The Sixth Annual Wilson County Sheriff’s Citizens’ Academy gets underway with first class Tuesday night. Several participants, Alumni Association members and other community supporters stopped by to observe as the Class prepares for the 10-week, three-hour sessions that offer students a chance to get true understanding of how the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office and Jail operate. They will have hands-on training that will include a variety of scenarios and real-life experiences WCSO deputies face everyday. For more photos, see the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/wilsoncosheriff/

Car Vandalism Allegations Lead WCSO Deputies to Arrest of Known Drug Offender

 What began as what was thought to be a routine car vandalism car led Wilson County Sheriff’s Deputies to arrest a man who had a substantial amount of marijuana and cash packaged for resale. He was also a parolee out of Davidson County where he had multiple drug charges.

The case began when a woman called the sheriff’s office Thursday morning, complaining she had awakened to find her car badly damaged. She reported it to be an apparent vandalism and asked officers to investigate. When officers arrived at the victim’s Lebanon home, they advised it appeared to have been crashed. Tennessee Highway Patrol was alerted to investigate the crash.

Meanwhile, the woman told officers she believed the suspect in the case to be someone who had been staying at her home during the night later identified as William Marquise Woods, 28, of Nashville. She asked officers to check her home for the suspect, and gave permission for them to enter if he did not open the door.

Deputies Zack Hemontolor and Greg Metcalf knocked on the door and when no one answered, they entered to discover the back door of the home standing open. They believed the suspect had apparently fled on foot and subsequently began searching for him. A short time later, deputies found him walking at 945 E. Baddour Parkway.

As the deputies exited the car, Woods was seen throwing something from behind his back into a nearby ditch. Authorities later determined it was plastic bags of marijuana along with cash inside one bag. Upon further investigation, the deputies determined Woods was on parole out of Nashville for several drug charges.

“That was a great job by our deputies getting a known drug offender off the streets,” Sheriff Robert Bryan said.

The suspect was taken to the Wilson County Jail where he was booked on charges of possession of Schedule VI drugs (marijuana) with intent to sell. He remains in jail under $5,000 bond and is scheduled to face charges on May 24 in General Sessions Court.

WCSO Detectives Seize Large Amount of Money, Drugs and Weapon

Wilson County Sheriff’s Narcotics detectives uncovered a large amount of money, drugs and a weapon while executing search warrants at two homes believed to be drug distribution sites operated by a Lebanon couple.

Pending a grand jury investigation, two adults are expected to be charged in the case.

Citizens in the community had filed numerous complaints about drug activity at 2904 Old Laguardo Road East and 118 Webster Lane, Lot 14B. With the help of local citizens, information from Lebanon Police Department and intensive investigation by the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, detectives obtained search warrants for the two homes where they came into contact with three adults and four children.

Detectives seized a large amount of cash, cocaine, marijuana, pharmaceutical pills and a revolver from the two homes.

Two of the adults face charges of Possession with Intent for Resale of Schedule II (cocaine), Schedule IV (Xanax), Schedule (VI) marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Possession of a Firearm in the Commission of a Dangerous Felony.

“If you think you can make a career selling drugs in this county, you had better think again,” Sheriff Robert Bryan said. “Our Office is determined to find you and get these illegal and dangerous products off our streets. Your neighbors are equally determined to rid our community of this menace, and for their tremendous help coming forward, we thank them.”

The WCSO has an opening for Communications Officer/dispatcher. The opening is for night shift 11:00 pm to 7:00am. Application deadline is 1 March 2016. Applications can be obtained at Wilson County Human Resources located at 228 East Main St. Lebanon, Tn.

WCSO Reminds Public to Be Alert to Allowing Strangers into Homes Following Arrest

Wilson County Sheriff Robert Bryan is reminding residents to be alert to allowing people into their homes under false pretenses following a recent arrest for theft in what is believed to be a potential scam.

Candis Denise Taylor, 29, of 116 Elmwood Drive has been charged with violation of probation and theft of property after a woman reported she came to her home and asked for directions. The victim told detectives while she was trying to help her, the suspect asked to use the restroom in her home.

Once inside, the suspect began wandering through the house, according to the victim. Later, it was determined some jewelry was missing from the victim’s home. Sheriff’s detectives recovered the stolen property and arrested Taylor.

