A Nashville man was indicted by a special session of the DeKalb County Grand Jury last Friday, August 25 accused of using a 15 year old Liberty girl for prostitution.
34 year old Charles Earl Denton is charged in the sealed indictment with trafficking for commercial sex act. He is under a $250,000 bond and will be arraigned in DeKalb County Criminal Court on Monday, September 11.
Denton was picked up today (Friday) in Nashville by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department. He was being held by Metro Nashville Police after being taken into custody Thursday.
The indictment against Denton alleges that on or about August 1, 2017, Denton did knowingly recruit, entice, harbor, provide, purchase, or obtain by any other means, a 15 year old minor child for the purpose of providing a commercial sex act, in violation of state law.
The investigation by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department began on Friday, August 4th after the girl’s family reported her missing. The family said the teen sought and received permission to spend the night at a friend’s house two days before on Wednesday, August 2nd but she never came home. The investigation revealed that the girl knew Denton and that he had arranged through social media to meet her. Denton drove to Liberty on Wednesday, August 2, picked up the girl, and transported her to Nashville for the purpose of commercial sex. She was later found at a Nashville motel with another missing teen and an adult woman. Denton was not at the motel at the time.
Sheriff Patrick Ray explained how the story unfolded in the following prepared statement.
“On August 4th the Sheriff’s Department received a complaint about a missing 15 year old female in Liberty. The father of the 15 year old girl said his daughter had told him on August 2nd she was going to a friend’s house to spend the night. The next day, she texted her father back and said she wanted to spend that night with another friend. On August 4th the father could not get back in touch with her and contacted the Sheriff’s Department and filed a missing juvenile report”.
“After the report was filed on August 4th, officers tried to enter her information into the Amber Alert System, but were advised that she did not meet the standards of an amber alert because she was not abducted and left on her own free will”.
“While we were working on trying to locate the juvenile, we were able to gain access into one of her social media networks. It was discovered the juvenile was having conversations and was uploading explicit pictures of herself to a man named Charles Denton, age 34, from Nashville. It was then found there were uploads of the juvenile’s pictures along with another young girl’s picture on a website that is known to be associated with illegal activities”.
“Detectives found where they believed a person associated with the ad was located in a motel off of Wallace Road in Nashville. They called an agent with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation who specializes in commercial sex crimes. He went to the motel on Wallace Road and set up surveillance. The agent then called and asked for two of my detectives to come to Nashville and setup an undercover sting on the motel room. After the Detectives arrived in Nashville, a TBI agent setup an appointment to purchase sex there in a motel room through the website”.
“A decision then was made to take down whoever was in the motel room. An undercover TBI Agent went to the room as planned for the appointment to purchase sex. After he was in the room, other officers entered the room and detained everyone”.
“Officers found our missing juvenile there along with another 17 year old juvenile that was reported missing from Nashville. An adult female was also in the room with the juveniles”.
“Through an investigation, it was found that Charles Denton was the one who planned to meet our missing juvenile on August 2nd. Denton drove to Liberty here in DeKalb County and picked the juvenile up and transported her to Nashville for the purpose of commercial sex”.
“After returning back to DeKalb County, Detectives obtained a state warrant for Charles Denton”.
“On August 25th, a special called meeting of the DeKalb County Grand Jury convened and a sealed indictment was obtained for trafficking for a commercial sex act on Charles Denton”.
“Denton has been entered into the national crime information center as wanted since August 6th”.
“Denton was picked up in Davidson County on August 31st. He was transported to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department where he remains in custody on a $250,000 bond. His court date is September 11, 2017”.
“Local officers working the case were Deputy Michael Trusty, Detectives Jimmy Martin, Robert Patrick, and Stephen Barrett and Sheriff Patrick Ray,” the statement concluded.
“Sheriff Ray strongly advises parents to beware of what your child is doing on the internet. “Monitor what your children are doing on Social Media sites such as Facebook, Snap Chat, Twitter, Kik, Instagram, and text now. Pedophiles try to communicate with minors as a friend and setup meetings with children promising them freedom, money, lavish lifestyles, and sex. If you find someone trying to setup a meeting with a child or making any odd comments, please report them to us,” advised Sheriff Ray.

