Wayne County Sheriff's Office

The following articles are linked directly to their source. The Wayne County Sheriff's Office wishes to thank the contributing news agency's for their coverage of our community.

• More arrests in drug probe

  Mop up efforts results in additional arrests Eleven more people have been arrested in connection with drug roundup known as Operation Unnecessary Medicine in Wayne County. The operation began last... Published January 22, 2009 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20090122/ARTICLES/901220337

• Bids for new criminal justice center being reviewed

  Wayne County Executive Jason Rich is optimistic that work will begin on the county's new criminal justice center this spring. "There is no question this is the biggest project Wayne County has had since it built new schools in 2000," Rich said. "And... Published January 4, 2009 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20090104/ARTICLES/901040343

• Authorities break up 'one-stop meth shop'

  Acting on tips from the community, Wayne County sheriff's deputies disrupted a methamphetamine operation and arrested one person. Sheriff Ric Wilson said deputies arrested Jeff Caperton, 39, 610 Dewitt St., Collinwood, at his residence, which is in... Published December 20, 2008 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20081220/ARTICLES/812200323

• Property owners to finance care for dogs

  The man and woman who own the property where law enforcement broke up a large dog-fighting operation Sunday have been ordered to put up money to take care of the dogs that were confiscated. Wayne County Sheriff Ric Wilson said that during their... Published November 19, 2008 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20081119/ARTICLES/811190331

• Dog fighting operation raided

  A tip to police led law enforcement to break up a large dog fighting operation in Wayne County, Tenn., authorities said. Wayne County Sheriff Ric Wilson said that Saturday, between 8:30-9 p.m., officers from the sheriff's department and the... Published November 17, 2008 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20081117/ARTICLES/811170316

• Officials Shut Down Dog Fighting Ring
  WAYNESBORO, Tenn.- Sheriff's deputies shut down the biggest suspected dog fighting operation in Wayne County history. The unexpected raid came late Saturday night on the heels of two pit bull fights. Rickety old equipment was the nuts and bolts of a sophisticated operation. It was a vicious... Last Modified 11/17/2008 01:04:37 AM

• Alleged Dogfighting Ring Busted
  

  WSMV, TN - Nov 17, 2008
  

  HOHENWALD, Tenn. -- Police in Wayne County said they have arrested 18 people in a suspected dogfighting ring, the first on record for that county. ..

• Large Dog Fighting Operation Found In Wayne County
  

  WDXE, TN - Nov 17, 2008
  

  A tip to police led law enforcement to break up a large dog fighting operation in Wayne County, Tenn., authorities said. Wayne County Sheriff Ric Wilson ...

• Law & Order

  WAYNESBORO, TENN. Death being investigated The Wayne County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death of a man found at a residence in Lutts. Sheriff Ric Wilson said the body of Stanley Risner, 40, of Waynesboro, was found at a residence in... Published October 16, 2008 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20081016/ARTICLES/810160315

• Construction on justice center to begin soon

  Work is expected to begin on the county's new criminal justice center later this month. County officials awarded the contract for preparing the site for the new jail to EnviroWorks Construction Co., of Wayne County, at the cost of $306,513. "It will... Published August 3, 2008 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20080803/NEWS/808030357

• 6-month probe nets five arrests

  A six-month investigation into illegal drug activity in Wayne County has resulted in the arrest of five people, including a father and his son, authorities said. Wayne County Sheriff Ric Wilson said four of the five people arrested are accused of... Published July 16, 2008 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20080716/NEWS/807160327

• Law & Order

  WAYNE COUNTY, Tenn. Suspect called major drug dealer A Wayne County man has been arrested after being accused of selling drugs to an undercover officer. Steven Edward Balentine, 41, 5307 Pumping Station Road, Iron City, Tenn., was charged... Published June 4, 2008 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20080604/NEWS/806040326

• Bargain Hunters

  "That's just a little thing, but it saves us money and helps spread our budget," said Wayne County Sheriff Ric Wilson. "And believe me, we're in the same boat with everyone else; we're all looking at ways to spread our money when it comes to purchasing food."... Published June 2, 2008 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20080602/NEWS/806020327

• Man suspected in spree of house fires

An Iron City man has been charged with two counts of arson after he was accused of setting fires Wednesday night at vacant houses in Alabama and Tennessee. Joshua J. Martin, 24, 7742 Whitten School Road, was charged Thursday morning for starting... Published May 30, 2008 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20080530/NEWS/805300329

