Dave Clark
Note: This story was last updated at 8:26 a.m.
There were about two dozen arrests on drug-related charges in Anderson County on Thursday, according to jail records, as authorities from several agencies swept through Oak Ridge and possibly other communities in what they’ve described as a multi-county criminal investigation.
The most common charge, by far, is manufacturing, delivering, selling, or possessing a controlled substance, according to Anderson County jail records. Counts on that charge vary from one to two dozen, according to jail records, with many of those arrested facing in the range of eight to 11 counts.
Other charges listed against a few of those arrested include possessing a firearm in the commission of a felony, unlawfully carrying a weapon, possessing drug paraphernalia, tampering with evidence, property theft, and simple possession.
Most of those arrested are listed as Oak Ridge residents, but there are also residents of Knoxville, Clinton, Kingston, and Madisonville. The defendants range in age from 20-61.
Authorities have said little about the case so far. Seventh Judicial District Attorney General Dave Clark will have a press conference at 2 p.m. Monday at his office in downtown Clinton. In a Thursday notice to reporters, Clark said local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies will report on the investigation. Clark said it’s a complex investigation that has lasted several years, and several aspects of it are unprecedented in this area.
Among the agencies observed working in Oak Ridge on Thursday were the Oak Ridge Police Department, Anderson County Sheriff’s Department, Clinton Police Department, Seventh Judicial District Crime Task Force, and the District Attorney General’s office.
There are a total of 26 arrests listed in the jail records for Thursday for manufacturing, delivering, selling, or possessing a controlled substance.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
Copyright 2016 Oak Ridge Today. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Angi Agle says
Good job!
Matt Bailey says
Bunch of experienced AND rookie officers apparently have performed well, gathering the data and then making all these arrests. Nice job to all, their support staff, and the Chief. Thanks folks.
Sam Hopwood says
I agree. The review HAS paid dividends. BRAVO!
Joseph Lee says
Agreed, the big pay day will come November 8th.
We are 87.24% done with it. Thank you.
Matt Bailey says
Sam, you just cannot say one thing positive, can you? There’s always a slant. Honestly, how does one get so cranky? Instead of congratulating our officers, you bring up the most divisive time in recent history. Perhaps you just need the same kind of constant attention our favorite city council members needs. It was she who divided the Police Dept., then claimed she knew more about the law than the Anderson Co. D.A. (who has a law degree), and then embarrassed the city by making uninformed claims that turned out to be worthless. No, Sam, this time you’re just flat out wrong. Chief Akagi is one fine man. He stayed the course when a lesser man would’ve refused to subject his family to the BS certain members of our community threw out. The review didn’t do a damn thing for this community. It’s the Chief and others who’ve helped pull it back together. Certainly not you. This time, Sam, you’ve flat out embarrassed yourself. Perhaps it’s time to unplug the keyboard.
Sam Hopwood says
I do believe the majority of City Council voted for the review. The end result was a recommendation that the City Manager “closely monitor” the chief. It appears that he has done that and there have been positive results. I’m happy with that. Your rant makes no sense.
Matt Bailey says
It also recommended raises for our Police Department. Yet here they are, making the same money, doing their job. Thanks, men & ladies. Is it just possible that his DEA background brought along the experience necessary to bring about these actions?
Emilee Smith says
Matt is absolutely correct, Sam! All the review did for this community was waste a lot of taxpayer money and time that could have been better used for much more productive matters. I am so proud of our Chief and all of the Oak Ridge Police Department for how well they have succeeded despite all of the distractions that were caused by one Council Member. Sam, why you and all of your Negative Nancy friends can never side on what is right about this City instead of what is wrong is beyond me. I, for one, am happy I live in this town. We are protected by a professional and top-notch Police Department that protects us with their lives every day.
Sam Hopwood says
Well Emilee, perhaps you should talk with the council members who voted for the review. You seem to ignore that. Why do you suppose that is? And who controls the pay ORPD receives? Why, bless my stars, it is the Majority of Council. Maybe, just maybe, you should direct your ire in that direction. And as stated before, I support the addition of another rowing lane and a property tax increase if that is required to fund it. How about you? Joe has his checkbook ready he says. Do you?
Emilee Smith says
I support whatever is GOOD for this City! Being divisive isn’t one of them!
Joseph Lee says
Sam, the review was approved in large part to end the Baughn baloney. After months of wasted time and money by the Negitrons the phony issue didn’t end with a bang but a whimper. Sometimes the only way to put something behind you is to go straight up the middle. Ms. Baughn is toast. She will not be permitted to pull this kind if stunt again. Council and the voters will see to that. Enjoy your weekend.
Mike Mahathy says
And this waste of time and resources was all due to an anonymous or two which have been proven to be wrong. I am very thankful for our chief and all his officers and staff.
Mike Mahathy says
Thank you Sam. It’s unfortunate the chief and the city was put through that shameful escapade but we are all benefiting now.
Joseph Lee says
Thank you.
Joseph Lee says
I look forward to hearing from Seventh Judicial District Attorney General Dave Clark at the press conference on Monday at 2:00PM.
Tracy Powers says
We’ve got, what, 5 or 6 from one family rounded up, a couple from another and many more dregs of society off the streets. I applaud our Chief Akagi and everyone involved in this major series of arrests. Keep up the good work! You all know far better than the normal productive citizen that they are like roaches, hard to get rid of.
My only concern is that DA Clark NOT make any deals or allow ANY slack in the prosecution, conviction and sentencing of these scumbags. If you’ve got them dead to rights, then do your job and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.
Pack them in the jail like sardines if you have to. It’s very clear a lot of work has gone in to the police getting the evidence and the people. Don’t let it be in vain. Tired of seeing the same names in the arrest section year after year.