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TBI investigating jail death

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Information from WYSH Radio

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating the death of an inmate at the Anderson County Detention Facility in Clinton.

Here is what TBI spokesperson Leslie Earhart said: “At the request of Seventh District Attorney General Dave Clark, TBI special agents are investigating the apparent hanging death of an inmate at the Anderson County jail. On Wednesday, January 9, 24-year-old Michael Allen Matlock was found unresponsive in his cell. The investigation remains active and ongoing.” [Read more…]

TBI identifies man killed in officer-involved shooting

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The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has identified the man who died in a Monday night officer-involved shooting at Anderson County General Sessions Court on Emory Valley Road as Isaiah D. Ramirez, 26. Above, police investigate after a chase was reported along Emory Valley Road and there were reports of shots fired on Monday evening, Oct. 8, 2018. The parking lot at Anderson County General Sessions Court on Emory Valley Road was blocked off with yellow tape, and there was a large emergency response presence that included members of the Oak Ridge Police Department, Oak Ridge Fire Department, Anderson County EMS, and District Attorney General Dave Clark, right. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has identified the man who died in a Monday night officer-involved shooting at Anderson County General Sessions Court on Emory Valley Road as Isaiah D. Ramirez, 26. Above, police investigate after a chase was reported along Emory Valley Road and there were reports of shots fired on Monday evening, Oct. 8, 2018. The parking lot at Anderson County General Sessions Court on Emory Valley Road was blocked off with yellow tape, and there was a large emergency response presence that included members of the Oak Ridge Police Department, Oak Ridge Fire Department, Anderson County EMS, and District Attorney General Dave Clark, right. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

Note: This story was last updated at 11:55 a.m.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has identified the man who died in a Monday night officer-involved shooting in a courthouse parking lot on Emory Valley Road in Oak Ridge.

The man has been identified as Isaiah D. Ramirez, 36.

Ramirez was reported to have struck an Oak Ridge police officer with a pickup truck before at least one officer fired shots at the vehicle, striking Ramirez, the TBI said Monday night.

The shooting near Anderson County General Sessions Court and other county offices followed a police pursuit that started on Cumberland View Drive along Emory Valley Road in east Oak Ridge at about 6:30 p.m. Monday, authorities said. The Oak Ridge Police Department tried to make a traffic stop, but Ramirez, who was pulling a utility trailer behind his pickup truck, didn’t stop, according to TBI spokesperson Leslie Earhart. Ramirez reportedly had outstanding warrants. Residents of Emory Valley reported a police pursuit involving at least four police cars. [Read more…]

Man dies in police shooting after striking officer with vehicle

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Police are investigating after a chase was reported along Emory Valley Road and there were reports of shots fired on Monday evening, Oct. 8, 2018. The parking lot at Anderson County General Sessions Court on Emory Valley Road is blocked off with yellow tape, and there is a large emergency response presence that includes members of the Oak Ridge Police Department, Oak Ridge Fire Department, Anderson County EMS, and District Attorney General Dave Clark, right. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

A man who struck an Oak Ridge police officer with a vehicle died when at least one officer shot at him in the parking lot of Anderson County General Sessions Court on Emory Valley Road on Monday evening, Oct. 8, 2018, authorities said. The vehicle that struck an officer and was shot into is facing toward the camera at top right-center between an Oak Ridge Police Department SUV and an Oak Ridge Transit bus. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

Note: This story was last updated at 9 a.m. Oct. 9.

A man who struck an Oak Ridge police officer with a vehicle died when at least one officer shot at him in a courthouse parking lot on Monday evening, authorities said.

The police pursuit and shooting started in a residential area along Emory Valley Road and ended at Anderson County General Sessions Court in Oak Ridge. It was reported at about 6:30 p.m. Monday.

The Oak Ridge Police Department had recognized a man in a vehicle who had outstanding warrants on Cumberland View Drive in east Oak Ridge and tried to make a traffic stop, said Leslie Earhart, public information officer for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. The man reportedly had warrants for domestic assault and aggravated burglary. [Read more…]

TBI investigating shooting that involved officer on Emory Valley Road

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Police are investigating after a chase was reported along Emory Valley Road and there were reports of shots fired on Monday evening, Oct. 8, 2018. The parking lot at Anderson County General Sessions Court on Emory Valley Road is blocked off with yellow tape, and there is a large emergency response presence that includes members of the Oak Ridge Police Department, Oak Ridge Fire Department, Anderson County EMS, and District Attorney General Dave Clark, right. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

Police are investigating after a chase was reported along Emory Valley Road and there were reports of shots fired on Monday evening, Oct. 8, 2018. The parking lot at Anderson County General Sessions Court on Emory Valley Road is blocked off with yellow tape, and there is a large emergency response presence that includes members of the Oak Ridge Police Department, Oak Ridge Fire Department, Anderson County EMS, and District Attorney General Dave Clark, right. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

Note: This story was updated at 9 p.m.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has agents and forensic scientists on the scene of an officer-involved shooting on Monday along Emory Valley Road in Oak Ridge, a spokesperson said.