• Tennessee man charged with two counts arson

  WAYNESBORO, Tenn. - An Iron City, Tenn., man has been charged with two counts of arson after he was accused of setting fires Wednesday night at vacant houses. Joshua J. Martin, 24, 7742 Whitten School Road, was charged Thursday morning. He is... Published May 29, 2008 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20080529/NEWS/521530234

• Law & Order

  WAYNE COUNTY, Tenn. 2 men caught by undercover officer Two Leighton residents were arrested after they were accused of selling drugs to an undercover police officer, officials said. Wayne County Sheriff Ric Wilson said Thomas Recarder Fuqua,... Published April 23, 2008 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20080423/NEWS/804230332

• Law & Order

  WAYNESBORO, Tenn. Two face burglary, theft charges Authorities said two men have been charged in connection with the March 16 burglary of a Cypress Inn residence. David Bauer, 35, 4055 Hayes Branch Road, Cypress Inn, Tenn., and Bradley Eugene... Published April 17, 2008 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20080417/NEWS/804170338

• Four-month investigation results in eight arrests

  Eight Wayne County, Tenn., residents got a surprise visit from the sheriff's department on April's Fool Day. "But we weren't playing any jokes; it was the real deal," said Wayne County Sheriff Ric Wilson. The visits resulted in eight felony drug... Published April 3, 2008 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20080403/NEWS/804030311

• Law & Order

  Erratic driving led to the arrest of a man and woman on drug charges Wednesday.

  ... Published March 21, 2008 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20080321/NEWS/803210320

• Authorities investigating daytime burglaries

  WAYNESBORO, Tenn.--Law enforcement officials in Wayne County are investigating a rash of daytime home burglaries in the southern part of the county. Wayne County Sheriff Ric Wilson said that in the past few weeks, there have been a number of... Published March 12, 2008 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20080312/NEWS/803120316

• Officials believe fire victim is Collinwood teen

  Wayne County authorities said they have not positively identified the victim of a Saturday fire but believe she is a Collinwood teenager. Investigator Tim Beckham, with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office, said the fire happened at a manufactured home... Published February 5, 2008 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20080205/NEWS/802050334

• Search ends; mother fights for custody

  The search for two children reported as missing ended Tuesday after authorities found them with their mother and placed them in the custody of child services. Wayne County Sheriff Ric Wilson said the children, Marshal Jonath White, 4, and his... Published January 24, 2008 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20080124/NEWS/801240333

• Man killed after truck strikes tree

  A Waynesboro man was killed Monday in a one-car accident near the Hardin-Wayne county line. Timothy Brewer, 38, of 805 Tennessee 99, Waynesboro, died in the accident. State troopers at the Lawrenceburg post said Brewer was traveling on U.S. 64 when... Published January 23, 2008 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20080123/NEWS/801230323

• Officials: Animals found in 'sad state'

  A Wayne County woman has been arrested on cruelty to animals charges after a carcass was found on her property and after the discovery that a number of animals appeared neglected, officials said. Wayne County Sheriff Ric Wilson said Laura H. Published November 29, 2007 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20071129/NEWS/711290333

• Woman Faces Animal Cruelty Charges
  WAYNESBORO, Tenn. - A Wayne County woman faces animal cruelty charges. Investigators discovered more than 60 animals on Laura Fitterman's land. Her menagerie included ducks, turkeys, llamas, goats, pot-belly pigs and horses. Some of the animals were malnourished. Wayne County Sheriff's... Last Modified 11/27/2007 11:10:36 PM

• Man cuts off finger in standoff

  A local man ended a three-hour standoff with authorities Tuesday after tear gas was fired into his residence. "It ended about as well as could be expected," said Waynesboro Police Sgt. Bryant Burcham. Burcham said 43-year-old Clifton Ray Hill Jr.,... Published November 15, 2007 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20071115/NEWS/711150310

• 34 arrested in county's largest drug roundup

  In a combined operation between the Waynesboro Police Department and the Wayne County Sheriff's Office, 34 people were arrested Monday for the sale of illegal drugs. Waynesboro Police Chief Keith Reeves said 20 officers were armed with 37 felony... Published September 25, 2007 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20070925/NEWS/709250322

• Dozens Arrested In Wayne Co. Drug Round-Up
  WAYNESBORO, Tenn. - Authorities arrested dozens of people in the largest drug investigation in Wayne County's history. In Operation Bad Medicine, Wayne County Sheriff's investigators arrested 38 people for dealing drugs including a pregnant woman and a 76-year-old grandmother. "This is the... Last Modified 09/24/2007 07:04:35 PM

