Monroe County Sheriff flips the middle finger AGAIN at the Isbill family

 

Teflon Tom 

Posting hearsay comments on Facebook about a conversation that Tommy Jones had with Dr Suzuki, the forensic pathologist assigned to the Pastor Lester Isbill homicide one would think: No, you've got to be kidding right? 

In a stunt that is unprecedented nationwide--that is exactly what Tomcat did--and not one online publication, at least two of the Monroe County daily news outlets as well as several Knoxville TV news stations. MORE Bizarre details  If you ask whether the case would even make it to trial now, how could you get an unbiased jury, can justice ever be done?...In circumstances where extensive publicity makes it nearly impossible to find an unbiased jury in the local community, the court may consider a change of venue (moving the trial to a different county or state) or importing a jury from another jurisdiction.

What options are available to the relatives of the victim and more--

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): The FBI is the lead federal agency for investigating "color of law" violations, which are acts carried out by government officials operating outside their legal authority.

• State Attorney General's Office or District Attorney's Office: These offices can investigate and prosecute criminal misconduct by police officers.

• Civilian Police Review Boards: Some cities have independent boards that review complaints against police officers.

• Consult a Lawyer: An attorney specializing in civil rights or police misconduct cases can provide guidance and help you navigate the legal system to seek justice.

Sheriff Jones Grills Medical Examiner then 'facebooks it' --does it influence the jury pool?

Sheriff Tommy Jones was in a 'meltdown mode' since the grand jury indictments were announced naming several MCSD staff members on 9/3/2025 over the homicide of Pastor Lester Isbill. 

It is not in a local sheriff's official capacity to call and lodge a litany of questions to a medical examiner-as shown on several news sites.

The legal proceeding has now become "tainted" and the entire process has been compromised.

"The administration of justice is sacred" the legal and judicial systems are not just a set of rules, but something to be revered and protected. Posting intimate details in several news outlets of a private conversation he had with the Medical Examiner...? It may be the biggest blunder of his career--In Tennessee, a public official who overtly tries to influence a jury pool could face a combination of criminal charges and other legal penalties. 

This WBIR link  details the Q and A, but bear in mind it is a transcription, which can be be slanted and falsified--not an audio recording. You can bet that if it really did happen Jones and his handlers made an audio recording of the alleged conversation. ...It starts with "During a recent phone call I had with Dr. Suzuki, the pathologist who performed Mr. Isbill’s autopsy, from the Regional Forensic Center in Knox County.

Official Misconduct: This is a serious charge specifically for public servants. Under Tennessee Code Ann. § 39-16-402, a public servant commits this offense if, with intent to gain a benefit or harm another, they intentionally or knowingly:

• Commit an act related to their office that is an unauthorized exercise of official power.

• Commit an act under color of office that exceeds their official power.

• Penalty: This is a Class E felony. A conviction can also lead to the official being removed from office and disqualified from holding any office in the state in the future.

A Coroner's determination is not a criminal verdict--police officers can and do ask questions and present evidence to a coroner, they cannot legally compel a coroner to change their finding. The coroner's decision is based on their own medical and investigative findings, which may include an autopsy.

Not a Mensa member

A sheriff should not "grill" a forensic investigator because the sheriff's role is administrative, not investigative. A forensic investigator's job is to provide objective scientific analysis, and their findings are used by prosecutors to build a case. If anyone is going to question the forensic investigator, it would be a prosecutor or a defense attorney in a court of law—not a sheriff. This is to ensure the integrity of the evidence and the legal process.

The prosecutor is the one who will question the forensic investigator. This happens under oath in court. The defense attorney then has a chance to cross-examine the investigator.

The core of the issue is the potential for prejudicial publicity. When a high-ranking public official like a sheriff makes public statements about an ongoing investigation, it can:

• Taint the jury pool: Potential jurors may form an opinion on the case based on the sheriff's public statements, making it difficult to seat an unbiased jury.

• Influence witnesses: Witnesses, including the coroner, might feel pressured to align their testimony with the narrative presented by the sheriff.

• Create a perception of guilt or innocence: Public officials can unintentionally or intentionally create a public perception before a defendant is even formally charged or convicted.

• Law enforcement agencies, including a sheriff's office, typically have policies governing public statements about ongoing investigations. These policies are designed to balance the public's right to information with the defendant's right to a fair trial. A sheriff's public statements should be limited to factual, non-prejudicial information.

