Rhea County, TN – On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, detectives from the Rhea County Sheriff’s Department, in partnership with special agents from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), executed multiple indictments following months of extensive investigations into drug trafficking and overdose-related deaths within Rhea County.
This coordinated effort involved several teams serving indictments across the county. A number of individuals were taken into custody, while others already incarcerated at the Rhea County Jail were formally charged with new offenses.
Arrested Individuals:
Thomas Smith
Possession of methamphetamine more than 26 grams with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver
Possession of methamphetamine (.5) grams with intent to manufacture, sell, deliver
Sell, deliver of methamphetamine (.5) or more
Possession of fentanyl (.5) grams or more with intent to manufacture, sell, deliver
Possession of drug paraphernalia
James Dylan Smith
Possession of Para-fluorofentanyl (.5) grams or more
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Hubert Tankersley
Possession of methamphetamine (.5) grams or more with intent to manufacture, sell, deliver 3 counts
Sell, delivery of methamphetamine (.5) grams or more 3 counts
Possession of methamphetamine 26 grams or more with intent to manufacture, sell, deliver
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Gregory Brown
Possession of Fentanyl (.5) grams or more with intent to manufacture, sell, deliver
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Caleb Hartman
Possession of fentanyl (.5) grams or more with intent to manufacture, sell, deliver
Possession of methamphetamine (.5) grams or more with intent to manufacture sell, deliver
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Jesse Westlake
Possession of Fentanyl (.5) grams or more with intent to manufacture, sell, deliver 10 counts
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Chelse Clark
Possession of methamphetamine 26 grams or more with intent to manufacture, sell, deliver
Possession of Fentanyl (.5) grams or more with intent to manufacture, sell, deliver
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Andrew Revis
Possession of methamphetamine 26 grams or more with intent to manufacture, sell, deliver
Possession of Fentanyl (.5) grams or more with intent to manufacture, sell, deliver
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Sheena Smith
Possession of methamphetamine (.5) grams or more with intent to manufacture, sell, deliver
Sell, delivery of methamphetamine (.5) grams or more
Charges at time of arrest:
Simple possession of methamphetamine
Simple possession of marijuana
Introduction of contraband into a penal institution 2 count
Christopher Hood
Possession of Fentanyl (.5) grams or more with intent to manufacture, sell, deliver 4 counts
Sell, delivery of Fentanyl (.5) grams or more 4 counts
Sherman Auther
Possession of Fentanyl (.5) grams or more with intent to manufacture, sell, deliver
Sell, delivery of Fentanyl (.5) or more
Charges at time of arrest
Possession of methamphetamine with intent to, manufacture sell, deliver
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Antonio Rodriguez
Possession of methamphetamine (.5) grams or more with intent to manufacture, sell, deliver
Sell, delivery of methamphetamine (.5) grams or more
Titus Vincent
Second degree murder
Sell, delivery of fentanyl (.5) or more
Possession of fentanyl (.5) grams or more with intent to manufacture, sell, deliver
Johnny Sizemore
Possession of Para-fluorofentanyl (.5) grams or more with intent to manufacture, sell, deliver
Possession of methamphetamine (.5) grams or more with intent to manufacture, sell, deliver
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Outstanding Indictments:
1. Dottie Yearwood
2. Cloe Everett
3. Johnny Swanner – In Custody
4. Caleb Jenkins – In Custody
5. Heather Wright – In Custody
6. Brandi Dotson
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities urge anyone with information about the individuals with outstanding indictments to contact the Rhea County Sheriff’s Department or the TBI tip line. Due to the ongoing investigation other indictments remain sealed and are not listed.
The joint investigation highlights the commitment of local and state law enforcement to addressing the growing impact of drug trafficking and related fatalities in the community. Sheriff Mike Neal of Rhea County praised the operation, stating:
“These arrests represent our continued dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of Rhea County residents. Drug trafficking and the tragedies it fuels will not be tolerated, and we will remain relentless in pursuing those responsible.”