Three men accused of kidnapping a man and woman and beating them with an axe handle in July, 2014 were sentenced in DeKalb County Criminal Court Tuesday, June 23
43 year old Jimmy Tolbert (J.J.) Hendrixson, Jr., 37 year old Casey Joseph Jacobs, and 49 year old Comas Brian Higgins each originally charged with two counts of especially aggravated kidnapping, entered pleas to lesser charges. Hendrixson received a twelve year sentence after pleading to kidnapping. He is to serve at 35% before parole eligibility. He was given jail credit for 128 days served.
Jacobs and Higgins each entered a plea by information to a charge of aggravated assault. Each received a six year sentence in the Tennessee Department of Corrections to serve at 30%. Both were given jail credit for days served including 339 days for Jacobs and 340 for Higgins.
According to Sheriff Patrick Ray, Hendrixson, Jacobs, and Higgins met their victims at a bridge on the New Bildad Road Friday night, July 18, 2014 and assaulted them with an axe handle. Both victims were then tied up and their mouths were taped shut. The male victim managed to escape and ran to a residence nearby where he called for help. The three abductors then drove the female victim to their home on the Old Snow Hill Road.
“After we got the call, I along with detectives and deputies of the sheriff’s department arrived (on New Bildad Road) and found an individual (male victim) who had minor injuries. We took a statement from him and learned who the individuals were who assaulted and tied him up. He told us of a female that had been done the same way. We found her (at residence on Old Snow Hill Road) and took her into safe keeping. We arrested the three individuals responsible,” said Sheriff Ray.
The arrest warrants against Hendrixson, Jacobs, and Higgins all alleged that on Friday, July 18, 2014 they held a woman and man against their will. The man and woman were tied up with a rope and their mouths were taped shut. The man and woman had each been assaulted with an axe handle. The woman had several marks on her body from the axe handle and rope. The man suffered bodily injuries causing him to be transported by DeKalb EMS to the hospital where he was treated and released. Neither victim was seriously hurt in the attack.
Sheriff Ray gave no motive for the kidnapping and assault.

A Sparta man was arrested Saturday after causing damage while allegedly trying to break-in to a home on Indian Mound Road and then assaulting an officer while being placed in custody.
58 year old David Dee Mabe of Cedar Creek, Sparta is charged with public intoxication; resist, stop, frisk, and halt; assault; and two counts of vandalism. He was further cited by the THP for leaving the scene of an accident and for failure to exercise due care. His bond totals $12,000 and he will be in court July 16.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Saturday, June 20 a deputy was dispatched to Indian Mound Road for a break-in in progress. Upon arrival, the officer spoke with the complainant who said that the suspect (Mabe) tried to gain entry to his residence by pulling on the front door. In doing so, Mabe caused a total of $319 in damage to the door knob and frame. Mabe, who was on the scene, refused to cooperate with the officer. Mabe was found to be very disoriented and staggered when he walked. The deputy also detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Mabe’s truck. As the officer was trying to arrest him, Mabe resisted by kicking and attempting to tackle the deputy. Mabe was subsequently placed in custody. While enroute to jail, Mabe caused over $500 in damage to the patrol car by repeatedly kicking the back passenger door.
Meanwhile, 34 year old Teodoro Garcia of Adcock Cemetery Road, Smithville is charged with driving on a revoked license. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court July 23. He was further issued a citation for violation of the financial responsibility law (no insurance). Sheriff Ray said that on Saturday, June 13 a deputy was dispatched to Short Mountain Highway due to a vehicle accident. The officer spoke with Garcia, who had wrecked the automobile. A computer check revealed that Garcia’s license were revoked for DUI in Rutherford County on February 24, 2011. He was arrested and brought to the jail for booking.