• Law & Order

  WAYNESBORO, Tenn. Tennessee man faces arson charges An Iron City man has been charged with arson in connection with a fire that destroyed a hay barn. Kevin Bart Roberson, 44, 8799 Middle Butler Road, Iron City, has been charged with felony... Published August 11, 2007 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20070811/NEWS/70811006

• Program works to eradicate marijuana

  For Colbert County Sheriff Ronnie May, removing any amount of marijuana from the streets is an accomplishment. It appears that the same sentiment is true among others in the law enforcement community. Sheriff's departments in the Shoals and across... Published August 1, 2007 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20070801/NEWS/708010329

• Wanted man arrested after waving to police

  WAYNESBORO, Tenn. -- A wanted man's wave to a sheriff's deputy led to his arrest and the eventual arrest of two other people, officials said. Wayne County Sheriff Ric Wilson said that while on routine patrol, Deputy Justin Thompson met a vehicle... Published July 19, 2007 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20070719/NEWS/707190331

• LAW & ORDER

  Officials looking for escapee WAYNESBORO, Tenn. -- Local authorities are looking for a Wayne County man who escaped from a Ripley, Tenn., jail almost two weeks ago. Wayne County Sheriff Ric Wilson said 27-year-old Christopher Neal Daniel,... Published July 18, 2007 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20070718/NEWS/707180317

• Man accused of kidnapping, authorities say

  Authorities arrested 54-year-old David Lynn Rich, 1085 Topsy Road, Waynesboro, on Tuesday. He is charged with aggravated kidnapping, according to Wayne County Sheriff Ric Wilson. Courthouse officials said the charge is a Class A felony, which is... Published June 20, 2007 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20070620/NEWS/706200326

• Wayne buys land for criminal justice center

  WAYNESBORO, Tenn. -- The development of Wayne County's new criminal justice center is steadily moving forward. Wayne County Executive Jason Rich said the county recently finalized the purchase of 28 acres of land for the new facility. Rich said the... Published June 15, 2007 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20070615/NEWS/706150329

• LAW & ORDER

  WAYNESBORO, Tenn. -- A Lewis County man wanted for shooting his sister-in-law and nephew, was arrested Tuesday in Wayne County, officials said.... Published June 14, 2007 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20070614/NEWS/706140332

• Ex-wife, 66, faces murder charge

  WAYNESBORO, Tenn. -- A Wayne County woman accused of killing her ex-husband with a meat tenderizer mallet was charged with murder Monday. Officials said 66-year-old Margaret Louise McCoy was originally charged with aggravated assault after her... Published June 12, 2007 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20070612/NEWS/706120327

• Sheriff: Woman suspect in death

  LUTTS, Tenn. A Wayne County woman remains in custody after being accused of assaulting her ex-husband, who died Saturday morning, authorities said. Margaret Louise McCoy, 66, of Lutts, has been charged with aggravated assault in connection with her... Published June 10, 2007 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20070610/NEWS/70610016

• Flavored meth aimed at teens

  Its a pretty color, in most cases pink. It has a sweet taste and looks like candy, and its being marketed to teenagers. Its far from the sugary treat that can be bought in stores, though. Its nothing but meth, pure meth, said Russellville police Lt. Published June 10, 2007 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20070610/NEWS/70610002

• Wayne proceeding with justice center

  WAYNESBORO, Tenn. -- Wayne County Executive Jason Rich said work could begin on a new criminal justice center within six months. That's because county commissioners have voted to borrow $5.5 million for the pro--ject. Rich said the proposed project... Published April 20, 2007 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20070420/NEWS/704200313

• Tip leads to arrests of burglary suspects

  WAYNESBORO, Tenn. A tip led authorities to the arrests of three burglary suspects. Wayne County Sheriff Ric Wilson said two Birmingham area men and a Lauderdale County woman were arrested about 9 p.m. Wednesday. The three are suspects in two Wayne... Published April 6, 2007 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20070406/NEWS/70406001

• LAW & ORDER

  Open beer leads to drug charges WAYNESBORO, Tenn. -- A Lauderdale County man has been arrested on drug and weapons charges, officials said.

  ,... Published April 5, 2007 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20070405/NEWS/704050338

• Wayne County looks to build justice center

  WAYNESBORO, Tenn. -- Wayne County officials have launched a feasibility study to look at the possibility of building a new criminal justice center. County Executive Jason Rich said a plan is already in place for a $3.5 million expansion of the... Published April 4, 2007 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20070404/NEWS/704040329

• LAW & ORDER

  Man sentenced on drug charges WAYNESBORO, Tenn. -- Authorities said a Wayne County man arrested on drug charges has been sentenced to 15 years in prison. Wayne County Sheriff Ric Wilson said Jerry Robbins, 51, 1955 Weatherford Creek Road,... Published March 13, 2007 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20070313/NEWS/703130325

• LAW & ORDER

  Man faces drug charges WAYNESBORO, Tenn. -- A local man has been arrested on drug charges after an undercover operation, officials said.

