Department News

Two Brothers Indicted for Multiple Child Sex Abuse Charges, Also Face Immigration Problems

Two men have been arrested and indicted for multiple child sex abuse charges after a lengthy investigation by the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the United States Marshal’s Task Force.

Fernando Limon, 23, and Ramiro Limon, 28, are currently in custody in the Wilson County Jail facing where they each face four counts of rape of a child. They are being held under $150,000 bond. In addition, they have a hold placed against them by federal immigration officials because they are Mexican nationals and not citizens of the United States.

Investigators began working on the case in late 2015 and presented findings to the Wilson County Grand Jury, who indicted the pair. The Wilson County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of the United States Marshal’s Task Force apprehended the brothers from a residence in Antioch without incident on Sept. 20.

“We are extremely proud of our detectives and truly appreciate the help of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Marshal’s Task Force for apprehending these suspects on such heinous charges involving our children,” Sheriff Robert Bryan said. “This has been a particularly difficult case because of the language barriers and cultural differences.”

Detective Walker Woods noted the case was especially egregious because it involved children “considerably younger” than the 13-year-old age limit sentencing guidelines involving adults charged with sex crimes involving children. “There have been numerous challenges given the magnitude and nature of the case because of additional time, resources and effort required,” Woods said.

“TBI assisted facilitating interviews with the suspects,” Sheriff Bryan said. “Our Office takes pride in the positive working relationships it has established with neighboring law enforcement agencies and agencies such as the Child Advocacy Center, the Department of Children’s Services, and countless other entities that provide assistance as well victim support and resources.”

If convicted, the suspects face up to 25 years in prison on each count of child rape involving a child less than 13 years of age. They could also be deported without the ability to re-enter the United States without Federal prosecution.limon-ramiro limon-fernando

Multiple Vehicle Burglary Suspect Nabbed after Trying to Sell Stolen Ammo to Victim

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Karma? Maybe. A Wilson County man has been arrested on the tail of a spate of reported car burglaries after he attempted to sell some of the very items he allegedly stole to one of the victims.

The Wilson County Sheriff’s Office received several reports of car burglaries over the weekend in the northeastern Wilson County area, which included taking two firearms, a crossbow, ammunition and a large amount of other property. Deputies and detectives set about dividing up the cases, comparing notes and investigating the burglaries.

But what solved the case was a phone call this week from one of the victims who said a man was at his business, trying to sell his own property back to him with claims he had a car “trunk-full” of other items for sale too. Detectives responded to the scene, located the vehicle the suspect was driving and verified numerous items in the trunk belonged to victims of the weekend car burglaries. Dylan Lee Barratt, 29, of Lebanon, was arrested and charged with theft of property at the scene. He is currently in custody at the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office jail.

“This arrest could not have gone better if we had planned it,” Sheriff Robert Bryan said. “It’s not often someone steals items and attempts to sell them back to a victim. It doesn’t happen often this way but, we’re pleased our victim was paying attention and called immediately to help solve his case as well as that of many of his neighbors.”

This is just another reminder to the public to stay vigilant to something unusual you might observe,” said Detectives Maj. B. J. Stafford. “Vehicle burglaries statistics reflect that approximately 90 percent of car burglary victims left their doors unlocked. Please do not leave valuables inside your vehicle and be sure to secure it. If possible, place the vehicle in a well-lighted area to attract attention and to deter someone who is intent on breaking in and stealing your property.”

The Sheriff’s Office reminds everyone if you see anything in your area that looks to be suspicious, please immediately contact the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office dispatch at 615-444-1412, or local law enforcement.

UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN TO ATTEND SHRINER CIRCUS AS RESULT OF COPS & KIDS PROGRAM

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An estimated 300 children in Wilson County will be able to attend the Shriner Circus in Nashville in mid-October as a result of the “Cops and Kids Circus Event,” announced today. The Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, Lebanon Police Department, Mt. Juliet Police Department and Watertown Police Department were presented with free tickets by the four Wilson County Masonic Lodges, Al Menah Temple Divan, Shrine Clown unit and Ward 6 Councilman Fred Anthony to distribute to members of their communities.. The surprise event was announced today the Wilson County Fairgrounds, where representatives of all the Shriner and Mason organizations came together with representatives of all Wilson County law enforcement departments for the ticket presentation. Children throughout the area will be selected by law enforcement for free tickets in addition to some giveaways in the future. Wilson County Shrine Club’s Michael Wynne is responsible for arranging the event for Wilson County children. In addition to ticket giveaways, the Shrine Club will be providing goodie bags for the children attending the event. Members of each Wilson County law enforcement agency will be chaperoning the children to the circus. Announcements will be forthcoming this week on dates and times for the event and how families can apply for tickets to the circus.