Taylor, who has a previous arrest record under the name Candis Dies, is currently in jail under $5,000 bond pending a court hearing scheduled for 9 a.m. Feb. 29.

“We just want the public to be aware there are people out there who may try to enter your home under a ruse of needing to use the restroom or some other excuse to get inside your home,” Sheriff Bryan said. “Unfortunately, this happens from time to time and often involves older, vulnerable victims, but anyone can be a victim.”

The Wilson County Sheriff’s Office wants citizens to remain aware of visitors to their home, especially when anyone asks to enter your home. If there is anyone at your residence that you are suspicious of, please call the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office at 615-444-1412.

A solemn funeral procession for WCSO Lt. Bob Harrison crossed through the heart of Wilson County this morning as many officers and emergency responders from across the county and state, the public and others showed their respects. Lt. Harrison, a veteran 35-year law officer, died Feb. 14 after a long battle with cancer. 

Services for Longtime Lawman WCSO Lt. Bob Harrison, Set for Wednesday, Thursday

Services for Sheriff’s Office Lt. Bob Harrison, who had a distinguished 35-year career in law enforcement, will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 17, and Thursday, Feb. 18.

Visitation for Lt. Harrison, who died Feb. 14, after a long battle with terminal cancer, is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. in the Partlow Funeral Chapel Wednesday, Feb.17, and from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.  Thursday, Feb. 18 at the Westland United Methodist Church. A Celebration of Life will follow visitation at the church. Family members have asked that those who choose to participate in the Celebration of Life to please wear casual attire (jeans and khakis) at Lt. Harrison’s request. A private burial service will be held for family only.

Lt. Harrison, 61, remained in good spirits right up to the end, according to close friends and family, even planning his own funeral so that his family would not have to worry with the details. Sheriff Robert Bryan announced Lt. Harrison’s passing to the Sheriff’s Office on Sunday, Feb. 14, upon learning his old friend and former employee had passed away. “Bob was a loyal family man who honorably served his community and the Wilson County Sheriff’s Officer with integrity,” Sheriff Bryan said. “Bob fought a fight few could and he did it with dignity. He was a warrior and our brother. He was a gentleman and outstanding officer of the law, always helping others and a mentor to many. He knew how to make people feel at ease in his presence, often joking and telling stories, but always the first to volunteer for a dangerous assignment in our profession. He was a friend to us all, and we will miss him profoundly.”

Harrison was known for his intellect, quick wit, and tenacity in law enforcement. His career spanned 35 years and included being a Special Agent (toxicologist) with the TBI, a forensic chemist with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office in Florida; a detective with the Lebanon Police Department and most recently as Lieutenant and supervisor in the Criminal Warrant Division of the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office.

Lt. Harrison was recently awarded the prestigious “Three Stars of Tennessee” First Responders Award from the TN Department of Safety and Homeland Security for recognition of his outstanding service to the State during his long tenure in law enforcement. He was one of only six receiving the “Three Stars of Tennessee” Award to recognize first responders in emergency service, law enforcement and firefighters who have lost their lives or suffered a career-ending injury in the line of duty. Lt. Harrison was one of 20 First Responders recognized during the event held at the Conservation Hall at the Executive Residence in Nashville. Each year since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the TN DSHS recognizes those who have dedicated their lives for the safety and security of Tennesseans.

Wilson County Sheriff Robert Bryan nominated Lt. Harrison because of his outstanding service with the Sheriff’s Office, where he has been awarded the Medal of Valor twice, in 2003 and 2008, for affecting over 1,000 arrests in a single year. The sheriff noted that Lt. Harrison had also received letters of commendation from numerous agencies, including the Kentucky State Police, the North Carolina General Court of Justice Fifth Prosecutorial District, the U.S. Marshal’s Service, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the TBI and local law enforcement agencies across Middle Tennessee.

Lt. Harrison was one of the first Terrorism Liaison Officers trained in Tennessee after 9/11. “Bob has been committed to the safety of the citizens of Wilson County, the State of Tennessee and thousands of others who travel through Wilson County on a daily basis,” Sheriff Bryan said of Lt. Harrison. “He has shown a very strong work ethic and willingness to take action as necessary to fulfill his responsibilities by arresting 12,085 people wanted on criminal charges since his employment at Wilson County. Many of these people (Lt. Harrison arrested) have long histories of criminal activities and violence. In doing so, he put his own life at risk in many dangerous situations.”