 

Pastor Isbill Needed Medical Attention: Officer Finger 'Flipped him the Bird'

Update: 9/4/2025 Grand Jury Indictments unsealed--Several MCSD employees named--charges include criminal negligent homicide and false reporting. More on WBIR. 

Never before seen--Tommy is seemingly waging a debate on Facebook with the Forensic Pathologist and the District Attorney...Friends advise him to cease-and-desist, it may lead to another charge.

Former head of detectives Travis Jones on MSNBC video cited lack of training for MCSD bungling the McClancy death investigation.

Back-to-back scandals for MCSD Sheriff Tommy Jones. Will he resign or keep his hat in the ring for a fourth term in 2026?

The death of Pastor Lester Isbill and the Alijah Kensinger Missing Child Alert both cases have elements of a 'cover up'...but all are presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law.

 

Pastor Lester Isbill Death Now a Homicide

District Attorney Stephen Hatchett, who represents the state’s Tenth Judicial District, said he plans to take action soon, saying: “I believe this updated autopsy is a more accurate finding based upon all of the known facts, and I intend to present the entire file to the Grand Jury for their consideration.”

MCSD Deputy Jason Fillyaw 'Tommy's Waterboy' played key role in the Missing Child Alert Scandal

Archived news-clip page shows MCSD Jason Fillyaw was the chief propagandist  in the Alijah Kensinger Missing Child Alert.

A propagandist is an individual who holds a prominent role in directing, orchestrating, and crafting messages designed to influence public opinion and behavior.

* Alijah was found around 7:30 PM the evening of the search, according to a witness that lives near where he was staying with his grandmother. If so, the search lasted about 3 hours not 19 hours--who benefited by faking the search late into the next morning...? and were state and federal laws violated...look up the penalties/offenses for transmitting false information during an emergency.

 A gathered crowd of close to 200 people stayed put at the Coker Creek School over-night: which included news media and local residents--it was an all-night vigil eagerly waiting for news on the missing child alert--overnight temps were in the F-30's.

Alijah's mother who flew in on red-eye flight from Colorado the following morning spoke to reporter Kyle Grainger and other reporters...the mother was in shock thinking her boy may have been killed by a bear or other predators--but who knew and who is responsible for the torment caused on Alijah's relatives not knowing the child had been found the previous night--where was Alijah kept overnight, how many people knew...?

Eric, the owner of Fine Communications, revealed on June 7th that Alijah was found on the night the search began, not 19 hours later--since then, several high-profile witnesses have affirmed that the news story was manipulated for political reasons.

EMS Director Randy White was running for sheriff against the incumbent Tommy Jones--All standard protocol was violated so Randy White would not be in the spotlight of the event.

Several federal and state laws were violated in what became known as a 2 day 'theater of the absurd' -- this and the recent death of Pastor Lester Isbill will likely have a significant impact on the 2026 sheriff's election.

 

The Most Damning Evidence Against Sheriff Tommy Jones: A Pattern of Delaying Medical Services

Pastor Lester Isbill was kept shackled in a restraint chair with a hood over his head for 9 hours. Video shows a nurse laughing while a jailer makes an obscene gesture towards the camera. 

Missing Child Alert victim Alijah Kensinger was found on the same night the search began, but was not brought to the waiting ambulance until late on the following morning. All communications (includes texts, phone, emails) transmitted and used as a false pretense, after Alijah was found, violated 'Search and Rescue Guidelines' under FCC regulations...The penalties for these offenses can be severe and include a Class D Felony.

Alijah's mother seen on the morning after the search, still not knowing her son was found the night before--she was not told for several hours that Alijah was found.

Demonstrating a 'pattern of misconduct' rather than a single isolated incident is crucial for investigators for several key reasons:

A pattern of misconduct suggests a deeper, potentially systemic problem with an organization, rather than an isolated bad actor.

Two or more similar incidents strengthens the credibility of the allegations and provides stronger evidence to support the claims of wrongdoing. When misconduct is documented over time, it becomes harder to dismiss or regard as isolated events or misunderstandings.

Repeated misconduct allows investigators to delve deeper into the root causes of the problem. This can involve examining policies, procedures, training and accountability systems to identify systemic failures contributing to the pattern.

A pattern of misconduct can help establish intent or prove that an organization or individual was aware of the problem but failed to address it. This can be crucial in proving negligence or even criminal intent in certain situations.

