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Law enforcement search at McGuire could continue through Thursday night

Posted at 12:02 am May 25, 2018
By John Huotari Leave a Comment

The law enforcement search at McGuire—a store that sells used books, compact discs, digital video discs, and electronics—is expected to last hours and continue throughout the night Thursday May 24, 2018. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

The law enforcement search at McGuire—a store that sells used books, compact discs, digital video discs, and electronics—is expected to last hours and continue through the night Thursday, May 24, 2018. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

Note: This story was last updated at 9:45 a.m. May 25.

The law enforcement search at McGuire—a store that sells used books, compact discs, digital video discs, and electronics—is expected to last hours and continue through the night (Thursday night).

The Seventh Judicial District Crime Task Force of Anderson County executed search warrants at McGuire Used Books, CDs, DVDs, Games, and More starting at about noon Thursday. There were reported to be about a dozen employees in the store at the time the search began.

Authorities declined to say why they were searching the store on Thursday afternoon. But they had a stack of moving boxes ready to be folded and numerous boxes folded and ready to be used, and there were several moving trucks parked near the store, including one right in front of it.

Crime scene tape blocked entry to the store, and a Seventh Judicial District Crime Task Force crime scene truck was parked out front.

At about 10 p.m. Thursday, it appeared that boxes with items inside were occasionally being brought out of the store and loaded into the moving truck parked in front of McGuire. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Anderson County, Business, Oak Ridge, Oak Ridge, Police, Police and Fire, Slider Tagged With: Anderson County Sheriff's Department, Clinton Police Department, Dave Clark, Eighth Drug Task Force, Knox County Sheriff’s Office, McGuire Used Books, Ryan Spitzer, search, Seventh Judicial District Crime Task Force

Woman receives three-year sentence in drug overdose

Posted at 5:37 pm March 31, 2018
By John Huotari Leave a Comment

Heather Marie Rau

Heather Marie Rau

 

An Oak Ridge woman received a three-year prison sentence in a plea agreement on Monday after a drug overdose that reportedly involved a fentanyl analogue last year left a man unconscious on a hallway floor with a very weak pulse and unable to breathe on his own.

Heather Mariue Rau, 30, pleaded guilty in Anderson County Criminal Court in Clinton on Monday to charges of aggravated assault, reckless endangerment with illegal narcotics (acrylfentanyl), promotion of methamphetamine manufacture, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drugs for sale, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Those charges were from two separate indictments against Rau last year.

A second, duplicate charge of possession of drug paraphernalia was dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

Rau must pay court costs and fines that appear to total close to $9,000, according to criminal judgements filed by the Anderson County Circuit Court Clerk. She will receive credit for time served after being jailed at the Anderson County Detention Facility in Clinton since February 16, 2017. As a standard offender, her release eligibility has been set at 30 percent. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Front Page News, Oak Ridge, Police and Fire, Top Stories Tagged With: acrylfentanyl, aggravated assault, Anderson County Circuit Court Clerk, Anderson County Criminal Court, Anderson County Detention Facility, Anderson County General Sessions Court, drug overdose, fentanyl analogue, Heather Marie Rau, heroin, John Criswell, Oak Ridge Police Department, plea agreement, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of drugs for sale, possession of methamphetamine, promotion of methamphetamine manufacture, reckless endangerment with illegal narcotics, Ryan Spitzer, Stephanie Jernigan, Wesley "Bud" Arnold

Man sentenced to 30 years for possessing heroin for sale in school zone

Posted at 1:33 pm December 9, 2015
By Oak Ridge Today Staff 1 Comment

Charles Randolph Johnson

Charles Randolph Johnson

A man convicted in September of possessing heroin and marijuana for sale in a school zone has been sentenced to 30 years in prison, authorities said.

Charles Randolph Johnson was sentenced by Anderson County Criminal Court Judge Donald R. Elledge on Monday, November 30, District Attorney General Dave Clark said in a press release.

Johnson, a Michigan native, was convicted by a jury on September 18. He was found guilty of possessing heroin with the intent to sell it within 1,000 feet of a school, possessing marijuana with the intent to sell it, and possessing drug paraphernalia, Clark said.