He was one of a team of law enforcement officers who tracked an alleged child sex offender for more than two years across 17 states before last year’s successful capture of Stephen Beck, 43, who fled the state after making a $1 million bond following his arrest in 2010 on multiple counts of child rape. Beck was arrested last year in Wilmington, N.C. where he was living under a stolen identity while staying with a friend.

The Wilson County Community showed its support for the terminally ill, beloved law enforcement officer by hosting a variety of fundraisers to help with his medical expenses over the past year.

Lt. Harrison is Mr. Harrison is survived by his wife, Teresa Mahan Harrison; son, Logan (Dianna) Harrison; one grandson, Haden Harrison; brother, David “Doc” M. (Lynne) Harrison; nephew, Davis (Victoria) Harrison; niece, Wendy (Scott) Street; and four great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, David M “Scotty” and Mary Casey Harrison and brother, Kenneth D. Harrison.

Active pallbearers will be friends. Honorary pallbearers will include past and present law enforcement officers and members of the District Attorney’s office in attendance. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations be made to “Sherry’s Run,” an organization dedicated to cancer victims and survivors. Those may be mailed to P.O. Box 8, Lebanon, TN 37087. More information can be found here: http://www.partlowchapel.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/12733/id/3600118

WCSO Arrest Two (One Georgia Fugitive) for Several Stolen Vehicles, Property, Other Charges

WCSO Deputies arrested two people for possession of stolen vehicles and other stolen property while assisting U.S. Marshals who were trying to find one of the suspects who was wanted in Georgia for other charges.

Events unfolded Thursday morning when U.S. Marshals requested help locating Ronald Franklin Henderson, 42, who was a fugitive of justice out of Georgia. He was believed to be staying at Shady Acres Campground in Wilson County. When the officers arrived at the campground, they found the suspect staying with a woman in a stolen camper and truck. They took both suspects into custody.

Henderson told deputies he also had other stolen property located at the Walmart parking lot in Lebanon. When they asked if he could do a drive-through of the parking lot to help locate the stolen items, Henderson admitted he had ingested an undetermined amount of drugs, which he claimed was heroin and methamphetamine. They immediately transported the suspect to the hospital. He was later transported back to Wilson County Jail.

WCSO went to the Walmart to search the parking lot for the stolen vehicles and requested Lebanon Police to come to the Walmart parking lot scene.

Meanwhile, authorities at the campground scene took a woman who was staying in the trailer with Henderson into custody, where she was booked into the jail. Rose Mary Franklin, 43, was charged with theft charges.

Animal control seized a dog and pot-bellied pig that were also located at the trailer.

Henderson has been charged with tampering with/or fabricating evidence with regard to the drugs he claimed to have swallowed. He was also charged with two counts of theft of property and placed on hold as a fugitive of justice for Georgia. Lebanon Police had additional theft charges.

Henderson was wanted in Georgia for theft of a 2015 Ford Focus from Murray County, Ga. along with drug and theft charges. He is also wanted in Chattanooga, TN for theft over $10,000 in addition to a car and camper stolen from Hamilton County, TN. He is scheduled for arraignment in General Sessions Court for 9 a.m. March 10.

WCSO Now Taking Sheriff’s Citizens’ Academy Applications until March 8

The Wilson County Sheriff’s Office is now taking application for the Sheriff’s Citizens’ Academy, with classes slated to begin March 8.

If you’ve ever considered a law enforcement career or just wanted to know how the WCSO operates on the road, inside the jail, what it’s like to be a dispatcher and any number of other skills required within the Sheriff’s Office, the Sheriff’s Citizens’ Academy is the place for you. The WCSO will be taking applications through March 8.

The upcoming Academy includes a 10-week course that meets from 6-9 p.m. every Tuesday at the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office located at 105 E. High St., Lebanon, TN. All applicants must pass a background check in order attend.

There are no minimum physical requirements, just a desire to learn more about law enforcement and get exposure to day-to-day aspects of the many facets involved in enforcing the law and assisting fellow citizens.