49 year old Edward Dale Caldwell of Cookeville Highway, Smithville is charged with driving under the influence. He was further issued citations for not wearing a seatbelt, violation of the registration law, violation of driving on roadways laned for travel, simple possession of a schedule VI drug (marijuana), and possession of drug paraphernalia (marijuana pipe). His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court August 27. Sheriff Ray said that on Monday, June 15 a deputy stopped a red truck traveling on Highway 56 north for crossing the white emergency line multiple times. The driver, Caldwell informed the officer that he had taken multiple medications. Caldwell submitted to and performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. He also took a blood test. After receiving consent to search, the deputy found 5.2 grams of marijuana in the middle console. A pipe, believed to have been used to smoke marijuana, was also recovered from Caldwell’s pocket.
28 year old Johnathon Adam Rice of Oakley Road, Liberty is charged with public intoxication. His bond is $1,500 and he will make a court appearance August 27. Sheriff Ray said that on Monday, June 15 Rice walked into the Sheriff’s Department for a visit. Rice could barely keep his eyes open. He admitted to having consumed beer and liquor and added that he had smoked marijuana. For his safety, Rice was placed under arrest.
47 year old Tania Mullinax of Smithville Highway, Silver Point is charged with domestic assault. Her bond is $2,500 and she will make a court appearance June 25. Sheriff Ray said that on Tuesday, June 16 Mullinax assaulted her husband by scratching him around the face and neck area leaving visible marks.
39 year old Amy Jo Scott of Rosewood Lane, Smithville is cited for simple possession of schedule II, IV, & V drugs. She will be in court on July 9. Sheriff Ray said that on Wednesday, June 10 a deputy went to a residence on Rosewood Lane to serve an arrest warrant on Scott. While there, the officer noticed that Scott picked up and concealed a silver pill container in her hand. The officer retrieved the container and found inside two Lyrica pills, a schedule V drug; one Klonopin, a schedule IV drug; four Ativan, a schedule IV drug, and one Vyvanse, a schedule II drug.
38 year old Randy Douglas Beach of Shady Oak Circle, Cookeville is cited for simple possession of marijuana. He will make a court appearance on July 16. Sheriff Ray said that on Saturday, June 13 while talking to Beach, a detective spotted a marijuana joint in the door handle of his vehicle, a 1989 Chevy Blazer. During a search of Beach’s person, the detective found a small baggie containing marijuana in his front pants pocket.
26 year old Matthew Tyler Hale of Upper Helton Road, Alexandria is cited for simple possession of a schedule VI drug (marijuana) and possession of drug paraphernalia (marijuana pipe). He will make a court appearance on August 27. According to Sheriff Ray, a deputy stopped a car for a traffic violation Tuesday, June 16 on Nashville Highway. After receiving consent to search, the officer found a pipe and less than a half ounce of marijuana under the passenger side seat of the vehicle. Marijuana (3.6 grams) was found with the pipe. Hale, the passenger, said he knew the pipe was there.
Five days later on Sunday, June 21, Hale was cited for not wearing a seatbelt and for driving on a suspended license. Sheriff Ray said that a deputy stopped a 2000 Chevy Cavalier. The driver, Hale, was not wearing a seatbelt. Hale also could not produce a valid driver’s license. A computer check revealed his license were suspended on February 12, 2015 for failure to provide insurance.

Another applicant is seeking a certificate of compliance to obtain a retail liquor license in the City of Smithville.
James E. Bradshaw of Potts Camp Road, Smithville has filed his application with the city to open a liquor store under the name “Center Hill Wine and Spirits, LLC” at 725 South Congress Boulevard at the location of the former Mexican Restaurant in the Food Lion shopping center. James E. Pendergrass of Jefferson Road is to serve as the manager of the business. Bradshaw is a former owner/manager of Pates Ford Marina
Obtaining approval for a certificate of compliance from the city is the first step in obtaining a liquor license, which must be granted by the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
The first applicant, Jim Smith of 275 Gene Vaughn Road has already received approval from the city for a certificate of compliance and is awaiting final approval for a license by the state to open a liquor store at 413 East Broad Street under the name “Smithville Discount Wine & Spirits” The building is currently the location for Clair’s Consignment.
