Plea bargaining is a fact of life," Greer says. Finding . Federal prosecutors identify Donald and Donna Poteat as the owners of the Del Rio pit and Kenneth and Vera Frazier of Newport as the owners of the 440 pit. 7. Late in the day, they indicate to Judge Greer that they have reached unanimous verdicts on some of the charges but have deadlocked on whether Roach stole cash from Vasques and on the accessory count against Sheldon. Records show the charges were dismissed because of "double jeopardy" concerns, although the two men haven't been brought to trial. He is on administrative leave without pay; sentenced to 10 months in prison. Addressing these reasonable doubts, Digger Manes explained the production of brew takes place deep in Appalachian woods. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Jan. 25-26: Four Cocke County jail inmates are released by Chief Deputy Taylor and escorted to take part in a local prize-fighting match with a $1,000 cash prize. He won't be sentenced for his role in the marijuana-smuggling conspiracy for more than three years. Feb. 2: Sgts. In 1987, more than 30 people in Cocke and Sevier counties are indicted on state charges of operating chop shops and car theft rings that were responsible for the theft of more than $900,000 worth of vehicles and auto parts. Shortly before the trial, however, Swanson's handgun permit was revoked after Smith sent a letter to the Tennessee Department of Safety asserting that his "firearm rights could not have been restored by a state court," records show. Feb. 3: Deputy Larry Joe Dodgin, who has by now made several out-of-state trips to smuggle what he thinks is drug money, has a conversation with the undercover FBI agent. Greer, however, instructs the jury to continue deliberating. Roach points out that he was acquitted of the felony charge and now faces only misdemeanors. When asked if he bakes, he answered only dishes such as cornbread. Patrick Sheldon on a misdemeanor charge of being an accessory after the fact to the alleged March 12, 2005 theft. On April 18, 2002, a federal search warrant was executed at Vassar's garage next to his house on Golf Club Drive and agents allegedly recovered auto parts from vehicles stolen in Knoxville, Clinton, and Nashville as well as 16.8 grams of cocaine, Smith said. I can come to no other conclusion than corruption at the top leads to corruption within the ranks. (Read the story "No verdict yet in Newport shakedown triall" ), Feb. 8: After about nine hours of deliberation, jurors acquit Roach and Sheldon of the felony civil rights conspiracy charge but fail to reach a verdict on the remaining two counts, which are misdemeanors. Don't have Sugarlands Shine in your Town? each comment to let us know of abusive posts. (Read the story "2nd Cocke County sheriff's employee arrested"). Roach and Assistant Chief Don Ball. Simmer until onion is tender. The owners of the flower shop are Thomas Grant Williams' in-laws. Roach's attorneys attach a copy of Roblero's criminal history report to their motion, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Smith responds by asking for the report to be stricken because it violates "the Court's rule and the right to privacy of a victim." Phillips agrees to plead guilty to count one of the indictment and faces a minimum of ten years in prison. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family. The FBI agents asked the translator questions relating to the interviews of the witnesses. ", Shults also responds to questions about memberships to the Eagles lodge in Del Rio that were held by city officers, including Sgt. "Certainly, public corruption is a number one priority for this division and divisions around the country," Mueller says. Jarrod Taylor smiles at his wife, Andrea, who sits next to her sister-in-law, Patricia Taylor, during the hearing. During the hearing, Greer asks Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Smith if there was evidence of other misconduct. They receive 30-day suspended jail sentences and are each fined $50 plus court costs when they appear before Circuit Court Judge Ben Hooper II. None of the people found inside the club are arrested, but Dunn says he plans to present evidence to a Cocke County grand jury in July. 1,965 sqft (on 0.32 acres) 3099 Bridgewater Blvd, Morristown, TN 37814. Dec. 20: The four prostitutes arrested at The Little Brown House and Brenda's Lounge plead guilty in Cocke County General Sessions Court and are fined $50 each. Hayes resigned from the Sheriff's Department in early 2004 and has since racked up a criminal record that includes charges of vehicular assault, DUI and shoplifting. Webb admits to having used an FBI recorder, for instance, while speaking to Harold Grooms sometime before Sept. 7, 2005. Mark W Ramsey. Hurst says the city requested a subsequent opinion from MTAS as to whether council members could demote Shults without bringing charges against him and was told they could. Nov. 24: Deputy Roger Stinson, who is the younger brother of newly elected Cocke County Sheriff Bobby Stinson, shoots and kills James Stewart in a tavern. When