A Smithville woman has been indicted by the grand jury on charges of TennCare Fraud and theft of services over $10,000.
45 year old Kimberly Dawn Griffin of Pages Lane, Smithville was named in a sealed indictment last Monday, November 23. She was served with the indictment on Wednesday, November 25. Her bond is $10,000 and she will be arraigned in DeKalb County Criminal Court on Monday, December 7
According to count 1 of the indictment, obtained by WJLE, “Kimberly D. Griffin, between the 15th day of December, 2008 and the 29th day of October, 2012 intentionally did obtain certain services, to wit: medical assistance benefits for herself and her minor child, provided by the State of Tennessee, of the value of over $10,000 but less than $60,000, by means of deception, fraud, coercion, false pretense, or other means, with the intent to avoid payment for the services, constituting the offense of theft of services over $10,000”.
Count 2 of the indictment alleges that “Kimberly D. Griffin, between the 15th day of December, 2008 and the 29th day of October, 2012 did knowingly obtain medical assistance benefits for herself and her minor child, by means of her willfully false statement, representation or impersonation or by concealment of a material fact, to wit: fraudulently reporting to DHS that her minor child resided with her, in order to be eligible for TennCare benefits, constituting the offense of TennCare Fraud”.
Tag Archives: 2015
Tiger Coach Lynus Martin Gets 250th Career Victory
DeKalb County High School Tiger Basketball Coach Lynus Martin reached a coaching milestone Friday notching his 250th career victory. It came against Greater Gwinnett Christian of Norcross, Georgia in the Cannon County Thanksgiving Classic at Woodbury. The final score was 53-42.
The Tigers defeated Grundy County in the Classic on Saturday 43-40 to improve Coach Martin’s overall career coaching record to 251-149 as he begins his 14th season as head coach of the Tiger basketball program. The Tigers suffered their first loss of the season Monday night at Gordonsville 60-46. Coach Martin’s record is now 251-150.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to coach a lot of good players over the years that have helped make all this possible. I appreciate my wife and my kids for allowing me to do this. I appreciate Coach Danny Bond for all the years of mentoring me and allowing me to be in this position. Hopefully we’re got a lot more years to come,” said Coach Martin.
The Tigers are currently 8-1 with wins over Grundy County 52-47, Tullahoma 45-43, Daniel 1 Academy 61-23, Riverside Christian 78-40, Chattanooga Patriots 68-35, F.C. Boyd, Sr. Christian 55-42, Greater Gwinnett Christian 53-42, and Grundy County 43-40. Their only loss has been to Gordonsville 60 to 46.
Meanwhile the Lady Tigers of Coach Joe Pat Cope are 6-1 with wins over Grundy County 58-46, Tullahoma 62-50, Chattanooga Patriots 51-30, Red Boiling Springs 56-48, F.C. Boyd, Sr. Christian 53-31, and Gordonsville 58 to 38. Their only loss has been to Watertown 70-67.
DeKalb County travels to Warren County tonight (Tuesday, December 1) with action starting at 6:00 p.m. WJLE will have LIVE coverage.
Foster Children’s Fund Receives Check from DeKalb Community Advisory Board and Prevention Coalition
The DeKalb Community Advisory Board and DeKalb Prevention Coalition Monday presented a check for $1,100 to Annette Greek, Treasurer for the DeKalb Foster Children’s Fund.
Those making the presentation were Norene Puckett, DeKalb Drug Court Coordinator and Vice President of the Community Advisory Board, Kristy Longmire, Drug Court Case Manager, Susan Gray of Haven of Hope, Elise Driver, Coordinated School Health Coordinator, and Cindy Childers, Assistant School Health Coordinator.
“The DeKalb Community Advisory Board had a fundraiser back in February for the DeKalb Foster Children’s Fund. We’re here today presenting the $1,100 that we raised which was donated to help the children in DeKalb County,” said Puckett.
