pictured below are BCSO Lt Kevin Chastain, BCSO Sgt Paul Singleton, and BCSO Cpt Jon Collins, along with members of The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.

North Carolina man arrested on multiple charges

News, Press Release November 11, 2020 , by
north carolina man felon
Ben Ostiguy of Concord, N.C. has been taken into custody by Bradley County sheriff’s deputies on charges related to a recent burglary.
On Tuesday, October 27, a patrol deputy from the 200 shift responded to a reported burglary at a Bradley County residence, finding that many items including firearms and collectable coins had been stolen. Responding deputy received a description of a potential suspect and vehicle.
On Wednesday, November 4, another patrol deputy of the 200 shift responded to a welfare check call at a business in southeastern Bradley County. Upon arrival, a vehicle matching the description provided on October 27 was observed in the parking and the suspect was located inside the business that the patrol deputy was responding to. Suspect was identified as Ben Ostiguy and was detained without incident.
Property crime investigators were called to the scene and after obtaining a search warrant for the vehicle, locating several of the items that what been stolen on October 27.
Ostiguy has a criminal record of previous felony convictions, including a violent offense. He was arrested and booked at the Bradley County Jail on charges of Aggravated Burglary, Theft Over $2500 and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Image courtesy of BCSO.

TBI releases findings into inmate’s death

News, Press Release August 12, 2020 , by
inmate death
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn – Following the death of federal inmate Joseph Dewhurst at the Bradley County Jail on July 22 of 2020, Sheriff Steve Lawson requested for an investigation to be conducted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. The preliminary autopsy results released by the TBI show that the cause of death is consistent with that of suicide by hanging.
At the time that inmate Dewhurst was found unresponsive in his cell on July 22, it appeared he had used his bed linens and bed rail to voluntarily end his life by hanging. Following Sheriff Lawson’s request for a TBI investigation, agents from the TBI worked the scene inside the cell area, conducted interviews and collected documentation.
Included in the evidence gathered from his cell was a four-page letter written by inmate Dewhurst, stating his end of life intentions.
Inmate Dewhurst’s body was sent for an autopsy by request of the TBI, returning with preliminary results indicating the cause of death to be consistent with suicide by hanging.
“From what I have seen, every one of my corrections officers did everything right,” says Sheriff Lawson. “I commend my corrections staff for making timely cell checks and documenting in a manner of truthfulness, which is a testament to their commitment to the job and to the inmates. I also want to thank the jail’s medical staff for all they have done in the wake of this situation.”
Sheriff Lawson goes on to say, “It breaks my heart when one of our inmates decides to end his or her life. We do everything that we can to improve our inmates’ quality of life while incarcerated by providing them with well-rounded meals, providing education opportunities and chances to shorten their sentence by rewarding good behavior; we give them video visitation and phone time to stay in touch with their friends and families; we look out for their well-being by contracting an excellent medical staff and do what we can to improve those struggling with mental health issues by employing a full-time mental health therapist. But sometimes, the enemy of depression and suicidal thoughts speaks louder to the inmate than we can; even when we do everything we can to combat it. It is my hope that any of our inmates who might be struggling with these thoughts will visit our jail’s mental health therapist and get the help that he or she needs so that something like this does not happen again.”

Deputies charge Bradley County male with attempted murder

News, Press Release July 23, 2020 , by
attempted murder
BRADLEY COUNTY, TN – Bradley County officers arrested a male suspect on charges of attempted murder on the evening of July 20.
Javonte McKnight has been taken into custody on charges of Attempted First Degree Murder and Misdemeanor Violation of Probation after shooting a male victim in Bradley County multiple times. After being shot, the victim fell from the third floor of the building; he was transported to the hospital for emergency medical attention.
At approximately 6:30 p.m. on Monday, July 20 of 2020, Bradley County Sheriff’s Office Deputies reported to an apartment complex on Country Club Drive SW in response to several reported gunshots. The scene, located near Bradley Central High School, was secured by BCSO officials with assistance from the Cleveland TN Police Department.

BCSO Investigators on scene began their investigation shortly after, which is still underway.
The investigation shows that one male victim was shot several times while on the third floor, proceeding to fall to the ground, sustaining further injuries to his legs. He was transported to the hospital where he is receiving treatment for his injuries. There is no report on his current condition at this time.
Javonte McKnight has been taken into custody on charges of Attempted First Degree Murder and Misdemeanor of Probation.
This is an ongoing investigation; further information will be disseminated accordingly.

Bradley County woman allegedly exploited elderly couple for over $60,000

News, Press Release July 9, 2020 , by
exploitation

BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. – Victoria Cyrus has been taken into custody by Bradley County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Apprehension Team on charges of Financial Exploitation of an Elderly/Vulnerable Person and Theft over $60,000. The victims, an elderly husband and wife both with memory impairment, reported that Cyrus had previously been employed as their caregiver.

