Narcotics Investigation Leads to the Arrest of Five Suspects
Press Release November 17, 2021
CLEVELAND, Tn. (November 16, 2021) — On November 15, 2021, a narcotics investigation resulted in the arrest of five Bradley County Residents after a search of a home located on Old Georgetown Street N.W. The search led to the seizure of numerous suspected Fentanyl Pills, Methamphetamine, Buprenorphine / Naloxone, and multiple items of drug paraphernalia. An investigation that began several months ago focused on suspicions that fentanyl and counterfeit pills containing fentanyl were being sold. The investigation was conducted by the Tenth Judicial Drug and Violent Crime Task Force in cooperation with the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of the District Attorney General Tenth Judicial District.
Mason Kynsal Johnson was charged with Possession of Fentanyl for Resale, and Possession of Felony Drug Paraphernalia. Johnson was also arrested for two outstanding warrants for the charges of Failure to Appear on a previous Domestic Assault charge and a previous Criminal Trespass Charge. Chelby Lane Harris was charged with Simple Possession of Fentanyl, Simple Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Simple Possession of Buprenorphine/Naloxone. Harris was also arrested on an outstanding warrant from McMinn County for a Schedule II Drug Charge. Samantha Channing Mowery was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Angela Dawn Taylor was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Malachi Shahada Matthew Akhtab was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Cole William Miles Gaddis was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Violation of Probation. Additional Charges on several of the individuals involved are forthcoming.
Sheriff Steve Lawson commends all participating agencies for the cooperation during this investigation as our law enforcement agencies continue efforts to help rid our community of these dangerous drugs. Opioids and specifically the Drug Fentanyl are very dangerous and largely responsible for many overdose deaths across the United States every day. The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office will continue our proactive efforts to help make our community safer by seeking out those individuals who manufacture, sale, and use illegal drugs and bring them to justice.
Angela Taylor Bradley County Bradley County Sheriff Office Chelby Harris Cole William Miles Gaddis Malachi Shahada Matthew Akhtab Mason Kynsal Johnson Office of the District Attorney General Tenth Judicial District. Samantha Channing Mowery Sheriff Steve Lawson
Can You Identify This Theft Suspect?
News October 28, 2021
CAN YOU IDENTIFY THIS THEFT SUSPECT?
The male pictured is suspected of stealing a female’s purse at Walmart. If you can identify this male, please leave a confidential tip via the Cleveland TN Police Department Facebook page or call Detective Stephen Warner at 423-303-3134.
BCSO 400 shifts ends burglary in progress with foot pursuit
News, Press Release September 8, 2021
CLEVELAND, TN. (September 7, 2021) — On September 3, 2021, Bradley County Sheriff’s Office Deputies of the 400 shift were called to a burglary in progress on Keith Valley Rd.
Upon their arrival, they detained a male who was waiting outside of the residence in a vehicle. While searching for the second suspect, deputies noticed the back door of the residence, that had been closed, was opened and observed a male standing to the side of it. The male then ran from deputies in an attempt to flee the scene, but was quickly chased down on foot and detained.
The two men were identified as Nathan Price and Dillard Newsom.
Nathan Price
Upon further investigation from Bradley County Sheriff’s Office Detectives, it was determined that several items were taken from the residence, as well as an outbuilding beside the residence. The property owner also responded to the scene and identified the stolen items before they were returned to him.
While being questioned, Mr. Price admitted to entering both the residence and outbuilding. At that time, Price and Newsom were taken into custody and transported to The Bradley County Jail.
Nathan Price was charged with Aggravated Burglary and Theft Over $2,500. Dillard Newsom was charged with Aggravated Burglary, Possession of Burglary Tools, Theft Over $2,500, and Evading Arrest.
Sheriff Steve Lawson stated “Congratulations on a job well done to the Sheriff Deputies of the 400 Shift and BCSO Criminal Investigations Division Detectives, for their immediate response and teamwork in apprehending these thieves. The collaboration from both divisions is ultimately what leads to these great burglary arrests and the consistent work you do is very much appreciated”.
Body found near Lower River Rd in Charleston, Tennessee
News, Press Release August 10, 2021
CHARLESTON, Tn. (August 9, 2021) — On August 5, 2021, at approximately 11:50 am, it was reported that a body was discovered in a field near the 2000 block of Lower River Rd in Charleston, Tennessee. Due to the conditions of the remains at the time of discovery, the age and sex could not be confirmed.