The 12th Annual History Hayride, a fundraising event for the Friends of Edgar Evins State Park, will be held on Saturday, October 14 at the park.
Registration is now open for the Hayride. The cost is $15.00 per person. Seating is limited. This event sells out very quickly so be sure to get your reservations made early to ensure your seats! A Visa or Master Card will be accepted.
(CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO REGISTER ON-LINE)
https://www.123signup.com/register?id=hxjvx
Ride hay wagons back into the “olden days”, with approximately 11 stops along the route where costumed characters will reveal the history of the park and area. A guide on each wagon will provide additional narratives between stops.
This is not a Halloween themed event and is not suitable for small children or those who have difficulty sitting still for 2 1/2 hours.
If you need help email Fount Bertram, President of Friends of Edgar Evins State Park, at fwbertram@dtccom.net or contact the park office at 1-800-250-8619 or 931-858-2114 for his telephone number.
Complimentary warm beverages will be at the Park Office. Homemade cookies will be priced per serving. If the weather is chilly there will also be a campfire in front of the park office where visitors may roast marshmallows.
Departure and returns will be at the Park Office. A circuit will last approximately 2 to 2½ hours during which spectators will remain on the wagons.There will be ten loads. Wagons will leave about every half hour.
Reservation times are for specific wagon loads and are not exact times of departure. It is necessary to be present at the stated reservation time to complete the registration process. If it is cooler on the lake you might wish to bring a jacket or blanket with you, especially for the evening rides.
Visit Facebook www.facebook.com/friendsofeesp and return often to this website at http://foeesp.alturl.com/
For park information phone the office: (931) 858-2114 or toll free at 1-800-250-8619.
For information about the Friends of Edgar Evins State Park contact Fount Bertram, President: email fwbertram@dtccom.net or phone (615) 765-5357

A 17 year old boy was cited for failing to exercise due care Friday evening after his vehicle rear ended a school bus transporting six students home from school.
According to Trooper Danielle Neal of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the bus driver, Myron Rhody was turning from South Mountain Street (Highway 146) onto Jackson Street in Smithville when the teen, driving a 2000 Chevy S-10 rear ended the bus. 18 year old Chris Hobbs was a passenger with the boy.
One of the students on the bus, an 11 year old girl, reportedly complained of back pain and was transported by DeKalb EMS to St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital. The teen driver of the Chevy S-10 was also transported to the hospital. Neither was believed to be seriously hurt.
No one else involved in the accident was transported.
Parents of the students were notified and arrived at the scene to take their children home.
Members of the Smithville Police and Fire Departments were also on site to provide assistance.
The bus, #19, is a sub and received some damage to the rear bumper in the accident. The bus will not be used again until the state inspects it.
Meanwhile, in a separate accident 18 year old Dominick Barlow of Sparta escaped injury Friday night in a one vehicle crash on Highway 70 east near Sligo bridge.
According to Trooper Neal, Barlow was driving west on Highway 70 in a 2001 Dodge 1500 when the truck went out of control, spun around, and overturned coming to rest on the driver side door in a ditch facing east.
Barlow was helped from the truck but he refused transport to the hospital. Members of the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department, Sheriff’s Department, and EMS were on the scene.

The DCHS Tigers’ hopes of getting their first win of the season were washed away with the rain Friday night in Smithville as they lost 38-16 to the visiting Stone Memorial Panthers.
DeKalb County drops to 0-3 overall and 0-1 in region play. Stone Memorial improves to 2-1 on the season and 1-0 in the region.
The Panthers’ first score came on a 15 yard touchdown run by Thomas Vanvorhes with 7:23 left in the 1st period. The 2 point conversion run was good for an 8-0 Stone Memorial lead.
Quarterback Thomas Arnold scored on a 45 yard touchdown run with 5:55 left in the 2nd period. With the 2 point conversion run, the Panthers led 16-0.
Stone Memorial extended its lead with 2:05 left in the 2nd period on a 5 yard touchdown run by Grant Finley. The 2 point conversion run gave the Panthers a 24-0 advantage.
QB Arnold got his second TD of the game on an 87 yard run with 9:10 left in the 3rd period. With the 2 point conversion run, Stone Memorial led 32-0
DeKalb County’s David Bradford got the Tigers on the board with 5:26 left in the 3rd period on a 2 yard touchdown run. QB Tyler Cantrell scored on the 2 point conversion run to cut the Panthers lead to 32-8.
Stone Memorial added to its lead on a 1 yard TD run by Jayden Bowman with 11:31 left in the 4th period. The 2 point conversion attempt failed but the Panthers led 38-8.
DeKalb County’s last score of the game came on a 35 yard touchdown run by David Bradford with 10 minutes left in the game. QB Tyler Cantrell scored on the 2 point conversion run but the Tigers lost 38-16.
The Tigers will travel to Watertown next Friday night, September 8 to take on the Purple Tigers. Kick-off is set for 7:00 p.m. WJLE will have LIVE coverage.