74 yr old Pastor Lester Isbill DEAD--kept in 'torture like' condition for 9 hours by Sheriff Tommy Jones' handlers

Attorney for the Isbill Family describes how a senior citizen who should have been given medical attention instead was kept in a restraint chair with a hood over his head for 9 hours Watch on WBIR

Alijah Kensinger was found on night the search began: the morning-after publicity stunt was a sham

Sheriff Tommy Jones' handling of Missing Child Alert--A Profound Betrayal of Public Trust ...The head of communications and owner of Fine Communications, Eric, in charge of Net Control at the Cherohala Challenge last Saturday revealed what many already suspected--Alijah was found the night the search began--the missing child alert issued by Sheriff Tommy Jones on Alijah Kensinger that continued into the next morning was partially staged. The publicity stunt on a busy state route endangered everyone involved. 

Excluding Monroe EMS from Post Incident Debriefing Was a Violation of H.R. 5852

Update 7/17/2025 -- More Rescue Squad members interviewed admit that the search victim was found on the evening the search started, not 17 hours later...It is clear the gathered crowd (3 Knoxville News Station crews and local residents) at the Coker Creek School were bluffed into staying put overnight so Tommy Jones could have a day-time photo shoot appearing as the savior of 6-year-old Alijah Kensinger...a missing child who became a victim of a sinister political stunt--study the details, have you ever heard of a case like this?...using a helpless child as a pawn for a political charade unlike any other in the history of Monroe County TN.

Update 7/8/2025--A high-ranking law enforcement official commented to MCNWW that he knows the location, time, and the very close proximity to Grandma Kensinger's house, where Alijah was sitting down next to a tree when found.

 

We urge DA Hatchett to open an investigation and depose all involved in the search. It may expose one of the biggest scandals in the history of Monroe County TN.

'Flight Aware' records show two helicopters and a fixed-wing aircraft buzzin' around for a couple of hours into the night; what if this was allowed to happen after Alijah was found?

If so, it points to government funds being used to benefit the sheriff's election and/or possible fraud, child abuse, and other state and federal violations...? We all want to know the Truth!

Update 6/27/2025--local news Monroe Buzz reporter remembers the morning after the search showed 30 degree overnight temperature. "Using a child to further an adult purpose...unforgiveable"...

MCNWW--the whole scheme was part of an elaborate ruse choreographed like a Hollywood script...Look at Alijah's condition as he was carried by Tommy Jones: does he look like he's been out in frigid temperatures for 17 hours? And, if he had been, what responsible rescue squad member(s) would have released custody of a medical transport patient for a political stunt?...EMS Director Randy White was running for Sheriff against incumbent Tommy Jones--Alijah was the Prize, and Tommy wanted all the attention for himself...

 See Pic with news-reporter Kyle Grainger from WVLT on the morning after the search: Why was Alijah's mother or the waiting news media not told that Alijah was found the night of the search?  Seen as she had just arrived from the Knoxville airport: she seems to be in shock!...

 

There hasn't been a case in Monroe County that has as many twists and turns since the Dateline MSNBC 'Secrets in the Smokies'

The Alijah missing child alert case is a made-for-TV docudrama--how many people were involved in the elaborate conspiracy to manipulate and deceive the public and the victim's relatives?

           ****************

In 2022 An eyewitness summed it up like this -- "It started on the afternoon of 1/13/22, when 6-year-old Alijah wandered off on a familiar hiking trail behind the house, living with the paternal grandmother.  As we now know (he was sitting under a tree less than a mile from the house)... if he was ever lost or unable to find his way back, he had been told to 'stay where you are, and we will find you.'  Instead of rapidly forming a grid search or yelling out for the kid, the event was blown way out of proportion with 3 noisy helicopters, 7 federal and state agencies, and news media from Knoxville camped out at the Coker Creek School parking area for 2 days, (there were even food vendors) --  it was designed to be a next day 'golden opportunity' public relations (PR) event for the 2022 sheriff's election." 

 

It turned into something so twisted and sinister that Monroe EMS was prevented from joining the post-incident debriefing...? Post-incident debriefing looks for answers to how well prepared were we,  how well did we perform, and how we can perform better in the future...? 

What was so damaging that Tommy Jones didn't want anyone to know? 

Publicity Stunt At Any Cost

Sheriff Tommy Jones' effort to stage a 'political sideshow' in the Alijah Kensinger incident raises questions of 'Official Misconduct'--TN 39-16402. (1)  One who commits an act relating to the servant's office or employment that constitutes an unauthorized exercise of official power.  The offense of 'official misconduct' is a class E felony.  As far as federal violation of 'civil rights',  Section 242 of Title 18 makes it a crime for a person acting under color of law to willfully deprive a person of a right or privilege protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States.