On April 28 of 2020, a report was filed by the husband and wife, which stated that they had been victims of financial crimes. After an extensive investigation, it was discovered that the suspect, Victoria Cyrus, had taken more than $70,000 while employed as a caregiver for the couple.
Throughout the course of her employment, Cyrus obtained two credit cards in the victims’ names and took multiple loans out in their name, among other financial exploitations.
Ms. Cyrus was apprehended by the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Apprehension Team on Tuesday, July 7 on warrants for Financial Exploitation of an Elderly/Vulnerable Person and Theft over $60,000.
Feature image courtesy of BCSO Facebook. 

Update: All inmates recovered from COVID-19

News, Press Release June 23, 2020 , by
asymptomatic test
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. – Following 14 days of quarantine, all inmates in the Bradley County Jail who contracted COVID-19 have fully recovered. These inmates have been cleared by the Tennessee Health Department to return to their traditional pods to continue serving time.
Following a voluntary round of COVID-19 testing in mid-June, 33 inmates at the Bradley County Jail tested a-symptomatic positive for COVID-19 and were immediately placed in a pre-designated quarantine pod. During each inmate’s 14-day quarantine, they received treatment from the jail’s medical staff and had his/her temperature checked twice daily. All COVID-positive inmates remained a-symptomatic through the duration of their respective quarantines. As of 10:00 p.m. on Monday, July 6, all inmates who tested negative by the Bradley County Jail’s medical staff completed their 14-day quarantine and have each returned to their traditional pods.
“Because we took early action to implement thorough COVID procedures in our jail at the beginning of this pandemic, we were prepared for our first outbreak,” says Sheriff Steve Lawson. “Had we not prepared for this as early as we did, I believe this outbreak would have looked much different. I am very thankful to report that all 33 of our COVID-positive inmates have fully recovered and can return to the general populace of our jail. I am also very appreciative of the Tennessee and Bradley County Health Departments for working closely with us through this and to the medical staff in our jail for staying on top it as well as they have.”

 

Original Press Release Below: 

BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. – All inmates at the Bradley County Jail have been offered testing for COVID-19, returning with 32 asymptomatic positive test results. Additionally, seven corrections officers and one contracted employee have tested positive and will remain on medical leave until they are well and return with a negative COVID-19 test.

Since June 10, when the first corrections officer tested a-symptomatic positive, leadership of the Bradley County Jail have worked closely with Quality Correctional Health Care to offer COVID-19 tests to all inmates. These tests were conducted on June 17, with 32 a-symptomatic positive cases confirmed (meaning that at the time of the testing, none had a fever or showed any symptoms). The inmates who tested positive have been reassigned to a designated pod for quarantine and are being monitored by the jail’s medical staff.

All jail employees have been directed to get tested as well. Currently, seven corrections officers and one contracted employee have tested positive and have been directed by the Bradley County Health Department or their personal physician to quarantine. These employees will remain on medical leave until they are well and return with a negative COVID-19 test.

“Given the circumstances, I believe that we prevented the spread of this virus in our jail as long we possibly could have,” says Sheriff Steve Lawson. “After the first corrections officer tested positive, it was only right for us to offer testing to each and every one of our inmates.”

The jail’s medical staff will continue to screen all incoming inmates and will administer COVID-19 tests to any inmates who show symptoms. A mandatory PPE policy continues to be in effect for any employees who enter the jail and regular cleanings will remain on an on-going schedule.

Sheriff Lawson goes on to say: “Since the beginning of this pandemic, we have taken every precaution that our resources would allow. Although the virus has begun presenting itself in our jail, we will continue to do everything we can to proactively slow the spread and protect the health of our employees and inmates.”

Two arrested on aggravated burglary charges

News, Press Release July 9, 2020 , by
burglary
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. – Tyler Robinson and Rachael Kiser have been taken into custody after burglarizing a Bradley County residence, stealing multiple items including firearms, a crossbow, and an ATV.
On June 11 of 2020, an aggravated burglary was reported in southwestern Bradley County. The suspects stole items both inside and outside of the residence including several firearms, a crossbow, and an ATV. During the initial response to the scene, investigators identified two suspects as Tyler Robinson and Rachel Kiser, who were taken into custody at Central High School on HWY 58 by deputies of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office later that day. During the course of their arrest, the stolen crossbow and at least one of the firearms stolen from the home were located in their possession.
Robinson and Kiser were both arrested on unrelated charges in Hamilton County and arrest warrants were obtained for both suspects. Robinson was transported to the Bradley County Jail where he was served with arrest warrants for aggravated burglary, theft over $2,500, and two counts of auto burglary. Kiser remains in custody on unrelated charges in Hamilton County.
“I am appreciative of the excellent cooperation among the citizens of Bradley County, as well as the teamwork of law enforcement agencies involved in this case,” says Sheriff Lawson. “Once again, people who came to Bradley County to burglarize have been taken into custody within hours of their crime being reported.”
Images courtesy of the BCSO Facebook. 