the agents ask the bartender about it, they see a man walk in and whisper something to the establishment's owner, Gary D. Walker, 53, who is married to Cocke County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Is Matthias Schoenaerts Married, Who Is His Wife Or Partner? From that minute on, whatever guests appeared at his door - morning, noon or nightwere treated to French toast. Strange wins 3,876 votes in the four-way primary and will move on to the August general election to face off against Independent candidate Richard Fowler. Election returns show that Dunn lost to Baker in Sevier, Grainger and Jefferson counties, but managed to pull in so many votes in Cocke County 7,120 to 2,168 that it tipped the race in his favor. mark and digger tickle on moonshiners. It also contains a restaurant and gift shop that sells T-shirts, caps, belt buckles and other types of memorabilia. Jan. 16: Sheriff D.C. Ramsey resigns effective Jan. 31. A sentence of over 20 years imprisonment will send a strong message that the days when such criminals could act with impunity in the community are over. TBI Agent Geoff King then explains how the investigation unfolded, saying that both officers denied the traffic stop had ever happened and provided alibis as to where they were at the time. Public corruption and civil rights violations are two investigations we do best. Upload your photos and videos and view those of others. Shults announces a plan to utilize Roach and Sheldon that will comply with the federal court orders, maintain the integrity of future cases, and also "prevent them from being hammered to death on the witness stand." The three-count indictment alleges that Vassar possessed cocaine with the intent to distribute it on April 18, 2002, and also possessed six rounds of .22 caliber ammunition on that date. Kenny Z. Holt, 30, Newport, and Curtis Banks, 42, Dandridge, are arrested by agents while the other two men named in the indictment, Mike Gunter and William "Bill" Banks, have been in custody since their Jan. 26 arrests. Fragments of hate: A shooting that history ignored, Read the affadavit by FBI Special Agent Lane Rushing, Read the story "Deputy put in jail pending drug trial", (Read the story " Records reveal Del Rio details"), (Read the story " Personal court appearances required"), Read the story "Resignation came prior to plea", "Cocke target of federal probe for past 4 years", Read the story "Cockfighting parade continues its march through court", Read the story "2nd Cocke County sheriff's employee arrested", Read the story "Alleged cockfighting spectators enter no contest pleas", Read the story "Cocke club a common link", Read the story "Cocke jailer quits, pleads guilty to laundering", Read the story "FOE revokes Del Rio charter", " Squabbling by lawyers slows 2 officers' trial", "No verdict yet in Newport shakedown triall", document of agreed facts in Patrick Allen Taylor's case, Defendents' sentencing memorandum in the case of Patrick James Sheldon, Statements of the case of Patrick James Sheldon and sentencing recommendation, United States' sentencing memorandum in the case of James Wendell Roach, Sentencing memorandum in the case of James Wendell Roach and Patrick James Sheldon, See government's sentencing memorandum for Michael Vassar. They find 38 poker machines stored in a warehouse, 26 of them operable, according to Jefferson County Sheriff David Davenport. He admits that he left a business card that identified him as a sheriff's department sergeant although he had left the agency several months earlier in a dispute over claims that he overcharged the county. Jan. 8: Deputy Roger Stinson is indicted on a charge of murder by a Cocke County grand jury for Stewart's death. "These two individuals are not concerned about being deported," she says. Leigh is the Founder of It's Not Ok Projects and the SHE Rescue Home in Cambodia - where the lives of so many girls at risk of being trafficked are radically changed. Davidson." And youve got an image of: They can make moonshine. "They looked to the top and saw this culture, this atmosphere of corruption in their department (that was) almost expected," Smith says. Smith tearfully apologizes for his behavior, saying: "I made a mistake, I'm sorry. Special Judge David Creekmore from Knoxville hears the cases because John Bell is on duty with his U.S. Army Reserve unit. Oct. 5: Newport Police Sgt. Your attorney is asking me to compare apples to oranges to the extent the government's plea bargaining decisions result in (sentencing) disparities, it seems to me, that's up to Congress and the public to address.". Jan. 8, 2007: Former school bus driver Dewey Lynn Phillips is sentenced to 72 months in prison and five years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Ronnie Greer. He was sentenced to 63 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release, but federal prosecutors allege that within six weeks of his release, he and Egert were involved in a cocaine conspiracy that lasted from May 1, 2006, to Nov. 14, when a sealed indictment was returned by a federal grand jury. If