Smithville Elementary would like to recognize its Students of the Month for September. These students were selected for their outstanding character, academics, and other traits that make them an all-around excellent student. Selected as Students of the Month for September are:
Pre-K: Elizabeth Knowles
Kindergarten: Ellie Adkins
1st grade: Hayden Quarles
2nd grade: Chloee Cantrell

Smithville Police have charged a man with aggravated assault for allegedly trying to strangle his victim
31 year old Matthew A. Gilles was arrested on Tuesday, August 29 after police, responding to a call, found that Gilles allegedly assaulted the victim, leaving red marks on the neck and other physical evidence of assault. Police determined that Gilles had committed the offense of aggravated assault by strangulation to the victim’s neck. Gilles also had scratch marks on his neck from a physical altercation with the victim but he was determined to have been the primary aggressor and was taken into custody without incident. His bond is $5,000 and his court date is September 14.
19 year old Tavia Gayle Cantrell was arrested on Wednesday, August 30 for disorderly conduct. At approximately 5:15 a.m, officers outside the Police Department heard Cantrell, who was standing outside of the Sheriff’s Department, cussing and yelling at county officers. She then ran about the public square yelling and screaming. Police asked Cantrell to calm down and talk to them in a peaceful manner but she refused to comply and was taken into custody. According to police her actions caused a danger to herself and a disruption to the public. Her bond is $3,500 and her court date is September 28.
48 year old Lou Ann Sanders was arrested two days in a row for violating an order of protection. The first incident occurred on Saturday, August 19 as police were called to check on two persons who were walking in the middle of the road on Anthony Avenue. By the time an officer arrived, the two people, Sanders and 41 year old Jason Allen Bates were in the Wal-Mart parking lot. While speaking with the couple, the officer noticed that Bates’ speech was slurred and that he was unsteady on his feet and had to be steadied to keep him from falling. Bates was placed into custody for public intoxication due to the likelihood he would endanger himself or another. During the investigation police learned through a computer check that Bates has an active order of protection against Sanders, so she was taken into custody for violating that order. She was also cited for simple possession after the officer found in her pocket during a search incident to arrest, a prescription bottle filled with Alprazolam belonging to Bates. Bond for Bates is $1,500 and $2,500 for Sanders in this case. Both will appear in General Sessions Court September 14.
The following day, Sunday August 20 Sanders was arrested again for violating the order of protection, the third time she has been charged with this offense. During a response to a call of a possible overdose, police arrived at the residence and found Sanders in a chair beside Bates, who was sitting on the floor. The VOP order states that there is to be no contact between the two persons. Sanders was placed in custody without incident. Her bond on this charge is $5,000 and her court date is September 14.

