Fentress Couple Indicted For Finincially Exploiting Elder Relatives
A Fentress County couple indicted, accused of financially exploiting two elderly relatives. 54-year-old Bucky Joe Pierce and his wife, 49-year-old Heather Pierce, allegedly took thousands of dollars from victims for their own personal gain. Bucky Joe Pierce has been indicted on eight counts of financial exploitation of elderly or vulnerable adults, while Heather Pierce was […]
Sparta Man Facing Charges For Violating Sex Offender Registry
A Sparta man has been arrested and is facing charges of violating the sex offender registry. Investigators determined that 59-year-old Joel Merriel allegedly distributed child sexual abuse material on the mobile app called Kik. Merriel is a registered sex offender in Fentress County. Merriel was booked into the Fentress County Jail and had a bond […]
Fentress Commission Approves Pay Raise For Deputies, Correctional Officers
The Fentress County Commission approved a pay increase for sheriff’s department employees Monday night. County Executive Jimmy Johnson said the increase is $2 per hour on starting pay. Johnson said the sheriff agreed that it will make a difference in retaining employees. “Well it’s a start, so there you are and he thinks it will […]
Fentress Projecting Revenue Drop From Loss Of TDOC Inmates
Fentress County is one of many counties projecting a revenue drop from losing state inmates at its jail. The county has housed as many as 45 state inmates, however County Executive Jimmy Johnson said they are currently at 26 inmates. Johnson said as court proceedings have opened up, the state is coming and picking up […]
Fentress Co. Jail Transitioning To New Inmate Phone System
The Fentress County Jail is switching to a new inmate phone system starting Wednesday. Fentress County Sheriff’s Department Secretary Taylor Hart said using Combined Public Communications is cheaper for inmate families and the county. “The one we had currently is a little high at times, and this one they offered us better local rates,” Hart […]
Fentress Refinancing Jail
The Fentress County Commission is considering issuing up to $9.2 million in bonds to refinance the county jail. County Executive Jimmy Johnson said the refinance would save the county over $2 million. “It will actually take two to three years off of the final sum of it,” Johnson said. “It will also reduce the payment […]
Fentress Jail Allows Visitation Monday
Fentress County Sheriff Michael Reagon said some precautions will be in place as the jail resumes visitation Monday. Although there will be no restrictions on who may visit inmates, Reagon said visitors will be checked prior to the visiting. “We can let three visit at a time,” Reagon said. “Usually we can let four visit, […]
