Bradley County Sheriff’s Office announces new public information officer
Community, Police & Government, Press Release July 1, 2022Lee Visits Leaders to Discuss State’s Progress in Serving Disability Community
News, Press Release October 14, 2021NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Gov. Lee met with leaders in the disability community to discuss how Tennessee is leading in providing supports to individuals with disabilities. The visits included discussion around landmark technology being used in Tennessee to support adults seeking greater independence and an update on Tennessee’s strides in providing employment opportunities to those with disabilities.
The Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and TennCare are working with Core Services in the Tri-Cities area to utilize Enabling Technology to support those with disabilities in reaching their independence goals, leading to less reliance on paid-supports and overall greater quality of life.
Tennessee’s Employment First Task Force also presented the 2021 “Expect Employment” Report at Access ETSU’s inclusive higher education program which details the progress made in providing high-quality employment opportunities to individuals with disability. ETSU is one of six higher education institutions across the state with an inclusive post-secondary program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. More than 80 percent of graduates from these programs are successfully employed.
“Now more than ever, there is a high demand to recruit, hire and retain quality employees across the state,” said Lee. “People of all abilities are needed in our workforce as we continue to see our economy grow. I’m proud of the work our state agencies and private partners are doing to prepare people with disabilities for employment and engage businesses across the state.”
The Employment First Task Force developed a goal in 2018 to reduce the statewide employment gap between people with and without disabilities by 5 percent by 2023. Highlights of the progress detailed in the 2021 report include:
- Reducing the employment gap between people with and without disabilities by 1.7 percent
- Passage of State as a Model Employer (SAME) Legislation, which seeks to make Tennessee State Government a model employer of people with disabilities
- Creation of the Tennessee Believes Program, which will increase access to inclusive higher education opportunities at colleges and universities across the state
- Utilizing virtual reality to deliver pre-employment services to Tennesseans with disabilities throughout the pandemic
“There is dignity in a paycheck, and we know thousands of people with disabilities are ready to go to work today,” said Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) Commissioner Brad Turner. “We are engaging with more employers than ever about this largely untapped pool of talent, and my team and our community partners are working tirelessly to help connect potential employees and employers in all corners of the state.”
Recognizing the vital role the disability community plays in the Tennessee workforce, families and communities, Gov. Lee has prioritized services for those with disabilities in many ways. Key highlights include:
- Making Tennessee the first state in the nation to prioritize people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Phase 1a1 of its vaccination plan leading to an early and drastic decrease in COVID infections among the disability community.
- Launching five Tennessee START Assessment and Stabilization Teams (TN START AST) statewide to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have complex behavioral or mental health needs.
- Expanding the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) program to record-breaking levels in order to serve children from birth until their third birthday with developmental delays and disabilities.
- Enrolling more than 1000 children in the Katie Beckett Program for children with disabilities and/or complex medical needs who are not currently Medicaid eligible because of their parent’s income or assets since it opened for applications in late November 2020.
BCSO promotes “slow down Tennessee” to reduce speed related crashed
News, Press Release October 11, 2021CLEVELAND, TN. (October 11, 2021) — The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) to promote “Slow Down Tennessee.” During October 15 – 29, BCSO will increase education and enforcement efforts to help reduce speeding-related crashes, injuries, and fatalities statewide. The public is encouraged to participate by using #SlowDownTN on social media to help spread awareness.
The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office has increased routine speed reductions, especially in school zones, and prioritized DUI enforcement, in order to lower the number of serious injury crashes in Bradley County. The deputies utilize speed trailers, radar, and observation techniques in problem areas. BCSO will also be monitoring highly traveled roadways in Bradley County, in order to combat speeding, reckless driving, and all other traffic offenses.
The State of Tennessee requires motorists to always exercise due care and maintain a safe speed while driving. Speed limits may vary depending on the county and road conditions; therefore, drivers must always pay attention and adhere to posted speed limits to ensure the safety of all roadway users.
For more information and resources about speeding, visit www.tntrafficsafety.org/speeding
BCSO 400 shifts ends burglary in progress with foot pursuit
News, Press Release September 8, 2021Career criminal arrested for crime spree in Bradley County
News, Press Release August 20, 2021CLEVELAND, TN. (August 19, 2021) — Beginning on July 14, 2021, the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office began having a rash of thefts and auto thefts reported across the county. Investigators were able to identify Richard Devin Waddle as a suspect in multiple cases. It was determined that he had recently moved to this area from Georgia after being released from prison. It was also discovered that he was a convicted sex offender in Georgia and had not reported his move to Tennessee. During multiple attempts to arrest Mr. Waddle, he evaded arrest on foot and he once attempted to hit a deputy with a stolen vehicle.