Would Tommy Jones risk the safety of a 6-year-old boy to get an advantage in the May 3rd, 2022 Sheriff's election--and,  if part of this two-day operation was 'staged' could there be other details that should be uncovered?  

Late Friday morning 1/14/22, Tommy's hand-picked goons brought Alijah from the walking trail site behind the grandmother's house to the command center and parked as far as possible from the waiting ambulance so they could parade south from the farthest spot in the parking lot, right up to the waiting news media... this publicity stunt on a busy state route endangered everyone involved-the gathered crowd looks on as Tommy's water boy Jason Fyllyaw tries to offer some protection and ready-made excuses: it's ironic that nearly two weeks later, a sheriff's deputy was killed on a busy highway while outside of his patrol car.

When EMS Director Randy White became aware Alijah was found he gave specific instructions that the ambulance crew would come and take over: his order was ignored even though improperly handling a patient who may have suffered trauma increases the risk for cardiac arrest… without regard to standard medical protocol, the six-year old was loaded in the back of a truck and brought near the command center so he could be carried by Sheriff Jones on a busy highway ‘like a trophy' ...

“Has Tommy Jones lost his friggin’ mind?”...mishandling a medical transport patient, (a possible trauma victim) can lead to horrendously expensive legal costs... Courts have ruled that 'emotional distress' is mental suffering caused by a particular event or negligence. As such, it is possible to file a civil lawsuit on the grounds of emotional distress to receive compensation for the damage caused. 

New details emerge from a recent video interview with Alijah's mother, in what is now regarded as a 2-day 'Theater of the Absurd'...

Trenton Debity was the actual person that supposedly found Alijah, although he never appeared before the waiting TV camera crews (unusual to not make a comment in a situation like this)--instead, search-volunteer Stone Gray who was 'nearby', made some comments...but left many unanswered questions.

Alijah's mother picked up the child and left town; if not for the loud helicopter noise, you likely could have yelled out for Alijah from the grandmother's porch--the mother has ties to Washington state, Knoxville TN, and her parents in Virginia...when found, Alijah's first words were "where's my daddy?" The burden of the horrible ordeal must have been devastating for all, especially for the paternal grandmother who lives near the Coker Creek Welcome Center--she had custody of the child or he had been left there by the parents.

Attorney Russ Egli files Notice of Appearance in the Whiskey Barrel Case

Knoxville Attorney Russ Egli has filed an appearance in the Whiskey Barrel Trading LLC vs Robyn Hurvitz case in Monroe County TN.

A July 2024 press release on Marquis Who's Who describes Mr. Egli:

"A distinguished attorney with a career spanning over 18 years. In 2007 as a new member of the bar, Mr. Egli went before the Tennessee Senate Judiciary Committee, highlighting the fact that the Tennessee Judiciary was experiencing significant problems with a litigant's due process right to pursue the removal of a judge which has an actual conflict or an appearance of impropriety. 

This Senate Judiciary hearing in which other members of the Tennessee Bar, as well as Tennesse residents who were in litigation with a judge refusing to recuse from the case despite an actual conflict or appearance of impropriety testified was instrumental in changing the laws surrounding the recusal of a judge in Tennessee as well as the disbandment of the Tennessee Court of the Judiciary which was not disciplining Tennessee judges who had clearly violated their judicial canons."

Once had Over $3 Million Worth of Yachts?... Karma is a Bitch

In 2018, 'hype and fluffery' was an integral part of Billy's playbook.

While acting as his own attorney before the Tennessee Court of Appeals in 2024, he sang a different tune. 

'Billy' or ‘William Jennings Smith’ was sued by gal/pal Robyn Hurvitz over a real estate dispute–the case made it to the Tennessee Court of Appeals as ‘Whiskey Barrel Trading Company vs Robyn Hurvitz.’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-vExEKQgoE 

Appeal Denied: https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-appeals/opinions/2024/09/27/robyn-h-hurvitz-v-whiskey-barrel-trading-company-llc-et-al

Whiskey Barrel Case Delayed for Years if Tried in the U.S. Supreme Court?

Pro se attorney oral argument in the Whiskey Barrel Trading Company vs Robyn Hurvitz case appeal made by Coker Creek resident Billy Smith... The Appeal was denied in TN State Court...He was often incoherent and rambling with comments and text that he had difficulty with--but, like he said, "he ain't no lawyer." What options does he have?