“Our group’s mission is to network with any of our community members. We have people representing different agencies including the Drug Court Program, Haven of Hope, the School Board, the Food Pantry, and the Library. We have members all across the county and our goal is to identify any needs in the community and use our different agency’s resources and others to fill those needs,” said Puckett.
(PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Susan Gray, Annette Greek, Cindy Childers, Elise Driver, Norene Puckett, and Kristy Longmire)
DCHS Collects 250 Shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child
FCA and FCCLA teamed up and offered a challenge to DeKalb County High School: to collect shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. Each November thousands of people prepare and collect shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies, personal items, and other small gifts. These boxes are then distributed overseas by volunteers to third world countries. According to the Operation Christmas Child website, as of April 2015, over 124 million boxes have been delivered. Many students and teachers participated in this event, and DCHS collected 250 shoeboxes! The cost to ship each shoebox is $7.00, and Union Lee Baptist Church (where FCCLA advisor Mrs. Linda Parris attends) paid the entire shipping fee at $7.00 per box. FCA Advisors: Coach Dylan Kleparek, Mrs. Lisa Craig, Mrs. Jane Rice, Ms. Sara Parker, and Coach Steve Trapp.
Wardell Byron Harris, Jr.
Wardell Byron Harris, Jr. age 69 of Liberty passed away Friday morning, November 27, 2015 at his residence of an extended illness. He was born June 27, 1946 to his parents, the late Wardell Byron and Estell Scott Harris, Sr. He was a Methodist and retired repair and maintenance man. survivors include his wife, Betty Harris of Liberty; 1 step-daughter, Jessica Marie Tittle of Lebanon; 3 grandchildren, Austin Tittle, Anthony Tittle, Ethan Tittle all of Liberty; ex son-in-law, Raymond Tittle of Liberty; mother-in-law, Shelby Davis of Liberty; special friends, Teresa (Larry) Caldwell, Lisa Caldwell, Jennifer Chapman and Margaret Hobson. A memorial service will be held 6:PM Thursday, December 3, 2015 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bros. Charlie Worrell and Michael Hale officiating. Visitation will be Thursday 5:PM until the time of the service at 6:PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to DeKalb Funeral Chapel to help with funeral expenses. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
James Edward Simpson
James Edward Simpson, age 91, passed away Sunday, November 29, 2015 at MorningView Transitional Care Center in Maryville, Tennessee. He was born February 20, 1924 to his parents, the late Robert and Nettie Mai Page Simpson. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 47 years, Elizabeth Banks Simpson and sister, Gladys Simpson. He was a member of Gallatin First United Methodist Church and attended Hartsville Pike Church of Christ. Mr. Simpson grew up on his family farm on Hannah’s Branch in Dekalb County, Tennessee and was a graduate of Liberty High School. He worked in the dairy industry for many years having served in various capacities in Alexandria, Portland, Pulaski, Columbia, and Gallatin, Tennessee. He was a 50-year member of Alexandria Lodge # 175 Free and Accepted Masons. Survivors include sons, Thomas Edward Simpson (Brenda) of Lenoir City; Robert Banks Simpson of Maryville; grandchildren, Angelia Michelle (David) Scott of Oak Ridge; Thomas Chad Simpson, Andrew Banks Simpson, and Mark Allen Simpson all of Maryville; and 3 great grandchildren, Elizabeth Grace Scott, Grayson Marie Simpson, and Daniel Thomas Scott. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 1 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Family Heritage Funeral Home in Gallatin, Tennessee. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, December 2 at 11 a.m. at Salem Baptist Church Cemetery in Liberty, Tennessee officiated by Brother Doyle Farris. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be submitted at familyheritagefh.com Family Heritage Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Bobbie Ruth Chapman