“This class is designed to help foster a better understanding between the citizens and the Sheriff’s Office,” said Wilson County Sheriff’s Lt. James Lanier, who oversees the Academy along with a number of other veteran staffers at the Sheriff’s Office. “It familiarizes the citizens with how the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office operates in a hands-on situation. This course shows how different the Sheriff’s Office is from the other law enforcement offices in Wilson County and how much more responsibility the Office has compared to other agencies.”

Some of the classes include topics such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, domestic violence, patrol procedures, Schools Resource Officers, Civil and Criminal Warrants, DUI awareness, handcuffing procedures and other law enforcement functions. The course also includes hands-on activities, field trips such as a three-hour jail tour, a visit to the firing range, lectures by Communications dispatchers, a representative from the District Attorney’s Office, demonstrations in boating safety and the Office’s Special Response Team among other activities.

Leigh Mills, a past graduate of the Sheriff’s Citizens’ Academy and current Academy Alumni Association President, said of the program, “I was extremely impressed with the program and believe other Wilson County residents can benefit from seeing exactly what the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office encounters from day-to-day. The Sheriff and his staff have created an excellent, intensive course that helps all of us better understand how the department serves the community. Each week, participants are taken through a series of classes that provide a close-up view of law enforcement techniques and shown exactly how much responsibility the Sheriff’s Office has with regard to the jail, courts, and process service functions we might otherwise never see. Presenters offer an entertaining and interactive way to learn the role of the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office and how it relates to our community. I would encourage anyone who has not done so to apply for this course. From graduation, participants are also encouraged to help serve the community by joining the Alumni Association, where they will have a chance to volunteer and support the Sheriff’s Office.”

Sheriff Robert Bryan started the Sheriff’s Citizens Academy four years ago to offer the community and business people a voluntary opportunity to get a better understanding of and full exposure to the Sheriff’s Office. The upcoming fourth class is limited to 25 citizens. To apply, contact Elizabeth Anderson at wcso95.org or call at 615-444-1412, ext. 255 or email her at eanderson@wcso.org.

WCSO, TBI Solve 13-Year-Old Wilson Co. Cold Case with Indictment, Arrest of Kingsport Man

A Kingsport man has been indicted by a Wilson County Grand Jury and arrested in connection with the 2002 shooting death of a Wilson County man.

Wilson County Sheriff’s Office began working the case after a friend of James Hill found him dead in a field where he had been target shooting on East Saulsbury Road in Wilson County on Nov. 19, 2002. The 82-year-old victim, an outdoor enthusiast who collected rifles and loved to target shoot, had been shot to death it was later determined.

“This was a case several of us were determined to solve,” said Sheriff Robert Bryan, who worked on the case himself as a detective along with several others including Brian Harbaugh, who later became a TBI agent, and Detective Ricky Knight, who now serves as lieutenant over the Detective Division for Wilson County Sheriff’s Office. “Our detectives and TBI worked diligently even though it appeared we had come up empty-handed. With improved technology as it relates to evidence, we were able to connect this suspect (Lawton McNutt) to Mr. Hill’s murder. It is now in the hands of the judicial system, where we hope justice will prevail.”

TBI Director Mark Gwyn added, “Even though this crime took place more than 13 years ago, the combination of continued investigative measures and advancements in lab technology worked to help provide proof needed to solve a crime, and help offer answers for the victim’s friends and family.”

Witnesses had reported seeing a small dark-colored truck parked on the side of the road where the victim was target shooting in the field. Detectives tried for years along with TBI agents to determine who had killed Hill, working with evidence they found at the scene. Detectives received new information that led to a suspect in the case in November 2015. On Jan 12, 2016, McNutt was charged with one count criminal homicide/felony murder first degree. He is currently being held without bond in Hickman County until his court hearing. He is scheduled to be arraigned at 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 29, 2016.

McNutt has a lengthy criminal record. Some of the charges include the following:

*In May of 2002, he faced multiple theft charges in Georgia.

*In March 2003, McNutt was charged with attempted murder, aggravated burglary, theft of property and several other burglaries. He was sentenced to 14 years and was released from prison in 2013.

*In September, 2015, the 21^st Judicial Task Force arrested him in Hickman County, where he is currently incarcerated for theft over $10,000 and possession of a weapon. He is being held under $25,000 bond. James HillThese charges were unrelated to the Hill case.