Billy started a Gofundme several months ago--says he is donating $2500 to benefit victims of corruption in Monroe County but the donations balance as of 4/5/2025 only shows $315... And has dropped to '0' funds as of 5/27/2025 https://gofund.me/c1976eda

  *************************

Filing an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court can delay a state action.

• The Supreme Court has the power to review decisions made by the state courts.
• When an appeal is filed, it can lead to the court deciding to hear the case (granting certiorari).
• While the Court considers the case, it can issue stays or injunctions that halt the state action in question.
• Stays: The Court can issue a "stay," which is a temporary suspension of legal proceedings or actions. This can prevent a state from enforcing a law or carrying out a decision while the appeal is pending.
• The Appeal Process Itself: The legal process of an appeal to the Supreme Court itself takes time. So even without a stay being issued, the process itself delays the state action.
• If the Supreme Court ultimately rules against the state, it can invalidate the state's law or action, effectively preventing it from being implemented.
• But here's the bad news Billy--The Supreme Court accepts a very small percentage of the cases that are presented to it, and this includes pro se appeals.
• The Supreme Court has discretionary jurisdiction, meaning it gets to choose which cases it will hear.
• It primarily focuses on cases that have significant legal principles or have a nationwide impact.
• The deadline for filing a petition for writ of certiorari with the Supreme Court is generally 90 days after the entry of judgment or decree by the lower court. Some cases have an even shorter deadline of 30 days.

By dragging his former girlfriend/business partner 'through the mud' with a litany of insults and off-topic remarks, Billy showed his true colors. It was more likely that the Arabs and the Jews would have agreed to a permanent peace accord before the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to hear an appeal by 'Billy' William Jennings Smith.

Recent Clues Shed Light on 2023 Facebook Hoaxster Daniela Valderrama

It was an alarming and bizarre encounter on May 22, 2023. It is now crystal clear the motive behind the malicious tactics used was a 'swatting attack' by a 'serial hoaxster.'...the victim remembers, "It felt like being chased by a raving lunatic." 

On Monday, May 22, 2023 -- an alert was posted on the local Facebook users group by Daniela Valderrama saying..."Does Anyone know who this creepy guy is?"

The so-called "creepy guy" was an innocent victim and was falsely accused and harassed for no reason--he was interviewed by MCNW and wants to share how he ran into the accuser...

Daniela Valderrama

Update 2/26/2025...Why was Billy's new girlfriend so 'alarmed and hysterical' back in 2023...was it because they wanted to hide what they had on Cooper Hollow Road...?

Could it be that there is a 34-acre parcel of land near Tilley Lane registered to the infamous  'Whiskey Barrel Trading Company...?'  It's an LLC that was dissolved years ago...There is much more to come...

                         ...........................

Manny Silva says...I was driving towards Cooper Hollow Road and saw what looked like a stranded or perhaps a lost motorist on the side of the road: I stopped and said hello...As soon as I realized she must be a friend or girlfriend of dirty trickster 'Billy' William Jennings Smith; I drove on, and could hear as she "screamed and hollered"... she wanted to know "How did you know that, and who are you?"...

Cooper Hollow Road in Monroe County TN is one of the most hidden places to live and use as a base of operations.

As I looked in my rear-view mirror, she had turned around and was following me--GPS cache meta-data would show that she followed me after our brief conversation...

I felt she was so enraged that I better stop and try to calm her down--she started video recording her shouting and screaming, so I took a picture of her...I later made a police report at the Tellico PD with a Monroe County officer...I was in fear for my life and felt I was being chased by a "raving lunatic."

Watch Tommy G video below--it shows how Ryan Montgomery was pranked by a Fakesbook hoax and the aftermath.

Whiskey Barrel Trading Company vs Robyn H. Hurvitz 'Live Courtroom Video'

Flea Market Vendor "Billy" William Jennings Smith landed in Coker Creek TN in 2017.  He is one of the most interesting characters that has ever migrated to southern Monroe County--seen representing himself in court as a 'Pro se appellant' in a dispute over real estate with former associate Robyn Hurvitz. His appeal was denied--explained in a detailed decision here, see pdf link:

https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/Hurvitz%20v.%20Whiskey%20Barrel%20Trading%20Company%2C%20LLC%20et%20al.%20Memorandum%20Opinion%20%2852%29.pdf

An interlocutory appeal filed by Daniela Valderrama, also a non-attorney litigant and recent girlfriend/associate of Billy's was dismissed--see pdf. link:

https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-appeals/opinions/2024/04/17/daniela-valderrama-v-robyn-h-hurvitz

Majorana 1 Chip is coming soon--will make real-world quantum computing a reality

Microsoft has unveiled a new quantum chip called "Majorana 1" that claims will make scaled, real-world quantum computing a reality in just years rather than decades. It's palm-sized and has a delightfully retro look yet Microsoft claims it will eventually pack more theoretical computing power than all the world's current classical computers combined.