According to the regulations under the city’s liquor ordinance, applications for a certificate of compliance are to be referred to the Smithville Police Department for investigation and to the city attorney for a review (background check), who have up to thirty days to report their findings to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. Once an applicant receives a certificate of compliance from the city, he must then send it to the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission as part of the state requirements in making application for a liquor license.
Bradshaw’s application for a certificate of compliance is to be considered by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen at a special meeting in July at city hall.
All persons wishing to be heard on the certificate of compliance may personally or through counsel appear or submit their views in writing to the City of Smithville at 104 East Main Street, Smithville Tennessee 37166.
The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission will consider the application at a later date to be set by the TABC in Nashville. Interested persons may personally or through counsel submit their views in writing by the hearing date to be scheduled by the TABC
Other conditions set forth in the city liquor ordinance before a certificate of compliance can be issued are as follows:
An applicant must have been a resident of the city for the previous two years or a citizen of the county for three years. Anyone in a partnership must also meet the residency requirements.
No applicant convicted of a felony within ten years of filing an application may be issued a certificate.
There is no limit as to the number of stores that may operate but no retailer shall operate, directly or indirectly, more than one liquor store in the city.
Liquor stores may only be operated in locations zoned for that purpose.
No store may be located in a space of less than 1,500 square feet and the store buildings must be of a permanent type construction.
Liquor stores are required to keep in stock a minimum $150,000 inventory.
Entrances must be on the ground floor, with only one main entrance. If a store is on the corner of two streets, a door opening may be maintained on each such street.
No liquor sales are permitted for consumption on the premises.
No radios, amusement devices, or seating facilities are allowed.
In no event may a liquor store be permitted within 400 feet of any hospital, school, church, or other place of public gathering. The distances are to be measured in a straight line from front door to front door. If there is no building on the place of public gathering, the distance must be measured from front door of the liquor store to the nearest property line of the public gathering location.
The ordinance authorizes inspection fees and civil penalties for violations.

In his latest update on city crime news, Smithville Police Captain Steven Leffew has released the following report.
25 year old Gregory Allen Mayo II was arrested for domestic assault on Sunday, May 31. Officer Lance Dillard responded to a residence for a domestic assault in progress. Upon arrival he spoke with Mayo who stated he was in a fight with his sister. Officer Dillard found the victim locked in a bathroom with marks and scratches on her body and she was bleeding from her thigh. Bond for Mayo is $2,500 and he will be in court July 11.
52 year old Mark George Koch was arrested for domestic violence on Wednesday, June 3. Police were dispatched to a residence in reference to a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival officers discovered that Koch had struck the victim in the area of the face causing her glasses to fly off her head. Sergeant Travis Bryant made the arrest. Bond for Koch is $2,000.
39 year old Tyrone Dwayne Owens was arrested for DUI on Saturday, June 6. Police received a call concerning a black Jeep being driven recklessly in the area of Cox Street. While en-route Officer Will Judkins spotted the Jeep in the middle of Dry Creek Road. He stopped and spoke with Owens who had slow slurred speech and appeared to be drowsy. Owens submitted to but performed poorly on sobriety tasks. He was placed under arrest. Bond for Owens is $1,500 and he will be in court July 16.
41 year old Crissy Michelle Evans was arrested for violation of bond conditions on Tuesday, June 9. Officer Matt Farmer was informed that Evans was at a residence in Evans Manor Apartments with the victim in violation of active bond conditions dated July 14, 2014 that state she is to have no contact with the victim. This information was verified by the clerk’s office. Bond for Evans is $2,500.