On August 9, 2021, the completion of an autopsy and examination of other forensic evidence confirmed the identity of the deceased to be Carissa Diane Hamby, 32 years old, of Cleveland, TN.
At this time, the cause of death is under investigation by the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, along with assistance from the Bradley County Medical Examiner and the 10th Judicial District Attorney General’s Office. No further details are available to be released at this time.
Anyone with information related to this investigation please contact the Criminal Investigations Division at (423) 728-7337.
Man wanted for stealing vases off gravestones
News, Press Release June 8, 2021
Bradley County Sheriff’s Office property crime detectives have issued warrants for the arrest of Christopher Elkins after allegedly stealing property from a local cemetery.
On June 3 of 2021, the BCSO Criminal Investigations Division was contacted by a concerned resident, reporting to have come across four bronze vases that appeared to be from a cemetery, which detectives later confirmed while processing them into evidence.
Investigation led detectives to a local cemetery, where four gravestones were observed to have been missing vases, which appeared to have been forcibly removed. In addition, cemetery staff reported that an air conditioning unit had been stolen from the mausoleum where numerous veterans were laid to final rest.
Thanks to information and evidence provided by involved parties, Christopher Elkins has been identified as the culprit. Warrants have been issued for his arrest on the following charges: four counts of Desecration of a Venerated
Object and one count of Theft Over $1,000.
If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Christopher Elkins, please contact the BCSO Criminal Investigations Division at (423) 728-7336 or leave an anonymous tip at
BCSO warns of scammers known as the Irish Travellers
News, Press Release June 4, 2021
The BCSO Criminal Investigations Division warn the Bradley County community and surrounding areas of a group known as the “Irish Travellers” who have a history of targeting elderly and vulnerable people in order to financially exploit them. More often than not, it has been reported that this group of perpetrators use aggressive and demanding sales tactics, usually having something to do with home repairs. Residents are urged to report any incidents that fit this profile to local law enforcement.
On May 28 of 2021, the BCSO solicited information from its community that would help criminal investigators in identifying a suspect who had preyed on an elderly resident in the Hopewell area. Citizens of Bradley County provided information that led to the identification of Tommy Sherlock from North Augusta, S.C. Investigators have determined that Sherlock is a member of a group of people known as “Irish Travellers”, who are known for funding their livelihoods through scams involving driveway paving, roofing and other home related repairs. Sherlock has been known to target elderly people who often fall prey to these con-artists.
During this incident, Sherlock targeted an elderly resident of Bradley County in the Hopewell area. Sherlock was reported to have been fast-talking and convincing in telling the elderly resident that his/her driveway needed work. Once a small amount of work had been done, Sherlock became aggressive, demanding payment for the work. The victim reports to have been intimated into driving separately to a local retailer to obtain the maximum cash back from several small purchases. A sticky black film was left on the victim’s driveway, ultimately requiring it to be replaced or re-surfaced entirely.
Please be on the look out for these types of suspicious or aggressive sales tactics and contact your local law enforcement immediately. Thank you to those who provided information relating to this case. Warrants have been issued for the arrest of Tommy Sherlock for Theft, Vandalism and Financial Exploitation of an Elderly Adult.
“Once again, the residents of Bradley County have come together in partnership with our investigators to ensure justice is brought to a perpetrator who would take advantage of the vulnerable,” says Sheriff Lawson. “The actions of this man and this group are inexcusable and it is my intention to keep our county informed and educated on issues like this for their safety.”
If you have any information about Tommy Sherlock, please contact the BCSO’s Criminal Investigations Division at (423) 728-7336 or leave an anonymous tip at https://www.bradleysheriff.com/leave-a-tip.
Suspected catalytic converter thieves arrested
News May 19, 2021
BRADLEY COUNTY, Ga – Law enforcement apprehended two suspected thieves that were walking along Interstate 75 following a catalytic converter theft on Frontage Road.
On May 9 of 2021, Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers stopped Thomas Barnhill and Travis Howard. The pair were walking along I-75 near mile marker 27. Upon stopping the two pedestrians, troopers discovered Barnhill and Howard were carrying cutting tools and a recently cut catalytic converter.