Bobbie Ruth Chapman age 78 of Alexandria passed away Sunday, November 29, 2015 at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage. She was born December 30, 1936 to her parents, the late Jimmy and Lula Thomas Inglish. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death her husband, William Chapman; 1 son, Teddy Foutch. Bobbie Ruth was a faithful member of Covenant Baptist Church, and retired Home Interior Dealer. Survivors include 1 daughter, Faye Frazier of Liberty; 2 grandchildren, Barbara (Kevin) Jones of McMinnville and Michael (Nicola) Foutch of Liberty; 5 great-grandchildren, Adam J. Jones, Taylor Foutch, Jesse Foutch, Thomas Foutch and Matthew Foutch. Funeral services will be conducted 10:AM Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bros. Bobby Thomason and Michael Hale officiating and burial to follow in Salem Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday 12 Noon until 8:PM and Wednesday 8:AM until the time of the service at 10:AM. In lieu of flowers, Bobbie requested that donations be made to any veterans charity in honor of her late husband, William Chapman. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Pauline “Mama Poss” Poss Cantrell
Pauline “Mama Poss” Poss Cantrell age 91 of Smithville, passed away Saturday night at St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital ER. She was born October 14, 1924 to her parents, the late William Riley and Connie Gibbs Hendrixson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first and second husbands, James Elmer Poss and Talmadge Cantrell; grandson, Jerry Lane Poss; 2 brothers, William Vernus Hendrixson and Joe Hendrixson. Mama Poss was a member of the Bright Hill United Methodist Chruch, Smithville Senior Citizens, United Methodist Women and worked with the Methodist Clothes Closet. She was a retired shirt factory worker, school cafeteria worker and a homemaker. Survivors include 4 children, W.J. and wife Bill Poss of Smithville, Geraldine and husband Junior Fuson of Smithville, Jimmy and wife Joyce Poss of Smithville and Bobby and wife Judy Poss of Smithville; 9 grandchildren, John (Lori) Poss, Jim (J.J.) Poss, Dana Poss, Tammy (Scott) Turner, Scotty (Lori) Fuson, Tony (Jenia) Poss, Tonya (Michael) Hattaway, Christie (Mark) Hart, Jason (Misty) Poss, 20 great-grandchildren; 1 sister, Ruth Colwell of Dowelltown and 1 brother, Jack (Jerrie) Hendrixson of Gallatin. Funeral services will be conducted 1:PM Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. John Carpenter officiating and burial to follow in Whorton Springs Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Monday 2:PM until 8:PM, Tuesday 10:AM until 8:PM, Wednesday 9:AM until the time of the service at 1:PM. In addition of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to either the Bright Hill United Methodist Church Building Fund, DeKalb Animal Coalition or to the charity of your choice. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Man Airlifted After Thanksgiving Day Crash
A 22 year old man was seriously injured in a one car crash Thursday on Four Seasons Road.
Central dispatch received the call at 2:13 p.m.
Trooper Chris Delong of the Tennessee Highway Patrol told WJLE that Kenneth Johnson, Jr. of Poss Road Smithville was west on Four Seasons Road in a 1991 Ford LTD when he lost control while trying to negotiate a curve. He went off the right side of the road, overcorrected, and came back across the road before going off an embankment and hitting trees.
Johnson was treated at the scene by DeKalb EMS and then airlifted by Vandy Life Flight to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.
Members of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department and the Johnson Chapel, Midway, and Short Mountain Highway Stations of the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department were also on the scene.
Grand Jury Indicts Man in Liquor Store Burglary and Theft
A man believed to be responsible for a recent burglary at a Smithville liquor store was indicted Monday by the grand jury.
50 year old Amail John Land is indicted for burglary, theft under $500, and vandalism under $500. He will be arraigned in criminal court on December 7.
Captain Steven Leffew of the Smithville Police Department said that while conducting an investigation concerning a burglary earlier in the morning on Friday, September 25 at Center Hill Wine and Spirits, Detective Brandon Donnell arrested Land for burglary, vandalism, and theft. At approximately 5:12 a.m. that morning Sergeant Travis Bryant responded to the store in reference to a burglar alarm. Upon arrival he noticed that the door to the business was busted out and a large rock was lying inside the store. Upon speaking with the owner of the business, it appeared that two bottles of Vodka had been taken. Land became a suspect in the case from store surveillance video.