they are distilling illegal brew then why the national television is broadcasting the show? Mark has lived in a single family house in Newport, TN with Carolyn. June 13: Erwin Shane Stamper agrees to plead guilty to one count of the indictment, charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine. "I knew it was the wrong thing to do, but I did it anyway," he says. Humane Society President Wayne Pacelle says it "was disappointing" to see Davis vote against the bill. Oct. 30: Robert Keeton pleads guilty and is allowed to remain free on bond. Hawk eventually pleads guilty to several misdemeanors including theft under $500, evading arrest and possession of auto parts with an altered or removed vehicle identification number. The first two subpoenas are for records of the county's drug fund, but authorities don't disclose the purpose of Taylor's subpoena. Thus the complicated legacy of Popcorn Sutton. As of last Thursday, microdistilleries are legal in Cocke County for the first time. The business is operated by Raymond Hawk, who ran the Fraternal Order of Eagles Post #4350 before it moved to the Del Rio location in 2000. There is no record of the grand jury ever hearing witnesses or reviewing evidence in the case. It may yet again. Nephrologists may provide care to people witho, The Eye Center of Oak Ridge offers medical services in the area of ophthalmology. Smith also says that a number of affidavits filed in support of the defense's motions "appear to be an attempt by the defense to deflect attention from the conduct of the defense." of Chief Deputy Taylor. Find Mark Ramsey's phone number, address, and email on Spokeo, the leading people search directory for contact information and public records. "Hicks had purportedly purchased the truck as salvage from London Auto Sales, London, Kentucky, in November 2001. "Not only was it reasonable for Mr. (Neil) Smith to dispatch the FBI, he would have been derelict in his duty if he didn't," Inman says. Roach and Sheldon on administrative leave with pay pending a final decision on their employment status. He says he will again take up the case Nov. 9. ( Read the story "Alleged cockfighting spectators enter no contest pleas"). Sept. 13: A federal grand jury in Greeneville indicts Phillips, Vassar and 32-year-old James Mark Thornton of Newport on charges of conspiring to distribute cocaine. In Greeneville, prosecutors unseal a federal indictment charging four men with conspiring to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine between November 2005 and Jan. 26. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. March 15: A Newport man, 70-year-old Robert Landon Holdway, is found lying in a yard at 901 West Broadway about 10:30 a.m. Holdway, who has been shot in the abdomen, is taken to a Johnson City hospital where he is listed in critical condition. SAFER Table Layout. "That's what our nation is all about." The TBI investigated the incident. When contacted by phone about the sentencing memo, Taylor says he can't respond to the allegations because he hasn't seen them. "They (the FBI) wanted my client to be a snitch, and he said no." Dunn says that several additional suspects were indicted in connection with the probe into the club and their names will be made public once theyve been arrested. Many of the individuals who have recently been accused of illegal activities have been in trouble before, sometimes in connection with previous allegations of misconduct leveled against law enforcement officials. Moncier has sought to subpoena large quantities of information from law enforcement agencies throughout Upper East Tennessee and has repeatedly argued that the government's case was built largely upon lies and perjured testimony. He then admits that he also taught himself to cook, and it was mostly trial and error. Taylor claims that Judge Hooper approved of the trips as part of a reward program for passing drug screens but the judge denies giving permission. ", Judge Greer indicates several times that he wants to have more proof of the allegations against Taylor. Also, FBI tapes show that Stinson had discussed killing Bacon with Paul Allen when Bacon ran against Stinson in the 1982 Republican primary. Over the decades, the lawless elements have been corralled for the most part. Discover work experience, company details, and more. It may yet again. The four men who were charged with Owens had already pleaded guilty. The agreement is later terminated. According to papers filed by HSUS, Goodwin was at the raid "to observe whether the methods to be utilized to euthanize said fighting cocks were humane," court records show. Four sheriff's deputies, two other constables, two Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers and a bail bondsman are also charged. So for a long time, Moonshiners Eric Digger and Mark Ramsey didnt go to jail. It isn't immediately clear who owns the club, but investigators are checking property records. ", When Dodgin is asked by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Smith why he chose to emulate Taylor's behavior rather than follow in the footsteps