On August 19, 2021, Bradley County patrol deputies responded to an auto theft report in the 64 Highway area. While on scene, they were able to identify Richard Waddle as the suspect in that case.
Within an hour of the report, detectives located the vehicle at a residence inside of the city limits. At that time, Officers from the Cleveland Police Department Patrol Division, the Cleveland Police Department Crime Suppression Unit, the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office Patrol, and the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, responded to the location and had all other occupants of the house come outside.
Waddle refused to come outside and was taken into custody with the assistance of a Cleveland Police Department K9. He was arrested on outstanding warrants for the following charges listed below and additional new charges of Aggravated Assault on an Officer, Felony Evading, and Felony Vandalism, are pending.
- Failure to Appear on Schedule 1 for Resale
- Burglary
- Theft over $60,000
- 2 counts of Theft over $10,000
- 3 counts of Theft over $2,500
- 1 count of Theft over $1,000
- 2 counts of Theft under $1,000
- 2 counts of Vandalism
- 2 counts of Resisting Arrest
- Cruelty to Animals
- Criminal Impersonation
- Alteration of VIN
Sheriff Steve Lawson stated “It is apparent Mr. Waddle came here with an intent to commit crimes against our citizens. As I have previously stated, Bradley County has zero tolerance for thieves. The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office and Cleveland Police Department, along with detectives from both departments, did a phenomenal job of apprehending Mr. Waddle, as he absolutely needed to be held accountable for his actions.”
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Body found near Lower River Rd in Charleston, Tennessee
News, Press Release August 10, 2021Bradley Sheriff’s Office increasing Safety Protocols due to rising COVID-19 cases
News, Press Release August 6, 2021Sheriff Steve Lawson is increasing safety measures once again at the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office due to the rising numbers of COVID-19 cases.
Sheriff Lawson is requiring facemasks to be worn inside the jail facility by staff members, visiting law enforcement officers, deputies, and members of the public. He is also requesting that everyone continue to practice social distancing and encourages everyone to wash their hands often.
Additionally, to avoid crowding in the jail facility, all Jail Programs will be suspended for two weeks. The decision will be re-evaluated every two weeks. The public visitation lobby will remain open, but masks will be required.
Sheriff Lawson has also arranged a second offering of vaccinations for any inmate who wishes to receive the shot.
Those shots will be administered sometime late next week.
Bradley County vehicle crash injures three, driver arrested for DUI
News, Press Release August 4, 2021CLEVELAND, Tn. (August 03, 2021) — On August 03, 2021, Bradley County emergency personnel responded to the 5600 block of Dalton Pike to the report of a head-on collision resulting in injuries to three people including a child.
The driver of a black Ford truck was traveling south when it crossed over the center line into the northbound lane striking a red Ford truck. Three vehicle occupants were treated for injuries sustained in the crash including a child, who was flown via Life Force to Children’s Hospital at Erlanger.
Ernesto Perez, 27, of Calhoun, GA, was administered field sobriety tests by Bradley County Sheriff’s Office traffic investigators and arrested as a result. Perez was charged with Vehicular Assault, Driving under the Influence, two counts of Felony Reckless Endangerment, Failure to Exercise Due Care and Improper Passing.
Responding agencies who assisted include Bradley County Fire and Rescue, Bradley County EMS, Bradley County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol SERT team. The investigation is on-going.
Two charged with kidnapping and aggravated child abuse
News, Press Release August 3, 2021CLEVELAND, Tn. (August 3, 2021) — Sheriff’s Deputies were called to a child assault in progress at the ball fields located on the property of Bradley Central High School at approximately 6:00 pm on Tuesday. Witnesses reported that they observed two men assaulting a handcuffed juvenile by throwing him to the ground, smacking him, making him run laps, flip tires, and cursing at the child as he was observed crying.
Upon investigation, the juvenile (age 13) reported that he had been handcuffed, taken from his home, and forced into a vehicle by two men. He was then driven to the ball fields at Bradley Central High School and forced to perform physical exercise in the heat of the day without water. He further reported that when he refused he was threatened with a taser by one of the men and the other man unsnapped a holstered handgun putting him in fear.