30 year old Isauro Martinez was arrested for domestic violence on Sunday, June 14. The warrant states that on June 14 at approximately 2:30 a.m. Sergeant Travis Bryant and Officer Joey Myers responded to 848 Foster Road in reference to a suspicious vehicle. While on the scene the officers heard the sound of glass breaking behind the apartments. As they walked around the building the officers saw a man breaking out a window to one of the apartments located on Miller Road. They identified the man as Martinez and learned that he had been in an verbal altercation with his girlfriend. The woman said she locked Martinez out of the residence after he began drinking and became violent. The victim further told the officers that she was cut by broken glass when Martinez busted out the window trying to get back inside. Due to Martinez’s actions and behavior, the woman said she was in fear for her safety and that of her child.
43 year old Patsy Lynn McCoy was arrested on Sunday, June 14 for disorderly conduct, assault and theft. Officer Matt Farmer was dispatched to a disturbance where he found McCoy and the victim who was bleeding from a cut on his left hand. The man said that McCoy had stolen money from him. During the investigation McCoy continued to argue with the victim, neighbors and Officer Farmer. After refusing to comply with the officer’s admonition to be quite, McCoy was arrested for disorderly conduct and assault. Although McCoy repeatedly denied she had any money on her person, a search of her person at the jail turned up money belonging to the victim. Her bond is $4,500 and she will be in court on July 16.

This spring, more than 1,300 students walked across a stage at Tennessee Tech University to receive their college degrees including 22 from DeKalb County.
TTU’s class of 2015 represents 79 of Tennessee’s 95 counties, 36 states and 21 other countries. Their degrees were in 40 undergraduate and 20 graduate fields. The youngest graduate was born in 1994, the oldest in 1930.
The state’s only public technological university, Tennessee Tech University offers more than 40 bachelor’s and 20 graduate programs to more than 11,000 students on its 282-acre campus. TTU students include outstanding high-school graduates, accomplished military veterans and students from around the world, many of whom graduate debt free. With more than 200 student organizations, community service projects and intramural sports, TTU offers a full campus experience.
DeKalb County students receiving college degrees are as follows:
Brian Matthew Agee
Danny Lee Bryan
Robert Wesley Burchfield
Britney M Campbell
Elicia M Cantrell
David W Champion
Ethan B Duke
Jeffrey Alan Engler
Brady S Evans
Kendra E Foutch
Cole C Hawker
Abigail E Hendrix
Samantha K Lewis
Mary A Little
Layne T Mathis
Kristin Nicole Mick
Frank Forrest Pursell
Breanna Jo Russell
Emily Kaye Summers
Jonathan Hunter Tramel
William A Turner
Seth P Willoughby

Leadership DeKalb completed the program’s 17th year with the Class of 2015 graduation celebration this past Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at the New Life Connection Center in Smithville. The welcome was made by Jen Sherwood, Leadership DeKalb Director, and Suzanne Williams, Executive Director, Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce.
Each of the class members of the Class of 2015 had a part in the evening’s festivities, all centered around a theme of “Red Carpet Glam”. The program was MC’ed by the effervescent Rhonda Harpole. Dinner music was coordinated by Andrea Kalina. Ale Maciel recognized the leader award winners, who were announced at the chamber’s annual banquet; Legacy Leader award winners Jack & Faye Underhill, in particular for their many years of volunteer service and leadership given to the DeKalb County Fair, and Community Leader of 2014 Jeff Cantrell, for his leadership and service to the Farmer’s Market.
Each year, the class selects a community project to give back and improve DeKalb County in some way. The Class of 2014 class project final report was presented by Lisa Cripps (LD Class of 2014). Their class project was to raise funds supporting the “specials” at each of the five DeKalb County Schools. Todd Hasty of the Class of 2015 announced that the class of 2015 has chosen two projects. The first is “Bucks for Beds” which will partner with Cantrell’s Furniture and the Department of Children’s Services to help provide resources for at risk families who need beds for their children. The second class project is to revive the Youth Leadership DeKalb program at DCHS.
