From 8th Judicial District Attorney General Jared Effler's Office
A joint operation between the 8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office and the Tennessee Department of Corrections Office of Investigations and Compliance, along with state, county and local law enforcement partners, has netted 67 arrests throughout the 8th Judicial District comprised of Campbell, Claiborne, Fentress, Scott, and Union Counties. The Office of Investigations and Compliance, or OIC, is a division of the Tennessee Department of Corrections tasked with tracking and apprehending felony probationers who have absconded, committed new crimes, or otherwise violated the terms of their probation.
The first of its kind operation, dubbed Operation Accountability, paired Special Agents from OIC with officers from nearly every law enforcement agency in the 8th Judicial District. Agents and officers from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Tennessee Highway Patrol, all five county sheriffs, and nearly every city police department in the 8th Judicial District assisted in the operation, which was conducted in five phases over the course of three months.
Operation Accountability was conceived by District Attorney General Jared Effler as a way to target repeat offenders and combat drug and property crimes in the area. In addition to apprehending offenders that have violated their probation, the operation resulted in the recovery of stolen property and several new criminal charges for some offenders. “As always, I am continually impressed by the professionalism and efficiency of our law enforcement officers in all five of our counties,” said General Effler. “We are grateful for the incredible cooperation throughout the district to hold criminals accountable for their crimes.”
The participating agencies echoed General Effler’s praise regarding the success of the operation. “The Tennessee Department of Correction is pleased to offer assistance to our local law enforcement partners,” said Interim Commissioner Lisa Helton. “Collaboration between Tennessee’s law enforcement agencies is crucial and speaks to our department’s mission of enhancing public safety in Tennessee.”
Tennessee Highway Patrol Captain Stacy Heatherly stated, “The Tennessee Highway Patrol was and is always proud to work with such a well versed collective group of law enforcement personnel within the 8th Judicial District. These type of violations are serious in nature and for us (THP) to be part of a making sure these individuals are made accountable, is our responsibility as a whole. Great job by all!”
“We are always happy to work alongside our local and state partners to make communities safer,” said TBI Special Agent in Charge Derek Newport. “Our hope is that this operation sends the message that we will do our part to make sure felony offenders who abscond are held accountable.”
Claiborne County Sheriff Bob Brooks stated, “The Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office was happy to partner with the District Attorney’s Office and surrounding law enforcement agencies with Operation Accountability. The operation was a huge success as we work to keep our communities safe.”
Tazewell Police Chief Jeremy Myers said, “Operation Accountability has been a great success in the City of Tazewell. The collaborative efforts between the officers of the Tazewell Police Department and professionals from the Tennessee Department of Probation and Parole (TDOC) have proved that those individuals who continue to be a menace to society by breaking the rules and regulations while on probation and parole will not be tolerated. I commend both agencies and the office of District Attorney General Jared Effler in a continued effort to keep our communities safe.”
New Tazewell Police Chief Ben Evans stated, “The New Tazewell Police Department is proud to have participated in Operation Accountability. This is a great example of what cooperation between all agencies involved can accomplish.”
LMU Police Chief Travis Bailey stated, “I want to say thank you for the opportunity to work alongside District Attorney General Jared Effler and all the Law Enforcement Agencies in the 8th Judicial District of Tennessee. This opportunity has provided invaluable experience and knowledge for the Police Officers here at LMU. Again, thank you all.”
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