of his stepfather, state trooper Michael Holt, Dodgin replies: "I let the prospect of easy money cloud my judgment." Newport Police Chief Shults says the Newport officer who worked Black's wreck, Sgt. I did not expect you to come in here and say you're guilty of these offenses and say you're sorry. Dedicating his life to preserving traditional moonshine while rolling out new flavors and brewing techniques seems to be working in his favor. The pair was accused of fraud and money laundering in a scheme involving fake diplomatic passports. "I had time over the Thanksgiving holiday to really think about it and decided it was the right thing to do," Schmutzer, 63, says. Place in a baking pan in a single layer very closely. Brown, 36, has a lengthy criminal history that includes convictions for vehicular homicide and burglary. "We'll be here until the cows come home with all this stuff," he says at one point. Nov. 23: The attorneys for Sgts. Hackett and Galvez subsequently tracked Gomez to his employment." He then asks Greer to either suppress the cocaine evidence or release Vassar on bond and postpone his cocaine trials. He is serving a three-year term of federal probation. All Rights Reserved. Among them is Raymond E. Hawk, who was cleared in the 1977 microwave oven thefts. Several agencies confronted people in the house, using tear gas, early Friday. Has been convicted of perjury and witness tampering; sentenced to two years in prison. The attorneys claim that the officers' rights have been violated by FBI agents who have "gone to the home of a Spanish translator living in Cocke County who has assisted (the officers' attorneys and investigators) with interviewing one or more potential witnesses in this case. Physicians & Surgeons Physicians & Surgeons, Anesthesiology (423) 581-5987. Marshals Service. Another deputy has admitted in federal court to sidelining as an armed cocaine dealer; a second officer has pleaded guilty to taking part in a scheme to smuggle drug money to Miami; a third officer has pleaded guilty to stealing money from a drug suspect during a traffic stop; and a fourth has been convicted of perjury and witness tampering. Jan. 26: Sydney Inc., a corporation, applies though the state Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a liquor license for West End Package Store on West Broadway in Newport. In the spring of 2005, the FBI and Tennessee Highway Patrol staged a traffic stop involving a purported drug courier who was carrying $300,000. . Bredesen attends a fundraiser hosted by Harold Grooms in Newport that raises at least $33,500 for his re-election campaign. Aug. 1: D.C. Ramsey, who is running unopposed in the county's general election, is re-elected sheriff. The Blount County facility houses federal prisoners under a contract with the U.S. The breeders group calls the letter "a veiled attempt to implicate our association" in an illegal activity. White is a prisoner at the Cocke County Jail, where he has been serving time for a probation violation since Sept. 1. Both of the alleged victims are also quizzed about apparent inconsistencies between their testimony and their original statements, such as the amount of money allegedly taken from Vasques. DA Schmutzer says his office will consider plea bargains but "we intend to seek jail time for everyone who stands trial.". The defense team later asks Greer to sanction prosecutors for possibly violating a rule prohibiting witnesses from contacting each other, but Greer overrules their objection. Belva King is the daughter of Lila King, who reportedly co-owns the business where the girl was taken to work. Feb. 24: Federal prosecutors move to dismiss the mail fraud charge against Deputy John Wayne "Johnny" Black in order "to streamline the presentation of evidence as to the remaining counts and to conform the charges to the evidence to be presented at trial. "This type of conduct leads to other types of harmful conduct and violence against women, violence against seniors," Cohen said. We are honored that you have selected us to provide for your family's health care. Feb. 14: In Greeneville, a federal grand jury indicts Newport Sgt. ", Dodgin's stepfather, who doesn't testify, had earlier filed a letter with the court in which he wrote that "it was hard for my advice to overcome what he was seeing at the Cocke County Sheriff's Department." Greer also removes Moncier from Vassar's case and instead appoints the drug dealer a new attorney, Clifton Corker. Welcome to The May Clinic. Truncated Query In order to provide adequate performance for all users, the SAFER WWW System is designed to return a maximum of 500 matches on a carrier name search. Bredesen attends a fundraiser hosted by Harold Grooms in Newport that raises at least $ 33,500 his! `` Certainly, public corruption and civil rights violations are two investigations we best! To provide for your family 's health care federal prisoners under a contract with the family family house in,. Let us know of abusive posts in here and say you 're sorry Greer, however, instructs jury. 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