WCSO Arrests Juvenile for Making Threats at Lebanon High School Using Social Media

WCSO Arrests Juvenile for Making Threats at Lebanon High School Using Social Media

After a lengthy investigation, Wilson County Sheriff’s Office has identified and charged a juvenile for posting threatening messages regarding Lebanon High School and students via a social media smart-phone application.

After receiving reports from the Lebanon High School faculty and school resource officers of several social media posts last week, numerous concerned students within the school notified school officials.

Wilson County Sheriff Robert Bryan wanted to ensure the citizens of Wilson County that the Office immediately took action on the information and launched an in-depth investigation. The results of this investigation were largely due to the cooperation from management of the California-based phone application. The management of the application provided vital information almost instantly which expedited the investigation and quickly led to the person responsible for the threatening posts.

“It was because of the immediate action of students, school officials, our SRO officers and detectives along with Lebanon Police Department, the social media application management that we were able to pinpoint the individual ultimately charged,” Sheriff Bryan said. “We appreciate everyone coming forward so quickly with information and cooperating so we were able to immediately begin an investigation that led to the individual responsible for posting the disturbing messages.”

On Friday Sept. 16th, the juvenile, who was a Lebanon High School student, was identified and charged in Wilson County juvenile court. “Although this was a tense situation for all parents,” Sheriff Bryan said, “we want parents to know that when this type of crime is committed it is taken very seriously. All available resources will be utilized to ensure the safety of our children, and swiftly eliminate any threat to our schools. I’m putting everyone on notice who thinks they can make anonymous threats and get away with it, you will be located and prosecuted for your actions.”

WCSO Sheriff Robert Bryan Welcomes Class #7 of the Sheriff’s Citizens’ Academy

WCSO Sheriff Robert Bryan welcomed Class #7 of the Wilson County Sheriff’s Citizens Academy for its first of 12 classes Tues night at the WCSO Office in Lebanon. Students will get an up-close view and hands-on training behind the scenes of the inner workings of the WCSO and the jail. During their tenure, they will have a bit of fun in addition to learning what it’s like working as deputies on the streets, overseeing the jail and what it’s like to be the lifeline between communications officers and deputies in the field. They had an impromptu birthday celebration and met with the Sheriff’s Citizens’ Academy Alumni Association in addition to hearing the Sheriff’s overview of the class and meet some of the instructors.FullSizeRender FullSizeRender (2) FullSizeRender (3) IMG_2185 IMG_2202

PBA Makes Donation to Long Family

Police Benevolent Society (PBA)President Lt. James Lanier with the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office presentedFullSizeRender a check on behalf of PBA to help with expenses following the tragic accidental drowning death of Caleb Long, 1, son of WCSO Deputy Mike Long and Mt Juliet PD Communications Officer Kinnie Long. Lt. Lanier made the special presentation during the WCSO Sheriff’s Citizens’ Police Academy meeting Monday night in Lebanon. The check will go to the fund established under Wilson Bank and Trust for all donations to help the family under the name Caleb Long Benefit Fund. The toddler accidentally drowned on July 25. The family has three other children, Kelly, Devin and Austin Long.

Sign-ups Continue for Deputy Earl Dyer Benefit Ride Saturday, Sept. 10 at the Wilson County Fairgrounds

REMINDER: 43-43 Earl Dyer Jr onOneThe benefit ride is this Saturday! Please join us to help support our Ride for Deputy Earl Dyer on Saturday, Sept.10, at the Wilson County Fairgrounds sponsored by the Lebanon Chapter of the “Roughnecks.” The benefit motorcycle ride begins at 11 a.m. with registration at 9 a.m.  Everyone is invited to participate whether you ride or not. Following a scenic ride around Wilson County, there will be a DJ, silent auction and raffle. Lunch is also available. All ride and BBQ lunch proceeds go to help Deputy Dyer during his time suffering from a difficult medical condition that keeps him from being able to support his family. Donations are greatly appreciated! For more info, call Rob Bates at 615-210-9570 or Ken Thomas  at 615-730-5202. Come join us!