Cleveland Police Department officers and Bradley County Sheriff Office (BCSO) patrol deputies responded to assist the troopers, along with investigators from THP and BCSO. The collaborative investigation discovered that the suspects were coming from a business on Frontage Road where they allegedly cut the catalytic converter from a vehicle. Additionally, the investigators determined that the same suspects had burglarized a building at the same business in April.
Barnhill and Howard were booked into the Bradley County Jail and both charged with Burglary, two counts of Felony Vandalism, and three counts of Theft under $1,000. Barnhill was also charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
4 adults and 2 juveniles in custody after taped fight
News, Press Release February 26, 2021
CLEVELAND, Tn. (February 24, 2021) — The video taped fight took place on Sunday evening along Puente Drive: All adult and juvenile suspects involved in the assault are now in custody.
The four adults are: Alexus Silva, Jared Gruver, Delilah Leon, and Timothy Morgan, who have all been charged with Riot. Timothy Morgan, as well as one juvenile suspect have received an additional charge of Attempted 2nd Degree Murder.
As of approximately 11:00 a.m., both juvenile suspects were taken into custody at the Bradley County Juvenile Detention Center. Warrants were served on all adult suspects, who were each contacted by approximately 3:00 p.m. and each voluntarily turned themselves in by approximately 5:15 p.m.
Three arrested after stealing from local ball field
News, Press Release October 7, 2020
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. – Three men have been taken into custody by Bradley County deputies on charges of Burglary and Theft Under $1,000 for breaking into and stealing from the facilities at a local ball field.
On September 9, BCSO deputies and detectives responded to the Industrial Ball Fields on Urbane Road in reference to a burglary.
Employees from the Bradley County Parks and Recreation Department reported what appeared to be a forced entry into the facility. Investigation revealed that there were missing items and indications of rummaging in the concessions stand. Security footage was retrieved by investigators, providing a visual description of a vehicle, while further investigation revealed that there were three suspects involved.
On September 14, authorities were able to identify one suspect as Jordan Bueter, who was located during a traffic stop driving the same vehicle used during the burglaries. Bueter was arrested later that day on three counts of Burglary and two counts of Theft Under $1,000.
On September 23, detectives made contact with the same vehicle with a different male driver, who was identified as Trevor Taylor, the second suspect from the burglary. Taylor was placed into custody on the same charges as Jordan Bueter.
On September 30, detectives located and arrested the third and final suspect, Alexander Bennett. He was charged with burglary and theft under $1,000.
Bradley County man faces charges after burglarizing jewelry store
News, Press Release October 7, 2020
Reggie Wellington has been taken into custody on charges of Burglary and Theft Over $2500 for burglarizing a local jewelry store.
On September 27, Bradley County deputies arrived at the Gold and Silver Exchanged located on APD 40 in response to reports of a burglary. After an intensive investigation by detectives from the BCSO Property Crime Unit, authorities were able to identify Reggie Wellington as the suspect who committed the burglary. Further investigation revealed that Wellington sold some of the jewelry on October 2. At the time of his arrest, Wellington had a large quantity of the stolen jewelry in his possession; some of which he was wearing.
Wellington was charged with Burglary and Theft Over $2500. Stolen property has been returned to the owner by authorities.
Bradley County Jail receives certification from Tennessee Corrections Institute
Community, Press Release September 14, 2020
Following an unannounced inspection by the Tennessee Corrections Institute and an inspection by the United States Marshall Service, the Bradley County Jail has received positive results with zero deficiencies found from both inspecting agencies, including an official certification from the TCI Board of Control.
On the state government level, the Tennessee Corrections Institute’s jail inspection was based on the following categories: sanitation, hygiene, medical services, food services, inmate programs and activities, mail and visitation, supervision of inmates, security, maintenance, admission, records and release, physical plant, administration and management, personnel, discipline, and classification. The state’s inspection was conducted on September 1 of 2020, with no deficiencies found. The inspection results were presented to the TCI Board of Control on September 9, resulting in the Bradley County Jail receiving its official certification.
“The Tennessee Corrections Institute recently inspected the [Bradley County Jail],” says William Wall, TCI Executive Director, in a letter to Sheriff Steve Lawson. “The inspection revealed this facility meets all applicable minimum standards . . . You are to be congratulated for attaining this degree of professionalism in your organization.”