The Majorana 1 comes after nearly two decades of research. The big claims come thanks to Microsoft's unique approach to the quantum problem. Scientists at the company have engineered a first-of-its-kind "topo-conductor" material that they say exploits an exotic "topological" state of matter, bridging the gap between quantum physics and practical engineering.

Microsoft adds that this topological state enables smaller, faster, and more stable quantum bits (qubits). In fact, the company is so confident in the technology that it claims topo-conductors and the new type of chip they enable provide a clear roadmap to scaling up to over one million qubits on a single chip – a key threshold for quantum supremacy over classical computers for real-world applications.

Superbowl Blowout is Big Surprise for Taylor Swift

Downcast Travis Kelce made his way to girlfriend Taylor Swift’s suite on Sunday inside Caesars Superdome after the Eagles thwarted the Chiefs’ hopes of a three-peat with a 40-22 loss in Super Bowl 2025.

Dressed in ’70s-inspired attire that he arrived at the game in, the Chiefs tight end was seen walking through the hallways of the New Orleans venue in footage shared by “Entertainment Tonight” following a disappointing performance across the board.

Kelce, now facing questions about his NFL future, had zero receptions in the first half.

GUAC THIS WAY

The New York Post reports that the Mexican president strikes a deal with Trump to pause tariffs, and also agrees to put 10K troops on the border. Great News for Avocado lovers...

Interpol Director on Cybercrime Scams

Interpol has been successful with it's ability to have partnerships with 196 member countries. Also, the global race for Quantum Computing intensifies: this will have an impact on national security and life on the planet.

Who Works

This is a dated prediction of the workforce but proportionately similar to current numbers.

The Population of the Country is 160 million, but there are 62 million over 60 years of age, leaving 98 million to do the work.  People under 21 total 54 million which leaves 44 million to do the work.

21 million government employees which leaves 23 million to do the work.  Six million in the Armed Forces leaves 17 million workers.

Deduct 14 million state, county, and city employees which leaves 3 million to do the work.  There are 2,500,000 people in hospitals, asylums, etc.,  which leaves 500,000 workers.  But 450,000 of these are bums or others who will not work.  So that leaves 50,000 to do the work. Now it may interest you that there are 49,998 people in jail so that leaves just two people to do all the work.  And that is you and me brother,  and I'm getting tired of doing everything by myself.

So Let's Get With It!

Florida resident said his truck was stolen within 2 days after moving to Coker Creek--but no police report was made

In mid-October 2024, area residents noticed a small 10' ft U-Haul truck parked on Hwy 68 at the "Billy building" now owned by Florida resident Derrick "Exxon" Valdez under "Lone Wolf LLC."

It was either a move-in or a move-out situation...turned out it was a young couple from Florida that had settled into the studio apartment.

After extensive renovations in the past 5 years, the building has two small apartments (a one-bedroom, a studio-apt, and a small storefront) although it barely has any parking area. The property (which is up for sale again) is less than half an acre, the listing shows it is .4 acre, filled with two rusty classic trucks and other bohemian artifacts.

No police report of a stolen truck raised suspicion about the motive of the 'stolen truck story' so to play the devil's advocate, we had to make sure that the young man's mystery truck story was authentic--in a recorded interview the alleged victim was told that some wealthy residents would consider starting a Gofundme drive--but had to make sure when and where his truck was stolen: did it happen before moving from Florida or in Coker Creek TN...? he assured MCNW that it was stolen from his Coker Creek TN location.

Why 'no police report' about a stolen truck with the Monroe County Sheriff's Office...? He had many excuses for that, the best one was "they couldn't find his address."

The alleged stolen truck victim then sent a picture of a truck (see pic) to see if that would get the Gofundme drive started--as you can guess, it was a feeble attempt that failed to convince anyone that anything he said was true--the young couple barely stayed a month, they moved on to greener pastures.