Authorities said Johnson possessed a large amount of heroin and marijuana inside a mobile home near Claxton Elementary School. He was arrested on January 31 when a search warrant was executed after a joint investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Anderson County Sheriff’s Department, Oak Ridge Police Department, and the Seventh Judicial District Crime Task Force. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Anderson County, Front Page News, Police and Fire, Top Stories Tagged With: Anderson County Criminal Court, Anderson County Sheriff's Department, Charles Randolph Johnson, Dave Clark, district attorney general, Donald R. Elledge, heroin, marijuana, Oak Ridge Police Department, possessing heroin, possessing marijuana, Ryan Spitzer, Seventh Judicial District Crime Task Force, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration

Man convicted of possessing heroin for sale in school zone

Posted at 4:57 pm September 23, 2015
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Charles Randolph Johnson

Charles Randolph Johnson

A man who came to Anderson County from the Detroit area has been convicted of possessing heroin and marijuana for sale in a school zone, and he faces 25 to 40 years in prison, authorities said Wednesday.

Charles Randolph Johnson was found guilty on Friday, September 18, Anderson County District Attorney General Dave Clark said in a press release. The jury deliberated for 1.5 hours before announcing their verdict after a trial that lasted 1.5 days.

Johnson has a separate November 10 trial for actually selling the heroin, Clark said in the press release. The DA said Johnson has been charged separately for allegedly selling heroin three times on Coconut Lane near Claxton Elementary School. He also has charges pending for allegedly coercing a witness, Clark said.

The DA said the potential 25- to 40-year sentence for the Friday convictions is based on Johnson’s prior felony record and because the jury found that the crime occurred within a school zone. But the specifics of the sentence will be determined by Anderson County Criminal Court Judge Don Elledge at the November 30 sentencing hearing, Clark said. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Anderson County, Front Page News, Oak Ridge, Police and Fire Tagged With: Anderson County, Anderson County Criminal Court, Anderson County District Attorney General, Anderson County Sheriff's Department, Charles Randolph Johnson, Coconut Lane, DA, Dave Clark, Detroit, Don Elledge, heroin, Joe Fentress Butler, jury, marijuana, Oak Ridge Police Department, possessing heroin and marijuana for sale, Ryan Spitzer, sentencing hearing, Seventh Judicial Crime Task Force, trial, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration

Frank, White re-elected; incumbents fare well, but some upsets

Posted at 9:45 pm August 7, 2014
By John Huotari 2 Comments

Steve Mead at Early Voting

Anderson County Commissioner Steve Mead, one of the incumbents re-elected Thursday, campaigns during early voting at the Midtown Community Center in Oak Ridge. (Photo by Fred O’Hara Jr.)

 

Terry Frank

Terry Frank

Note: This story was last updated at 2:10 p.m. July 8.

Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank was elected to her first four-year term on Thursday, and Sheriff Paul White was elected to a third term.

The election featured several close races, including for sheriff and register of deeds, and there were a few upsets, including for Anderson County Circuit Court Clerk, County Commission District 3, and General Sessions Judge, Division II, where longtime Judge Ron Murch suffered defeat.

Paul White

Paul White

In the race for the Tennessee House, Representative John Ragan, an Oak Ridge Republican, beat back a primary challenge by newcomer Caitlin Nolan.

All 27 precincts have reported.

Here are the final unofficial election results for contested races:

Anderson County Mayor

  • Terry Frank, the Republican incumbent—7,586 (52.69 percent)
  • Jim Hackworth, a Democrat—6,193 (43.01 percent)
  • Bradley Rickett, an Independent—619 (4.3 percent)

Frank, who was first elected to a two-year term in a special election in August 2012, beat Hackworth, a former state representative and county commissioner, by about 1,400 votes. The two fought over a 1990 tax hike and “turmoil” and lawsuits in the Anderson County Courthouse.

Anderson County Sheriff

  • Paul White, the Democratic incumbent—7,386 (51.64 percent)
  • Anthony Lay, a Republican—6,918 (48.36 percent)