The investigation also revealed that the two men were dressed in military-style BDU’s wearing badges and police-style duty belts complete with handguns. They were later identified to work for a fugitive recovery company. When witnesses attempted to intervene, the two men again handcuffed the juvenile and placed him inside a vehicle.
The two men were identified as Tristan Palmer (23) of Madisonville, Tn, and Gabriel Black (27) of Cleveland, Tn. Both men stated that they were sent by their boss with the fugitive recovery company to “work this kid and give him a boot camp”.
After investigation and discussion of the circumstances with the District Attorney General’s Office, both men were charged with Kidnapping and Aggravated Child Abuse. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are being considered.
If you have any information or witnessed the incident, please contact Det. Robby Hair with the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at (423) 728-7306.
Homeowner interrupts burglary in process
News, Press Release August 2, 2021CLEVELAND, Tn. (July 29, 2021) — On July 27, 2021, a homeowner interrupted a man stealing tools and other items from his storage building near Leadmine Valley Rd in Bradley County, TN in the middle of the afternoon. The homeowner held the man until Bradley County Sheriff’s Deputies arrived to investigate. The man was identified as Robert Pergram of Huntsville, Tn. Patrol Deputies discovered stolen items belonging to the homeowner valued at approximately $620 in the bed of a Red Ford Ranger truck driven by Pergram. The items were returned to the homeowner.
Upon further investigation, Patrol Deputies discovered that Pergram was armed with a handgun and was wanted in Kentucky for Sell/Delivery of Amphetamines. Deputies also found Pergram in possession of a catalytic converter, drugs, drug paraphernalia, and ammunition.
Robert Pergram was arrested and charged with Burglary, Theft Under $1000, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Violation of an Order of Protection, Illegal Possession of a Catalytic Converter, Simple Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Misuse of Vehicle Registration, and Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility.
Two people arrested for copper thefts in Northeastern Bradley County
News, Press Release July 29, 2021Tennessee Corrections Institute issues Bradley jail with second certification
Community, Press Release June 23, 2021BCSO warns of scammers known as the Irish Travellers
News, Press Release June 4, 2021Man arrested on burglary and theft charges
News, Press Release April 19, 2021Gov. Lee Sets Expectation of Student-Centered Investments from Federal Education Funds
News, Press Release April 12, 2021NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn and members of the General Assembly urged school districts to ensure federal education funding goes directly toward student achievement. Tennessee has received nearly $4.5 billion in federal COVID-19 relief stimulus funding allocated specifically for K-12 education.
“By using these funds wisely and returning to in-person learning, we have the opportunity to set our students up for decades of success,” said Gov. Lee. “I appreciate the General Assembly passing common-sense provisions that ensure we stay focused on progress, not punishment as teachers, schools and districts get back on their feet after serious disruption.”
This funding should focus on the following priority areas:
- Early reading, tutoring, and summer programming with a focus on phonics
- Student readiness supports including ACT preparation
- Expanding access to advanced coursework
- CTE equipment and programs
- Innovative models for K-12 mental health supports
- Teacher recruitment and retention
- Deferred maintenance for facilities
- Technology for devices and high-speed internet
- Serving special needs and low-income students
This significant funding creates opportunities for districts to invest in the success of Tennessee students to not only combat learning loss from the COVID-19 pandemic but also accelerate achievement for all students across the state. Districts are encouraged to specifically focus on literacy and recent learning loss outlined in the legislation passed during the special legislative session focused on education.
“Tennessee K-12 districts and schools are receiving an historic amount of funding from the federal government, and as a result have both an incredible opportunity and responsibility to spend this funding to demonstrate how strong student-centered investments can generate positive outcomes and a growth in academic achievement for all children,” said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “This funding implores us to invest strategically, implement with fidelity, and report on quantifiable outcomes transparently.”
After three rounds of federal COVID-19 stimulus funding, Tennessee’s K-12 schools will benefit from nearly $4.5 billion in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Funds.
The Tennessee Department of Education has provided districts with resources and guidance for their planning and implementation to invest in a small number of high-impact items, within a cohesive and aligned strategy, that are most critical for students as they progress through their education and into their careers.
The Department has urged districts to allocate a minimum of one percent of their allocations to fund staffing support for the ongoing reporting, monitoring, and public transparency requirements associated with this funding.
District-level allocations for each round of federal funding are available here: round 1 (ESSER 1.0), round 2 (ESSER 2.0), and round 3 (ESSER 3.0).