The owner of the property was told about the interaction that his new renters had with some local residents and he responded in a text: "The tenant was no good. He was full of lies. I already got rid of him. Unfortunately you can't believe everything you're told now a days."   ...sent on Nov.21, at 9:53 AM

Staying Out of the Line of Fire

 

November 15th, 2024

STAYING OUT OF THE LINE OF FIRE: The Dead Drop generally tries to steer clear of politics for oh so many reasons. Actually, just one really important one though: if we can’t all come together on national security issues – regardless of our politics – then we’re only playing the game half as well as we could and that’s just un-American. That’s why we’re not gonna even comment on the megaton of nominees who were announced this week for national security-related positions in the next administration (though our cheekier side could’ve had a field day with a couple of them). What we couldn’t’ resist though, was calling out something we saw that desperately needs a fact check. The Washington Times reported that the President-elect’s nominee to run the CIA, former DNI John Ratcliffe, was expected to target ‘politicization within the Agency’ as a priority and (here’s the surprising part) – that Ratcliffe would “replace Gina Haspel, who has been the agency’s director since 2018.” This will come as news to many – including that Bill Burns guy. Or maybe Haspel has been running the ‘deep state’ version of the Agency for the past few years. More https://www.thecipherbrief.com/dead_drop_article/dead-drop-november-15-2

All Day Emergency Drill of the Sequoyah Nuclear Power Plant in Soddy-Daisy TN

Several agencies and local ham radio operators will take part in today's emergency drill, which is expected to last several hours. You can listen-in if you have access to the 147.180 repeater on Oswald Dome.

DA Steve Hatchett in First High Profile Case: Close Ally of Sheriff Tommy Jones Indicted on Sexual Assault

The news headlines on 10/2/2024 from the TBI press release seemed vague and ambiguous..."Monroe County Man Indicted, Arrested for Sexual Assault."

It shows, "At the request of 10th Judicial District Attorney General Steve Hatchett, on September 5th, TBI special agents began investigating a complaint of sexual assault that took place on August 24th. During the course of the investigation, agents developed information that Brian Hodge had committed sexual battery against an individual at the Monroe County EMS station in Madisonville."

DA Steve Hatchett

Hodge pleaded guilty to a vote-buying scheme in federal court during his involvement in the 2014 Monroe County Sheriff's race. After being fired from Oak Ridge EMS soon after the federal indictment; Tommy Jones offered Hodge a job--the catch was that Hodge would have been required to carry a gun, but U.S. Attorney Bart Slabbekorn objected: this kept his 'gun rights' permit rescinded as per the court order issued by U. S. District Judge Thomas A. Varlan.

This case is about an alleged victim and an accused person: however, how and why Brian Keith Hodge (formerly referred to as "Wormy" Hodge in previous news clips) is back in the news charged with a serious felony is a "WTF" head turner!

"Wormy" Hodge being back in the spotlight is the last thing that Randy White and Tommy Jones would have wished for 10 years after the infamous debacle that was the 2014 sheriff's election in Monroe County...the headlines could be-- 

for Tommy Jones and Randy White, 

"The chickens come home to roost"

This saying dates back to 1390 when Geoffrey Chaucer used it in The Parson's Tale: And ofte tyme swich cursynge wrongfully retorneth agayn to hym that curseth, as a byrd that retorneth agayn to his owene nest.

Tommy Jones

Florida Residents Warned to Escape from the Path of Hurricane Milton

10/10/2024--Hurricane Milton Live Updates: Millions in the dark as it rumbles across causing several deaths and billions in damage. !8" of rain in the Tampa Bay area.

Cat-5 category expected as Hurricane Milton approaches.

Thousands of people are fleeing from Florida as Hurricane Milton approaches the Tampa Bay coast...storm surge is expected as high as 15'-- Officials are warning residents to "leave now, or you will die." Gas stations are either low or have run out gas due to the demand from the number of people evacuating.

So many that were just impacted by hurricane Helene are wondering what Milton is going to do to their communities. Up to record-setting storm surge expected--the longer you wait the more difficult it will be--airplane tickets and gas prices continue to soar.

Monroe County TN has often been a favorite destination spot for Floridians seeking a short or long-term stay--many cabin rentals available in the Tellico Plains area. 

Europol Shuts Down "Ghost" -- Worldwide Cybercrime Social Platform

The platform used encrypted communication to allow criminals worldwide to send and receive messages and also order assassinations. Thousands of illegal ops and transactions were carried out using "Ghost," but even though multiple encryption options were used, the site was dismantled. The platform was run by a single admin, a 32-year-old male based in Australia.

Exploding Radios in Lebanon were discontinued Icom IC-V82's, often used by Ham Radio Operators

It was the batteries in radios and pagers that held the detonation device that maimed or killed hundreds of users in Lebanon this week.

The Japanese company Icom manufactured the IC-V82 radios from 2004 to 2012. It was a solid quality, well-

built HT or (handy talkie) as ham radio operators refer to hand-held portable radios. 