White’s margin of victory was just under 500 votes. Lay is a former sheriff in Scott County, and he is currently a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper. The two candidates battled over the food served at the Anderson County jail, crime rate statistics, and the responsiveness of the Sheriff’s Department, among other things. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 2014 Election, 2014 Election, Anderson County, Government, Slider, Top Stories Tagged With: Allen C.H. Loope, Anderson County, Anderson County Commission, Anthony Allen, Anthony Lay, Bill Gallaher, Bradley Rickett, Brian Hunt, Caitlin Nolan, Carl Beaty, Chris Phillips, Chuck Fleischmann, Chuck Fritts, Circuit Court Clerk, Dave Clark, David Farmer, Denny Phillips, Don Elledge, Don Layton, Dusty Irwin, election results, Floyd Grisham, Gary Long, general election, General Sessions Judge, Herb “Herbie” Foust, Jeff Cole, Jerry Creasey, Jerry White, Jim Hackworth, Jimmy Bouchard, Joey Anderson, John Ragan, Josh Anderson, juvenile court judge, Kevin Rice, Leslie Agron, Lynn Byrge, Mark Alderson, mayor, Michael Clement, Mike Marsh, Misty Neergaard, Myra Mansfield, Myron Iwanski, Nicki Cantrell, Paul White, Philip Warfield, Randy McNally, register of deeds, Rick Meredith, Robert McKamey, Robin Biloski, Rodney Archer, Roger Miller, Ron Murch, Ryan Spitzer, school board, Scott Gillenwaters, sheriff, Steve Emert, Steve Mead, Tennessee House of Representatives, Terry Frank, Theresa Scott, Tim Isbel, Tim Shelton, Tom Marshall, Tracy Wandell, Tyler Mayes, Walt Lounsbery, Whitey Hitchcock, William Jones

Votes still coming in, but most incumbents in lead; few upsets possible

Posted at 9:35 pm August 7, 2014
By John Huotari Leave a Comment

Anderson County Early Voting Campaign Signs

The Thursday election featured the Anderson County general election and the state and federal primaries. Pictured above are campaign signs during early voting at the Midtown Community Center in Oak Ridge.

 

Note: Please see this newer story for final results.

The votes are still coming in and the Anderson County Election Commission is repairing its website, but early results suggest most incumbents are faring well, although a few upsets are possible.

Here is a look at some preliminary voting results in Anderson County, as reported by BBB-TV, Channel 12 in Oak Ridge, with 16 of 27 precincts reporting. There could be a few upsets, including on Anderson County Commission and in the races for Anderson County General Session Judge, Division II, and Anderson County Circuit Court Clerk.

Anderson County Mayor

Terry Frank, the Republican incumbent, leads Jim Hackworth, a Democrat, and Bradley Rickett, an Independent.

Anderson County Sheriff

Paul White, the Democratic incumbent, leads Anthony Lay, a Republican.

Tennessee House of Representatives

Republican primary

John Ragan, the Republican incumbent, leads Caitlin Nolan, his GOP challenger. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 2014 Election, 2014 Election, Anderson County, Government, Slider, State, Top Stories Tagged With: Allen C.H. Loope, Anderson County, Anderson County Commission, Anthony Allen, Anthony Lay, Bill Gallaher, Bradley Rickett, Brian Hunt, Caitlin Nolan, Carl Beaty, Chris Phillips, Chuck Fritts, Circuit Court Clerk, David Farmer, Denny Phillips, Don Layton, Dusty Irwin, Floyd Grisham, General Sessions Judge, Herb “Herbie” Foust, Jerry Creasey, Jerry White, Jim Hackworth, Jimmy Bouchard, Joey Anderson, John Ragan, Josh Anderson, juvenile court judge, Kevin Rice, Lynn Byrge, mayor, Michael Clement, Mike Marsh, Myra Mansfield, Myron Iwanski, Paul White, Philip Warfield, register of deeds, Robert McKamey, Robin Biloski, Roger Miller, Ron Murch, Ryan Spitzer, sheriff, Steve Emert, Steve Mead, Tennessee House of Representatives, Terry Frank, Theresa Scott, Tim Isbel, Tim Shelton, Tracy Wandell, Tyler Mayes, Walt Lounsbery, Whitey Hitchcock, William Jones

Judicial candidate Spitzer appoints Shelton as campaign treasurer

Posted at 11:33 am April 13, 2014
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Ryan Spitzer, Rogan, and Patti Shelton

Pictured above are Ryan Spitzer, center; his treasurer Patti Shelton; and Spitzer’s son Rogan. (Submitted photo)

Ryan Spitzer, a candidate for judge in General Sessions Court, Division I, has named Patti Shelton as his campaign treasurer, a press release said.

Shelton is a former director of Girls Inc. of Oak Ridge, and she is a community volunteer in many organizations, the press release said.