“The Sheriff, Captain, Sr. Lieutenant, and staff were very professional during the inspection process and are to be commended on operating a clean facility,” says William Kane, TCI Operations & Programs Director in the comments on his inspection report. “All of the inmate housing areas, day rooms, and shower areas were very clean at the time of the inspection.”
On the federal government level, the United States Marshall Service also conducted an inspection, due to the federal inmates housed at the Bradley County Jail. The federal government’s inspection was conducted on August 27 of 2020, with no deficiencies found.
Bradley County Mayor Gary Davis makes the following comment, “The results of these inspections are particularly important because they show the major areas of improvement and growth in our county’s jail: the first, overcrowding; the second, understaffing. Over the past two years, Sheriff Lawson and his administration have successfully remedied the overcrowding issue and have worked hard to increase the correctional staffing numbers.
This is great news for Bradley County to be certified and with no deficiencies!”
Erica Davis, Bradley County Commissioner of the 6th District and Law Enforcement Committee Chairwoman, offers the following statement, “Sheriff Lawson inherited a jail that brought with it a number of challenges, along with a history of below standard TCI findings. Since taking office, Sheriff Lawson, along with his Command Staff, have made it their goal to ‘get better every day.’ This most recent TCI inspection is proof that their leadership is making a difference at the Bradley County Justice Center. I congratulate Sheriff Lawson and his team, and look forward to continuing to serve alongside them.”
“I am very pleased to see our jail receive the results that it did from the TCI and USMS — especially the certification from the state’s Board of Control,” says Sheriff Lawson. “I want to recognize and sincerely thank my corrections staff for their hard work in achieving this great milestone. Over the past two years, a great majority of my focus and energy as sheriff has been directed towards improving the condition and functionality of our jail little by little, day by day. Our jail has received a lot of negative attention lately, with several false claims regarding our treatment of inmates and how we have handled the COVID-19 pandemic. These baseless claims have continued, despite the many times that myself and my press team have thoroughly explained the numerous illness prevention procedures we have followed since March. As far as I’m concerned, the findings of the TCI and USMS are the final word in that conversation.”
Sheriff Lawson goes on to say, “During my two years in office, all of Bradley County’s commissioners and Mayor Davis have worked with me to provide better compensation for our corrections officers and allow for more employment opportunities in our jail — this not only has reduced our staff deficiencies in the jail but has allowed us to become better every day. This helpful cooperation has played a very large role in getting us to where we are today. I look forward to continuing to serve Bradley County to the very best of my ability.”
The Bradley County Jail’s certification was received from the TCI Board of Control on September 11 of 2020 following their review and approval.
Images courtesy of Bradley County Sheriff Office.
Bradley county woman arrested for exploitation of elderly citizen
News August 12, 2020
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn – Bradley County Sheriff’s Office deputies have taken Dawn Michelle Hyde into custody on charges of Aggravated Burglary, Financial Exploitation of an Elderly Adult, Theft Under $1000 and Fraudulent Use of a Debit Card. Results of an investigation conducted by BCSO detectives led to these charges after Hyde’s actions were reported.
Through the course of the investigation, detectives determined that the elderly victim was acquainted with Hyde before the theft occurred. Witnesses reported that Hyde visited the elderly adult for a brief period of time; two hours after Hyde’s departure, the victim realized their wallet was missing. Further investigation determined that Hyde selected her victim because of the vulnerable nature of the elderly resident and had attempted to use the stolen debit card in Bradley County before fleeing to Northeast Tennessee.
“I want to sincerely congratulate and thank our Fugitive Detectives as well as our Property Crimes Detectives for their excellent work in locating this criminal and working this case,” says Sheriff Lawson. “Anyone who would take advantage of our elderly and vulnerable citizens should be brought to justice and I look forward to doing just that.”
Hyde also had outstanding charges unrelated to this case: Failure to Appear, Violation of State Probation, Theft Under $1000, and Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card.
Hyde was arrested on several charges including financial exploitation of an elderly adult. Image courtesy of Bradley County Sheriff Office.
Arrest Bradley County Sheriff Office Bradley woman elderly adult financial exploitation Press Release senior abuse
TBI releases findings into inmate’s death
News, Press Release August 12, 2020
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
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
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.
Two arrested on aggravated burglary charges
News, Press Release July 9, 2020
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.