Update (11:45 p.m.): A man who struck an Oak Ridge police officer with a vehicle died when at least one officer opened fire in a courthouse parking lot on Monday evening, authorities said. See newer story here.

The incident on Monday evening, which was said to have included a police pursuit and shots fired, was reported in areas along Emory Valley Road, including a residential neighborhood and the parking lot of Anderson County General Sessions Court, Division II. The courthouse parking lot was blocked off with yellow police/fire tape on Monday evening, and members of the Oak Ridge Police Department, Oak Ridge Fire Department, Anderson County EMS, and District Attorney General Dave Clark were there.

At about 8:30 p.m. Monday, TBI spokesperson Leslie Earhart said she was on her way to provide more information when possible. [Read more…]

Affidavit: Woman admits stealing from 83-year-old who was allegedly killed

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Christy Viola Comer

Christy Viola Comer

 

The Rocky Top woman charged with homicide last week admitted stealing from an 83-year-old man who was believed to have been strangled at his home on Friday, according to Anderson County court records.

The body of J.C. Copeland was found outside of his home in the 600 block of Jacksboro Avenue in Rocky Top on Friday morning, authorities said last week.

Agents from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation started investigating at the request of Seventh Judicial District Attorney General Dave Clark and with help from the Rocky Top Police Department, Anderson County Sheriff’s Department, and Seventh Judicial District Crime Task Force.

“During the course of the investigation, authorities developed information leading to Comer as an individual responsible for Copeland’s death,” the TBI said in a press release over the weekend.

An affidavit filed in Anderson County General Sessions Court in Clinton said Christy Viola Comer, 37, who has been charged with criminal homicide, conspired to participate in the robbery and killing of Copeland. Copeland is believed to have been strangled to death, the affidavit said. [Read more…]

Rocky Top woman charged with homicide in death of 83-year-old

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Christy Viola Comer

Christy Viola Comer

 

Note: This story was updated at 1:20 p.m. September 3.

A Rocky Top woman has been arrested and charged with homicide in the death of an 83-year-old man, state authorities said.

Christy Viola Comer, 37, was arrested by special agents from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, with help from several local law enforcement agencies, a TBI press release said.

On Friday morning, authorities found the body of J.C. Copeland outside of his home in the 600 block of Jacksboro Avenue in Rocky Top. TBI agents started investigating at the request of Seventh Judicial District Attorney General Dave Clark and with help from the Rocky Top Police Department, Anderson County Sheriff’s Department, and Seventh Judicial District Crime Task Force. [Read more…]

TBI investigating inmate death at county jail

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April Michelle Beach

April Michelle Beach

 

Information from WYSH Radio

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of an inmate at the Anderson County Detention Facility in Clinton on July 4.

April Michelle Beach, 36, of Rocky Top was picked up July 2 by an Anderson County Sheriff’s Department deputy for a probation violation and a violation of her pre-trial release and booked into the jail.

On the morning of July 4, according to a source close to the investigation, she became ill and was transported by paramedics to the emergency room, where she was pronounced dead. [Read more…]

Investigation: Clinton man accused of threatening three judges

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Ronald Jennings Taylor

Ronald Jennings Taylor

 

 

Ronald Taylor Don Elledge Don Layton Nicki Cantrell Slider Cropped

CLINTON—A Clinton man accused of threatening to harm three Anderson County judges has a trial scheduled this week in Anderson County Criminal Court.

Details about the alleged threat aren’t available in an indictment filed by the Anderson County Grand Jury in October.

The 53-year-old man has had a dispute with Anderson County officials about searches of people at the security checkpoint near the elevators on the third floor of the Anderson County Courthouse in Clinton. He has told deputies that they do not have the right to search him, objected to the metal detectors there, claimed that civil rights are being violated, and asserted the right to defend himself with deadly force against an unlawful act by a police officer, according to court records.

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Two Maryville men accused of pretending to be licensed contractors

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Jonathan Presley

Jonathan Presley

 

Two Maryville men have been indicted after being accused of pretending to be licensed contractors in Anderson County, authorities said.

