The Pickett County Sheriff’s Department has made several arrests during drug and theft investigations.

On October 8, Pickett County’s Sheriff’s Deputy Malcolm Johnson was patrolling Highway 111 and made a routine traffic stop that resulted in drug charges.

During the traffic stop, Deputy Johnson noticed the subjects odd behavior and received consent from the driver to search the vehicle.

Sheriff Dana Dowdy, Chief Deputy Steve Wilber and Deputy Brandon Koger assisted in the search of the vehicle and what appeared to be a meth lab was found.

Carolyn Guffey, 45, Richard Smith, 41, and Ronnie Beaty, 40, all of Albany, were each charged with promotion to manufacture methamphetamine.

During an ongoing theft investigation, another subject is believed to have involvement with the recent stolen property from Pickett County that was recovered in Fentress County. Michelle Reagan, 25, of Jamestown, was charged with theft over $1,000.

Over the past several months, the sheriff’s department has recovered stolen items belonging to Pickett County residents such as a 4-wheeler in Cheatam County, televisions in Putnam County, and guns in Fentress County.

There are many ongoing drug and theft investigations being conducted by the Pickett County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Dowdy said, “We will continue to fight the drug problem here in Pickett County, which consists mostly of manufacturing meth and selling prescription drugs. Sometimes the investigations can take several months or even years to result in indictments for these individuals. We have zero tolerance and the community has a big part in helping with investigations. We intend to keep our county a safe place to live for the children and citizens.”

If anyone has information of possible illegal drug activity, or see any suspicious activity, please contact Sheriff Dowdy at 1-931-864-3210. Any information given will be kept confidential.

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On October 15, the Pickett County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a suspicious vehicle that was believed to be involved in illegal drug activity.

Deputy Johnson observed the vehicle traveling north on Hwy. 111 and upon the routine traffic stop, the driver gave consent to Deputy Johnson to search the vehicle. Sheriff Dana E. Dowdy, Chief Deputy Steve Miller, and Deputy Brandon Koger assisted in the search where several items such as lithium batteries, cold packs, and three boxes of psuedoephedrine were found in the vehicle, which are used to manufacture methamphetamine.

Angela Watson, 40, Brenda Brewer, 45, Susan Asberry, 40, Paul Brewer, 44, all of Jamestown, were charged with promotion to manufacture methamphetamine. John Hatfield, 37, of Pall Mall, was charged with promotion to manufacture methamphetamine.

Sheriff Dowdy said, “For the third time in the past few weeks, information received from citizens of Pickett County has proven to be valuable. Some information can be hot or cold, but lately we have been on a roll and will continue to work closely with the community to slow down or stop illegal drug activity in Pickett County. I would like to thank the community for all information provided to us and drug investigations will continue to be a main priority of this department.”

If anyone has information on illegal drug use, manufacturing or selling of narcotics, please contact the Pickett County Sheriff’s Office at 931-864-3210.

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Tennessee Highway Patrol Sergeant James Sells has resigned in lieu of termination following an internal investigation by the agency’s Inspectional Services Bureau. The investigation stemmed from allegations that Sgt. Sells had violated Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security policies and procedures.

The internal investigation revealed that Sgt. Sells misused state property and equipment, was negligent in the performance of his duties, and violated the department’s rule on conduct unbecoming, specifically engaging in sexual activity while on duty. Colonel Tracy Trott then recommended Sgt. Sells’ dismissal based on the procedural violations and facts in the case.

“Tennessee State Troopers are held to a higher standard of conduct. Sgt. Sells’ actions have violated the trust of the department and the citizens of Tennessee. We will not tolerate any act that will cast doubt upon the credibility of the Tennessee Highway Patrol,” Colonel Trott said.

Sgt. Sells, 45, began his career as a State Trooper in August 1998. He was initially assigned to Overton County as a Road Trooper. Sgt. Sells later served as trooper and sergeant in Pickett, Overton and Fentress counties, respectively. His most recent assignment was as a sergeant in the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) in Putnam County.

Sgt. Sells was initially placed on discretionary leave with pay on October 12, 2012, pending the internal investigation. His resignation was effective October 25, 2012.

As a result of Sells’ resignation, he has forfeited his right to appeal this decision.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s mission is to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.