Production of the batteries for the IC-V82 radios was discontinued years ago, but parts are still available: It remains a mystery how the batteries detonated--although it is clear they had been loaded with explosive material.

Icom is one the top radio brands,  one of their best current hand-held models is the Icom ID-52.

Excitement Filled Black Bear Rampage Mountain Bike Race

 It will take place on Sunday, Sept. 15th, 2024--Meetup and start is at the Whitewater Center, Polk County TN. For additional details on time, fees, and how to register click on the 'Rides and Events' link  https://www.scottsbikes.com 

Car Accident Victim on Forest Service Road waits for 22 hours for help to come

Joe "Clooney" Rodriguez, a recent move-in to Monroe County TN escaped serious injury in what could have been a deadly single-vehicle car crash on USFS Wildcat Creek road just 10 miles from Tellico Plains on July 22, 2024. 

The good news was that he was not hurt and his cell phone still had service, 'Thumbs-up' for Boost Mobile--although he did not call 911. Joe said he spent the rainy overnight ordeal sleeping underneath the car. 

A USFS service employee happened to drive by and did report the accident to the Tellico ranger station, but they did not do any follow-up or offer assistance...this should serve as a warning to others: if possible, travel in a group or caravan and have plenty of supplies while on rural forest service roads. Use your head and plan ahead or you could easily become "bear food."

There are a few full-time dwellers and some vacation homes near the Cherokee National Forest, and most of the locals know their neighbors: "strangers and outsiders" are quickly recognized. 

No tow truck service companies were willing to come out to the remote crash site except Shep's garage from Tellico Plains: they came out and did the salvage op/recovery. If not for the big tree, he would have fallen down a deep ravine and the outcome of the crash would have been entirely different. There are similar accidents yearly, see statistics of U.S Forest Service road accidents on Accidentdatacenter.com

Running on the Forest Trails--Endurance Event July 20, and 21st

 

East Coast Adventures is sponsoring an endurance mountain event on some of the most beautiful trails of the Southern Cherokee National Forest.

It is a challenging mountain trail run event. To sign up and other information see the East Coast Adventures Website https://ultrarunning.com/calendar/event/the-cherokee If you are more of a hiker than a runner check out http://www.cherokeehikingclub.org/

Car Rally Race may soon to be 10 Times Bigger, if allowed to continue

Derek Wooley KD5UBL, one of the chief collaborators in the recent Car Rally Race in Polk County TN is giddy with joy as he announces what he hopes will take place in 2 to 3 years in our Cherokee National Forest.

    After its Deadliest Year, Rally Race Presses On

Road and Track magazine reports: "It's a sport on the fringes. Advertising dollars don't rain in for a sport that doesn't lend itself to television or even in person-viewing. 

The previous 19 months have hit the rally world hard: 3 deaths during rallies and two other drivers, including one of the sport's biggest, passing away in crashes away from the course."

USFS District Ranger Supervisors are not evaluating any other requests for future rally race events. 

John Muir and other great naturalists that came before us would cringe at the thought of turning our Great Wilderness into a pit of Zombie Hell.

Sparks Fly at USFS Meeting: Racetrack Event through the Forest Considered an "Environmental Crime"

Even though greedy corporate interests have managed to sway or influence forest service supervisors in other parts of the country, the proposed car rally race on June 15-16 in a Wildlife Management Area at the Starr Mountain Wilderness is in direct violation of "The Wilderness Act."  

A Local resident asks "Why do you want to destroy our Natural Wilderness?" ...Another local resident says a friend was sentenced to almost 2 years in prison for accidentally damaging a tree in the forest: 2 days of car rally racing would have a much more severe impact on the environment.

Hiwassee Ocoee District Ranger Supervisor Philip Earhart has decided to authorize all portions of National Forest Service Roads (NFSRs) 23, 44, 55, 67, 99, 103, 220, 221, 302, and 1333 on National Forest System Lands on the Ocoee Ranger District, Cherokee National Forest, Polk and Monroe Counties, Tennessee for rally car racing events on June 15-16, 2024.

One of the first of many comments at a recent rally forum community meeting described how a man had been convicted to a year and a half in federal prison because he crossed the creek in his truck and accidentally damaged a tree at Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park... "You know what it cost that man? non-dui, non-drug, he just damaged a tree with his Toyota truck-he served 1-
1/2 years in prison because it's federal land."...Two days of car rally races in the forest would have a much more severe impact on the forest environment.

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