  ... Published March 7, 2007 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20070307/NEWS/703070328

• Undercover operation nets eight drug arrests

  WAYNESBORO, Tenn. -- A four-month undercover investigation into illegal drug activity has resulted in eight arrests, authorities said. Waynesboro Police Chief Keith Reeves said the arrests were the result of a cooperative effort from various law... Published February 14, 2007 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20070214/NEWS/702140325

• County hopes fees will offset costs

  WAYNESBORO, Tenn. -- Wayne County Sheriff Ric Wilson said it didn't take a math genius to realize the county needed to do something about offsetting expenses related to housing prisoners. "Our jail is full (with 41 inmates), and we've got 14 more... Published January 31, 2007 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20070131/NEWS/701310326

• LAW & ORDER

  WAYNESBORO, Tenn. -- A Wayne County man was arrested on drug charges when law enforcement went to serve him with an outstanding arrest warrant, officials said.... Published January 24, 2007 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20070124/NEWS/701240329

• Escapee back in jail for next day's breakfast

  WAYNESBORO, Tenn. -- A local man who escaped jail before breakfast Thursday, was back in jail before breakfast Friday, officials said. Wayne County Sheriff Ric Wilson said 26-year-old Jeremy Wade Risner was captured-along with three other people-in... Published January 13, 2007 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20070113/NEWS/701130336

• LAW & ORDER

  Police seize-drugs, property WAYNESBORO, Tenn. -- Local law enforcement officials confiscated drugs and property at a Cypress Inn residence Thursday. Wayne County Sheriff Ric Wilson said his officers and officers with Waynesboro and... Published December 23, 2006 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20061223/NEWS/612230330

• To catch a thief

  M.R. Thomas said it's the public's duty to help area law enforcement.- "(To make a community safe) the public has got to be involved,'' said Thomas. "The police can't be everywhere.'' Thomas is a member of the new Center Star Neighborhood Watch... Published November 15, 2006 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20061115/NEWS/611150333

• Lutts Home is Site of Meth Bust
  Wayne County investigators believe a tiny home in the middle of nowhere was the epicenter of a major drug trafficking operation with ties to Mexico. Wayne County, Tenn. epitomizes small town living. But investigators in the small town uncovered what they said appears to be the second largest...
  Last Modified 12/18/2006 03:45:49 PM

• Meth bust possibly Tennessee's largest

  WAYNESBORO, Tenn. -- Authorities expected to yield major results from a Saturday morning drug bust. Little did they realize they were walking into what could be the biggest methamphetamine seizure in Tennessee history. Close to six pounds of meth,... Published November 14, 2006 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20061114/NEWS/611140318

• Saturation results in drug-related charges

  WAYNESBORO, Tenn. -- Wayne County Sheriff Ric Wilson said law enforcement officials are sending a message. "And that's a message of unity,'' Wilson said. "To fight the drug problem in our county, it's going to take that kind of effort.'' The... Published November 1, 2006 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20061101/NEWS/611010337

• LAW & ORDER

  WAYNESBORO, Tenn. -- Deputies have arrested three people on drug-related charges in Wayne County, officials said.... Published October 24, 2006 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20061024/NEWS/610240320

• Shooting suspect surrenders at church service

  WAYNESBORO, Tenn. -- A suspect in a shooting incident turned himself over to the authorities at a Sunday evening church service, officials said. Wayne County Sheriff Ric Wilson said 32-year-old John Paul Jones, 4059 Hayes Branch Road, Cypress Inn,... Published October 24, 2006 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20061024/NEWS/610240330

• LAW & ORDER

  WAYNESBORO, Tenn. -- Law enforcement officials are looking for a Cypress Inn man in connection with a Monday evening shooting.... Published October 20, 2006 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20061020/NEWS/610200330

• Wilson takes sheriff's post

  WAYNESBORO, Tenn. -- It only took one look at Ric Wilson and his well-wishers to know the outcome of the Wayne County sheriff's election. Making his first attempt at public office, Wilson garnered nearly 42 percent of the 5,271 votes cast Thursday... Published August 4, 2006 http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20060804/NEWS/608040329