A fun and poignant slideshow overview of the Class of 2015 was presented by class president, Josh Issac. Norene Puckett read a thorough day-by-day explanation of the year. An original poem was recited by Lydia Trail. Participants’ biographies and program layout was compiled by Beth Adcock. Becky Thompson arranged for the decorations, Laura Stone photographer, and the banquet meal. Jen Sherwood and Suzanne Williams recognized each member of the class at the evening’s end, signifying the completion of the program. The members of the class of 2015 are: Beth Adcock, Smithville Police Department; Kalah Donnell, Wilson Bank & Trust, Alexandria; Rhonda Harpole, DTC-TV host – State of the Arts; Todd Hasty, Premier Realty at Center Hill Lake; Andrea Kalina, Federal Mogul; Ale Maciel, DCHS student/Smithville Rotary Club; Josh Issac, Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce; Norene Puckett, DeKalb Co Drug Court; Becky Thompson, Middle Tennessee Natural Gas; and Lydia Trail, DCHS student/Smithville Rotary Club.
Many thanks to Leadership DeKalb’s program presenters, sponsors and hosts throughout the year. A special thank you to the wonderful folks of New Life Pentecostal Church’s Connection Center, Family Medical Center (program copies), Kilgore’s Restaurant and Donna Hendrix for catering, DCHS for the use of their red carpets, Laura Stone for photography, and Susan Young for helping to serve the delicious meal.
Leadership DeKalb is an adult leadership enhancement program. This program is for individuals who are or show the desire for the role of community trustees. Participants will study the county in-depth; strengthen leadership skills; and build a network of fellow leaders through Leadership DeKalb classmates, alumni, presenters, and current leaders in business, services and our community. Leadership DeKalb shapes our county’s future with knowledgeable, effective and active leaders. Our next class will begin in September of 2015. For more information on being in next year’class, please contact program director Jen Sherwood at 615-464-0645 or the chamber office at 615-597-4163.

Trooper Jeremy David Sean Tramel of DeKalb County graduated from the Tennessee Highway Patrol Cadet Class Thursday evening after 20 weeks of intensive training. A ceremony was held Cadet Class 615 at the Tennessee War Memorial in Nashville, where he was sworn in by Governor Bill Haslam.
Speakers during the event included THP Colonel Tracy Trott and Chief Operating Officer – State of Tennessee Greg Adams. Others in attendance included former Tennessee Governor Winfield Dunn.
Tramel was one of 45 graduates, out of over 1,600 applicants, to graduate to the THP, and served as the Vice President of his class. He is the son of Chris and Shawn (Missy) Tramel of Liberty, and Annette and Jeff Clayton of Chattanooga. He has been assigned to the DeKalb County district.
“Congratulations to all of the trooper cadets graduating today,” Adams said. “This evening, you officially become a member of one of the most respected, the most advanced and the most forward thinking state law enforcement agencies in the country.”
“Each one of you has earned this incredible honor of being chosen to serve as a Tennessee state trooper,” Commissioner Bill Gibbons said. You are the best of the best, chosen from more than 1,600 applicants. Congratulations on this accomplishment, and represent us well as one of Tennessee’s finest.”
Trooper Mariah Woodman was named the top cadet and presented the Calvin Jenks Memorial Award for Excellence for his leadership, work ethic and academics. She is the first female to earn this honor. The award was named in honor of the late Trooper Jenks, who was killed in the line of duty in January 2007. Trooper Woodman will serve in Crocket County in the THP’s Memphis District.
“We are proud to honor the first female with the Calvin Jenks Memorial Award for Excellence,” Colonel Trott said. “It’s a remarkable compliment to be viewed by your instructors and peers as a leader. We know that you will continue to excel on the roadways and serve Tennessee with professionalism and pride.”
Bethel University also presented one $5,000 scholarship to Trooper Isaiah Lloyd. Trooper Lloyd will serve in Anderson County of the Knoxville District.
As part of their community service, Cadet Class 615, whose motto is “Sacrifice Self, Honor Others,” participated in two blood drives with the American Red Cross, collected over 900 canned goods for donation, and gifted funds to the Frankie Watson Memorial Scholarship Fund ($1,000) and Sgt. Joshua Mabe’s family ($350), who was killed in an off-duty farming accident in Hancock County on June 6.