Suspect in custody after series of auto burglaries

News, Press Release July 9, 2020 , by
auto burglaries
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. – Harrison Ellison is in custody at the Bradley County Jail on multiple charges after a series of auto burglaries and thefts that occurred on June 12. The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division is asking for the public’s help in identifying and/or locating the other suspects involved in these auto burglaries and thefts.
On June 12 of 2020, Bradley County Sheriff’s Office deputies and detectives responded to multiple auto burglaries in northern Bradley County. Several handguns were stolen during these auto burglaries. There were also multiple auto burglaries that occurred in the city of Cleveland the same night, resulting in a stolen vehicle, which has since been recovered in Chattanooga.
During the investigation, detectives located surveillance video from multiple locations, which showed the same suspects involved in several of the incidents. One suspect was identified as Harrison Ellison, who was he was arrested in Hamilton County on July 6. On July 7, Ellison was transported to the Bradley County Jail on the following charges: 15 counts of Auto Burglary, two counts of Theft under $1000, and one count of Theft over $10,000.
Anyone with information on the other individuals involved in these crimes is encouraged to contact the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations tip line at (423) 728-7336.
Feature image courtesy of BCSO Facebook. 

Three Hamilton County citizens arrested in connection to 12 auto burglaries

News, Police & Government, Press Release June 23, 2020 , by
auto burglaries

BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. – Three male residents from Hamilton County have been arrested for committing multiple auto burglaries in Bradley County and stealing a sport utility vehicle out of Chattanooga. Shu’Quwan La’Derious Green, Christopher Antoine Harris, and Elijah Latrel Williams have each been charged with 12 counts of Auto Burglary, Theft over $2,500, and three counts of Theft under $1000, along with additional charges related to possession of a handgun.

On Sunday, June 21 at approximately 1:30 a.m., BCSO deputies responded to Falcon Drive, off of Dalton Pike, after dispatchers received a call of a suspicious vehicle in the area. The caller advised that the vehicle, a gold Lexus SUV, was parked on the side of the road and that three males had been seen taking items in the area. When deputies arrived, they observed three males walking from the reported vehicle; one of the males was seen wearing a red hooded sweatshirt. Deputies identified 11 unlocked vehicles that had been entered on Archer Lane, which runs directly off of Falcon Drive and just east of where the unoccupied SUV was located, along with another unlocked vehicle that had been entered on Mountain View Drive. Each of the vehicles appeared to have been rummaged through with small items taken including wallets, credit cards, cash, sunglasses, and one set of Apple AirPods.

Upon checking the license plate of the reported SUV, dispatch discovered that the vehicle had been reported stolen from Chattanooga on June 13, 2020. BCSO Property Crimes Investigators responded to the scene to assist patrol deputies in processing the stolen SUV, along with the numerous burglarized vehicles.

While deputies and investigators were still in the area, three males — one wearing a red hooded sweatshirt, matching the description given by one of the witnesses — were spotted walking along Dalton Pike, a short distance from where the stolen SUV had been recovered. The initial deputy, who had contact with the males walking, advised that one of the males had a gun.

After successfully avoiding a potential altercation, deputies placed all three male suspects under arrest shortly after additional deputies arrived on the scene. Two of the males had a handgun on their person and a third gun was found lying on the ground next to them. One set of Apple AirPods was also recovered from one of the suspects.

The auto burglary victims from Archer Lane were able to send an audible alert from their Apple Find My iPhone App to their stolen AirPods, pinging the same set recovered from the scene by detectives, which was located at the Bradley County Justice Center in an evidence bag.

The suspects were identified as Shu’Quwan La’Derious Green, Christopher Antoine Harris, and Elijah Latrel Williams, all from Hamilton County. Each suspect was charged with 12 counts of Auto Burglary, Theft Over $2,500, and three counts of Theft Under $1,000. Additionally, Elijah Williams and Christopher Harris were charged with Possession of a Handgun during a Felony; Shu’Quwan Green was charged with Felon in Possession of a Handgun.

“Once again, residents from a neighboring county are facing the consequences of breaking the law in our jurisdiction. Let this stand as yet another example of the non-existent level of tolerance we have for committing crimes against the people of Bradley County,” says Sheriff Steve Lawson. “I applaud the excellent teamwork of our patrol deputies and property crimes detectives for connecting these incidents with expertise and swiftly bringing the men in question to face justice for their illegal actions.”

Sheriff Lawson goes on to say: “To the residents of Bradley County… Help us help you by locking your car doors. An unlocked and unattended vehicle is just asking for someone to open the door and take what they please. If you see any suspicious activity, report it. I want to publicly extend appreciation to the responsible citizen who called in the suspicious activity they witnessed on Sunday morning and encourage everyone in Bradley County to do the same. The more information we have at our disposal, the better we can do our job: to ethically and effectively protect and serve the residents of our county.”

Please remember all are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Images courtesy of Bradley County Sheriff Office Facebook.

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