“Ryan has knowledge of the law and a professional demeanor that will serve him well as a judge, and I’m excited to be working on his campaign,” Shelton said. “He is my son-in-law, and I have come to know him as a caring and sincere member of our family who gives 150 percent to whatever he does.” [Read more…]

Filed Under: 2014 Election, Anderson County, Front Page News, Government Tagged With: candidate, Democrat, General Sessions Court, Girls Inc. of Oak Ridge, Patti Shelton, primary election, Ryan Spitzer, treasurer

Friends host ‘meet and greet’ for judicial candidate Ryan Spitzer

Posted at 12:07 am April 7, 2014
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Ryan Spitzer

Ryan Spitzer

Friends of Ryan Spitzer, a candidate for General Sessions Judge Division 1, will host a “meet and greet” and fundraising reception for Spitzer from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Monday, April 7, at Hensley Happenings Cafe and Grill in Norris.

The event is hosted by George and Kay Davis, Catherine Denenberg, Susan Fowler, Warren and Judy Gooch, C.A. and Judy Ridge, and Jim Ed and Sharon Wallace. They invite voters to come by and meet Spitzer, an attorney who has more than a decade of legal experience in criminal and civil law, a press release said. Refreshments will be served.

Spitzer has served as an assistant district attorney general in Anderson County since 2007. He is unopposed as the Democratic candidate for General Sessions judge in the May 6 primary election. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 2014 Election, Anderson County, Front Page News, Government Tagged With: Anderson County, Democrat, Friends of Ryan Spitzer, fundraising, General Sessions Judge, General Sessions Judge Division I, meet and greet, primary election, reception, Ryan Spitzer

Assistant DA running for general sessions judge

Posted at 1:38 am February 21, 2014
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Ryan Spitzer

Ryan Spitzer

Ryan Spitzer, an Anderson County assistant district attorney general, has announced that he will be a candidate for judge in General Sessions Court, Division I in Clinton. Spitzer, an attorney with more than a decade of legal experience in criminal and civil law, filed his petition to seek the judicial position last week with the Anderson County Election Commission.

After four years in private practice, Spitzer joined the staff of District Attorney General Dave Clark in 2007, a press release said. Serving as an assistant DA, he prosecutes those charged with crimes in the General Sessions, Juvenile and Criminal Courts of Anderson County.

“I have practiced in all of the criminal courts in Anderson County, and I have prosecuted the full range of cases, dealing with crime victims from every walk of life,” Spitzer said in the press release. “I have worked closely with our local law enforcement to make Anderson County safer for everyone.”

Spitzer, a Democrat, could oppose Republican Don Layton in the August general election. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 2014 Election, Anderson County, Government, Top Stories Tagged With: Anderson Court, assistant district attorney general, Dave Clark, Democrat, Don Layton, general election, General Sessions Court, primary, Republican, Ryan Spitzer

Anderson County primary deadline Thursday at noon

Posted at 1:06 pm February 19, 2014
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Information from WYSH Radio

The deadline to qualify as a candidate in any of the races on the ballot for Anderson County’s May 6 primaries is at noon Thursday.

Here is a look at who has qualified so far:

  • So far, only incumbent Judge Don Elledge has qualified to run for his seat as criminal and circuit judge.
  • Five people have qualified to run in the hotly-contested Juvenile Court judge primaries. Two Democrats—J. Michael Clement and David Dunkirk—are seeking the nomination, while three Republicans—Victoria Bannach, Lauren Biloski, and Brian Hunt—have qualified to seek their party’s nod to run for the seat in the August general election.
  • Brandon Fisher, the current Juvenile Court judge, had qualified to run for the Democratic nomination for chancellor, a seat coming open due to the retirement of William Lantrip, but he announced just a couple of weeks ago that he will be dropping out of the race to join a company in Pennsylvania. On the Republican side, Mike Farley and Phil Harber have qualified to appear on the May ballot. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 2014 Election, Anderson County, Government, Top Stories Tagged With: Anderson County, Anderson County Election Commission, Anthony Lay, Bill Gallaher, Brandon Fisher, Brian Hunt, chancellor, Circuit Court Clerk, county clerk, Dave Clark, David Dunkirk, Democratic primary, district attorney general, Don Elledge, Don Layton, Gary Long, General Sessions, J. Michael Clement, Jeff Cole, Juvenile Court, Lauren Biloski, May 6 primaries, mayor, Mike Farley, Paul White, Phil Harber, primary, public defender, Randy Myers, register of deeds, Republican primary, road superintendent, Rodney Archer, Ron Murch, Ryan Spitzer, sheriff, Terry Frank, Tim Shelton, Tom Marshall, trustee, Tyler Mayes, Victoria Bannach, William Jones, William Lantrip, Zach Bates

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