The new graduates will now advance to a maximum of 10 weeks of field training.
(Pictured – TN State Chief Operating Officer Greg Adams, Trooper Jeremy D.S. Tramel, and Colonel Tracy Trott.)
(Pictured – Missy and Chris Tramel, Trooper Jeremy Tramel, and Annette and Jeff Clayton)

Cookeville Police arrested a Smithville man and Cookeville woman Tuesday after they were found with a meth lab in their truck during a traffic stop for following too closely to a vehicle in front of them.
40 year old Caleb Andrew Lincoln of Lee Braswell Road in Smithville and 29 year old Michelle C. Clouse of West Jackson Street in Cookeville are charged with manufacturing a controlled substance. Lincoln was also charged with driving under the restriction of being a habitual motor offender. Clouse was further charged with introduction into a penal facility. Lincoln is free on a $30,000 bond. Clouse’s bond is $10,000. They are to make a court appearance in Putnam County next month.
In his report of the incident, Cookeville Officer Dustin Hensley wrote that on Tuesday, June 16 “I observed a blue Ford Ranger following extremely close behind a silver truck heading east on Broad Street. Getting behind the blue Ford Ranger I also observed it was displaying an expired registration from April 2015. I then conducted a traffic stop at 2500 West Jackson Street (Cane Creek Apts).”
Officer Hensley’s report continued, “I approached the driver side of the vehicle and asked the male driver, who I later found out to be Caleb Lincoln, for his identification. Mr. Lincoln said he didn’t have his driver license on him and I asked him if he had a driver license and he said he did not. I then asked the female passenger who was later identified as Michelle Clouse if she had any identification and she said she didn’t. I explained to Mr. Lincoln the reason for the traffic stop and he admitted to following too close to the vehicle in front of him. I also noticed that Mr.Lincoln had a fresh red bloody area in the crevice of his right arm that he was trying to cover up with a bandage. I asked Mr. Lincoln when was the last time that he had “shot up” and he said about 10 days ago. I then asked both subjects if there was anything illegal in the vehicle and Ms. Clouse said no but Mr. Lincoln was very hesitant about answering. Mr. Lincoln then said he had some methamphetamine residue and some “rigs”.
“While waiting for my backup to arrive before searching the vehicle, a computer check of Mr. Lincoln through dispatch revealed that he had an active warrant in Putnam County and that he was an Habitual Motor Offender in the state of Tennessee. Mr. Lincoln was placed under arrest in double locked restraints with his hands behind his back. During my search of the vehicle I found in the bed of the truck a plastic “Wal Mart” bag with a plastic one gallon jug. It was ¼ of the way full of a bi-layer,, separating liquids commonly used in the “One Pot” method of manufacturing methamphetamine,” according to Officer Hensley’s report.
“At this time I had (another officer)detain Ms. Clouse in double locked restraints behind her back. I also found in the bed of the truck in a separate Wal Mart bag an empty Mason quart jar that had white residue. Inside of a yellow “Dollar General” bag in the bed of the truck was a Lithium battery that had been cut open with the Lithium strip removed, and a folded up coffee filter that had a white substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine. Searching inside of the truck, I found a “K Swiss” back pack that Mr. Lincoln said was his. Inside of the back pack was a black case with 2 used syringes, 8 coffee filters and 3 ft of hollow tubing that had a clear liquid in it. From my training at the Methamphetamine Task Force these components are commonly used to process and manufacture methamphetamine. Both subjects were transported to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office where they were charged accordingly,” wrote Officer Hensley.
“After arriving at the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, (another officer) told me that a female Corrections Officer had found a small plastic bag with a white substance believed to be methamphetamine around the crotch area of Ms. Clouse. Ms. Clouse was also charged with introduction into a penal facility”, according to the police report.