An alert citizen helped Smithville Police catch a suspect in a recent burglary and theft.
29 year old Karri M. Jewell was arrested on Tuesday, August 22 for aggravated burglary, vandalism and two counts of theft.
According to Smithville Police, a citizen called to report a home burglary and theft and that he (caller) was following the suspect and would continue to do so until police arrived.
Officers caught up with the suspect, Jewell on White Street. Found in her possession were items taken from the burglarized residence and a key to the home.
The victim discovered that the burglar had also damaged the home’s bathroom door.
During the investigation, police recovered items from Jewell that had been reported stolen in a previous theft on Friday, August 18.
Police said that the victim in the August 18 case had been trying to help Jewell as she (Jewell) was having some difficulties but that Jewell had taken advantage of her generosity by stealing items from the victim’s home after she (victim) left for work. Some of the items in the thefts were recovered and returned to the victims. Bond for Jewell is $13,000.
24 year old Brien Keith Todd Jr. was cited on Wednesday, August 23 for fraudulent use of a credit card. The victim filed a report on Tuesday, August 15 that someone had used his debit card without his permission. Upon investigation it was discovered that Todd had used the debit card at various businesses without the owner’s consent.
50 year old Carolyn Mary Helminski was arrested on Monday, August 28 for theft of property over $1000. The victim filed the theft report on Friday, August 25 informing police that Helminski lives with her and had taken some of her jewelry and pawned it at Insta Cash. Upon investigation, some of the jewelry was recovered from Insta Cash and Helminski was charged with the theft. Her bond is $5,000 and her court date is September 14.

DeKalb County recently served as host for the Upper Cumberland Chamber Executives Association (UCCEA) meeting held at the Appalachian Center for Craft. After a welcome from Craft Center Director Debra Ruzinsky and County Mayor Tim Stribling, the day’s speakers included Melanie Beauchamp, Director of Outreach and Engagement for the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development; Cara Ince, Partnership Director for the Tennessee State Parks; Dennis Tennant, Director of Extended Programs and Regional Development at Tennessee Tech University; and Sam Stout, Smithville Jamboree President and Granville’s Sutton Old Time Music Hour Host. After a delicious lunch at the Blue Water Grill on the Hill (located inside the Craft Center), Debra Ruzinsky gave a guided tour of the Appalachian Center for Craft.
The UCCEA is an organization composed of the leadership of the Chambers of Commerce that serve the 14-county Upper Cumberland area. The organization’s mission is to support the Upper Cumberland’s economic development as well as provide the opportunity to speak as a regional entity with the potential to benefit each county. It also serves as a forum for chamber directors to discuss best practices, challenges, and ideas. Chamber Director Suzanne Williams currently serves as UCCEA chairperson.

Two men fleeing a Cannon County Sheriff’s Department Detective in a stolen car were injured in a crash on Hogfoot Road in DeKalb County Thursday afternoon. Both men, 35 year old Jonathan Scott of McMinnville and 32 year old Eric Cox of Liberty were airlifted with serious injuries. The detective was not involved in the accident.
According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Scott was driving a 1995 Honda Accord with Cox as his passenger. The detective initiated a pursuit of the car in Cannon County and crossed into DeKalb County on Hogfoot Road. The officer told the THP that he terminated the chase and lost sight of the car before the wreck but came upon the crash.
The THP told WJLE that Scott failed to negotiate a curve and ran off the right side of the road into a small creek. Both Scott and Cox were taken to a helicopter landing zone set up by the DeKalb County Fire Department on Highway 53 at the DeKalb/Cannon County line. Scott was flown to Vanderbilt Hospital and Cox was airlifted enroute to Skyline Medical Center.
WJLE spoke with a Cannon County Sheriff’s detective Thursday night but he declined to comment about the pursuit saying the department has been advised by the District Attorney General not to make any public statements.
The crash was investigated by THP Trooper William Jackson assisted by Trooper Bobby Johnson.

Three members of the DCHS 1972 Tiger Football team and their coach appeared on WJLE Thursday morning to share memories and stories about their 6-4 year on the field 45 years ago. The first winning football season at the school.
If you missed the program featuring Jackie Gaither, Mike Corley, Ray Miller and former coach Wayne Cantrell you may click the link below to hear it..
http://www.wjle.com/audio/dchs-1972-football-team
The 1972 Tiger Football Team will reunite Friday night, September 1 at the White Possum Grille at 5:00 p.m. All members of this team regardless of class year, coaches, managers, and spouses are invited to attend. Following a Dutch-treat meal, the team will take a short walk to VanHooser Stadium to watch the Tigers compete with Stone Memorial High School.
If you have any questions, contact Mike Corley at Middle Tennessee Natural Gas Utility District at 615-597-0530