News Summary
Multiple law enforcement officers in Tennessee, including deputy officers and a police officer, have been indicted and arrested following grave allegations such as sexual battery and child abuse. Dyer County Deputy Jared Willcutt faces charges after being accused of assaulting a female during a traffic stop. Similarly, Clarksville officer Isaac Baretto was arrested on charges of child abuse related to injuries suffered by his infant. These incidents raise concerns about accountability and trust in the police, prompting ongoing investigations by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Jackson, Tennessee – Multiple law enforcement officers in Tennessee have been indicted and arrested amid serious criminal allegations, leading to significant turmoil within the state’s law enforcement community. Among those arrested are deputy officers and a police officer charged with serious offenses, including sexual battery and child abuse.
Dyer County Deputy Jared Willcutt, aged 36, faces charges of sexual battery, official misconduct, and official oppression following an investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). The allegations stem from an incident during a traffic stop on October 7, 2024, in which Willcutt is accused of sexually assaulting a female victim. He turned himself in on June 10 and is currently held in the Dyer County Jail on a $25,000 bond.
In a separate case, Isaac Baretto, a 26-year-old officer from Clarksville, was arrested on charges of child abuse after investigations revealed he caused injuries to his 5-month-old baby, requiring hospitalization. Baretto has been charged with one count of child abuse and is being held in the Montgomery County Jail on a $5,000 bond.
The cases of Willcutt and Baretto highlight troubling incidents involving law enforcement officials, raising concerns about accountability and the need for public trust in policing. The TBI, along with additional law enforcement agencies, continues the investigation into these incidents while seeking public assistance for any further information relevant to the cases.
In a broader crackdown on crime in Tennessee, Christopher James Havrilla, a 52-year-old man from Alabama, has been indicted on multiple serious charges, including first-degree murder and aggravated kidnapping, related to the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Bristol man Cody Scott Matney, who has been missing since April 2002. Havrilla is currently being held on a $1 million bond.
In other crime-related news, Lindsay Joy Hooker, 38, has been arrested in connection with an arson incident involving a camper fire in Camden. She faces charges including aggravated arson and assault. Furthermore, Ashton Smith-Carter, 55, from Henderson, has been charged with first-degree murder linked to the shooting death of Myron Fulton.
In McNairy County, a recent undercover drug operation led to 21 indictments on drug trafficking charges, with 19 individuals taken into custody as part of the effort to combat methamphetamine and fentanyl distribution in the region. The law enforcement agencies involved emphasize that the charges against the individuals are merely accusations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Adding to local news, Patricia Campbell, the Clerk and Master of Grundy County, has announced her retirement effective July 1 after serving for 32 years. In sports, Grundy County volleyball coach Seann Lewis has finalized his varsity volleyball roster, expressing enthusiasm for the team’s potential as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Alongside rain showers expected early in the day with a high temperature near 90°F, the community braves a period of significant challenges as these serious criminal allegations come to light. The forecast calls for clear skies later with a low near 70°F, offering a brief respite from the ongoing turbulence faced by local law enforcement and the broader community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
No Kings Day Protest in Kingsport Highlights Democratic Values
Community Remembers Johnia Berry as 20/20 Highlights Justice Pursuit
Logan Widner Arrested in Connection with Drive-By Shooting
Traffic Stop Turns Into Chase: Kingsport Man Arrested
Bristol on High Alert as Search for Armed Suspect Heats Up
Sullivan County Busts Unlicensed Massage Services
Tennessee Fugitive Gary Calhoun Arrested in Virginia
Elizabethton on Alert After Dollar Tree Shooting Incident
Elizabethton Water Resource Department Achieves Record High Score
Bristol, Tennessee Community Reels After Tragic Shooting
Additional Resources
- WSPY News: Ghost Payroll and Pension Investigation Targets
- Wikipedia: Jackson, Tennessee
- WCSJ News: Coal City Police Chief’s Final Radio Call
- Google Search: Tennessee law enforcement officers indicted
- Shaw Local: Duplexes Next Phase in Minooka
- Google Scholar: Accountability in law enforcement
- WCSJ News: Meghan Martin Appointed Superintendent
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law enforcement criminal allegations
- WSPY News: Regional Superintendent Retirement
- Google News: Tennessee crime news