Before the indictments announced Tuesday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation had investigated a complaint of contractor fraud involving EPM Handyman Services. The business is owned by Jonathan Presley, 37, and Warren Presley, 45, both of Maryville. The investigation, which started in August 2017, was requested by Seventh Judicial District Attorney General Dave Clark.

“During the course of the investigation, agents learned the men were paid to build a garage at a location in Anderson County in April 2017 but never completed the job,” the TBI said in a press release Tuesday. “The investigation further revealed that the men were not licensed contractors authorized to conduct this type of business.” [Read more…]

Exclusive: Cromwell, co-defendants sentenced to 20-50 years for fraudulent liens

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Oak Ridge resident Lee Harold Cromwell, 68, was sentenced to 25 years in prison on 28 counts of forgery and filling fraudulent liens during a hearing in Nashville criminal court on Wednesday, June 27, 2018. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

Oak Ridge resident Lee Harold Cromwell, 68, was sentenced to 25 years in prison on 28 counts of forgery and filling fraudulent liens during a criminal court hearing in Nashville on Wednesday, June 27, 2018. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

Oak Ridge resident Lee Harold Cromwell, 68, was sentenced to 25 years in prison on 28 counts of forgery and filling fraudulent liens during a hearing in criminal court in Nashville on Wednesday, June 27, 2018. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

Oak Ridge resident Lee Harold Cromwell, 68, was sentenced on 28 counts of forgery and filling fraudulent liens during a criminal court hearing in Nashville on Wednesday, June 27, 2018. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

NASHVILLE—Five East Tennessee men who have been identified as “sovereign citizens,” including one from Oak Ridge and another from Clinton, were sentenced to 20-50 years in prison on Wednesday after filing fraudulent liens worth hundreds of millions of dollars against public officials, law enforcement officers, and others.

The five defendants—who included Austin Gary Cooper, 69, of Clinton, and Lee Harold Cromwell, 68, of Oak Ridge—had earlier been convicted of more than 200 counts of forgery and filing unlawful liens. That was at the end of a six-day trial in Davidson County Criminal Court in Nashville in late April.

Their sentencing hearing was Wednesday. It lasted more than three hours.

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DA: Cromwell, other ‘sovereign citizens’ convicted in fraudulent liens case

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Lee Harold Cromwell, 67, the Oak Ridge man convicted of vehicular homicide in a fatal parking lot crash at Midtown Community Center after July 4 fireworks two years ago, was sentenced to 12 years in prison during a hearing in Anderson County Criminal Court on Monday, June 19, 2017. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today

Lee Harold Cromwell, the Oak Ridge man convicted of vehicular homicide in a fatal parking lot crash at Midtown Community Center after July 4 fireworks in Oak Ridge in 2015, was sentenced to 12 years in prison during a hearing in Anderson County Criminal Court on Monday, June 19, 2017. In a separate case, Cromwell was convicted this week in Nashville along with four other defendants in a fraudulent liens case, and he will be sentenced June 27. (File photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

Note: This story was last updated at 8:30 a.m. May 4.

Five “sovereign citizens,” including Lee Cromwell of Oak Ridge, were convicted of more than 200 counts in Nashville this week in a case where the defendants had been accused of filing fraudulent liens against local and state officials in East Tennessee, including judges, prosecutors, and police officers in Anderson County, an official said Thursday.

Before the convictions, seven sovereign citizens from Anderson County had been charged in February 2017 with forgery and filing liens without a legal basis, Seventh Judicial District Attorney General Dave Clark said in a press release Thursday. Those charges came after an investigation that had been requested by Clark and was conducted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Many of the cases were tried in Nashville, and a jury returned a verdict this week of guilty on all counts, Clark said. Clark and his wife were both victims of the fraudulent liens, so Clark had requested another district attorney general to prosecute the case.

“As the liens were filed electronically at the Secretary of State’s Office in Nashville, it made sense to have the defendants indicted and prosecuted in Davidson County,” Clark said. [Read more…]

DA: Deadly force authorized, no criminal charges in fatal officer-involved shooting

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Roger Raymond York Jr.

Roger Raymond York Jr.

 

A Clinton Police Department officer was authorized to use deadly force against an armed, wanted man who did not comply with officers and fired a shot from a semi-automatic pistol during a struggle with police on November 8, and there will be no criminal charges filed against the three officers involved in the fatal shooting, Anderson County District Attorney General Dave Clark said Monday.

Clark worked with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to investigate the officer-involved shooting of Roger Raymond York Jr., 32, who had a Clinton address, according to Anderson County jail records.

York died after he fired a weapon at Clinton Police Department officers on East Drive in Clinton on Wednesday night, November 8, according to earlier information from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. One of the officers fired back, hitting York, who died, according to that information. [Read more…]