WCSO to Increase Patrol on Land and Water through Labor Day Weekend

WCSO to Increase Patrol on Land and Water through Labor Day Weekend

 The Wilson County Sheriff’s Office will conduct saturation patrols in addition to increased coverage on Old Hickory Lake this holiday weekend. Deputies and the Boat Patrol will concentrate enforcement efforts on impaired drivers to try to prevent a tragedy from occurring over the Labor Day holiday. These overtime patrols are funded through a grant from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office.

The Labor Day holiday officially begins Friday and runs through Monday. Sheriff’s patrols will be on the lookout for drivers that violate any traffic laws including impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding or not wearing a seat belt.

“I cannot stress enough that we want you to enjoy time with your friends and families during this special summer holiday, but please don’t drink and drive,” Sheriff Robert Bryan said. “When you are impaired from alcohol, some prescription medications or illegal drugs, you may not realize you cannot safely drive a car or boat. Plan ahead. Have a designated driver in case you need one to get home safely. Let’s do our part to keep everyone safe out there this weekend. Thank you!”

 

 

 

WCSO K-9 “Rocky” Retires after Multiple Felony Arrests, Recovering Cash, Drugs

WCSO’s Lt. Robert Curtis has retired his 9-year-old K-9 partner, a Belgian Malinois named “Rocky,” who was responsible for recovering millions of dollars in cash and illegal narcotics in addition to a number of felony arrests. He retires as one of the most highly decorated dogs in Tennessee.

Sgt. Curtis said it was a difficult decision because he was such an exceptional dog. “Rocky and I have been together since 2008,” he said. “We started training when he was only nine months old, but I knew right away Ole Rock was going to be something special.”

“Special” was an understatement for the K-9 who along with his handler Lt. Curtis took first place in Criminal Apprehension, third place in Obedience and for the second time won the coveted Jimmy D. Anderson Memorial award for the highest combined scores in apprehension and obedience in 2015. Lt. Curtis and Rocky initially won the Jimmy D. Anderson award in 2012 after winning 2nd overall, 1st in Criminal Apprehension and 2nd in Obedience. In 2011 Lt. Curtis and Rocky also won 2nd in Criminal Apprehension.

Lt. Curtis said Rocky has had four felony criminal apprehensions on the street over the years in Wilson County and helping other agencies nearby. He has detected “well over a million dollars worth” of narcotics and currency in addition to performing numerous demonstrations to educate young people and adults alike about how K-9 teams work. “Rocky has an unbelievable desire to please with a huge drive to work. It’s been a great pleasure to work with a partner like Rocky. He’s a one of a kind dog.”

Almost two years ago, Lt. Curtis said he doubted he could work with another dog after racking up one of the highest awards in the state for a K-9 team. At that time, he said “I really can’t see myself working another K-9 after being with such an exceptional dog for so long. He knows what to do and what I’m thinking sometimes before I do.” But he has begun training with a new dog. “It’s gonna be tough the first time I go to work with my new partner K-9 Molly, but Rocky will have a well deserved laid-back retired life with me.”

Rocky Awards“This Office has been extremely lucky and we are proud to have had such a talented team,” Sheriff Robert Bryan said. “Those who benefit the most are the people of Wilson County who can be assured they have had and will continue to have a superior K-9 partnership working for them.”

 

WCSO SRO Lt. Scott Moore speaks with CBS News re: Anti-bullying Classes offered at WCSO

WCSO SRO Lt. Scott Moore speaks with CBS NEWS  about Anti-Bullying classes to help students overcome peer pressure, stop bullying, building confidence and resist the pitfalls of peer pressure. This year was the first class offered and became so popular, the SRO Team ended up adding another. It’s an intensive but fun class, which Sheriff Robert Bryan plans to offer each year with SRO Lt. Moore and the WCSO SRO team improving and adding more each year.

#WCSO SRO on Twitter: “#SRO Lt.Scott Moore speaks to CBS News about the dangers of bullying https://t.co/F0OrDeyMNl via @cbsnews”