Jan. 19, 2007: Jason Grooms is arrested by THP Trooper Kevin Kimbrough after he is pulled over on Interstate 40 in Cocke County for speeding about 10:15 p.m. Grooms, who is driving a 2002 Chevrolet Suburban with dealer tags, is allegedly nervous and behaving in a suspicious manner. Sgt. Drawing from sources such as Knox County Juvenile Court Judge Richard Douglass and the family of a 15-year-old South Knoxville girl who was allegedly lured to Newport to work at a bar, the story paints a picture of a Knoxville-Newport organized crime connection. Two statements, for instance, are from bar operators who had allegedly told state authorities that they had been told to buy their liquor from West End or risk being shut down. Newport and Cocke County officers "penetrated" a front window and tossed CS gas into the home. Both facilities are used to store electronic gaming devices, and the agents reportedly confiscate several illegal gambling machines from the storage locker. The Discovery Channel made him a principal figure in a series about moonshiners. Smith objects strenuously to Pierce's motions on the grounds that they are inadmissable under federal rules of evidence. Aug. 2: Sevierville lawyer and former FBI agent Al Schmutzer Jr. is elected district attorney general. Create a password that only you will remember. Those charged with the unlawful storage of liquor for resale are; Gary D. Walker, 53, Bybee, operator of Gary's Bar on Main Street in Newport; Vernon Eugene Hudson, 57, Newport, operator of Backway Inn on West Broadway; Patricia A. Allen, 62, Cosby, operator of Slammer's Bar on West Highway 25/70; Mary Janette Teague, 61, Cosby, operator of Fort Marx on Dark Hollow Road and Lacy Valentine, 57, Cosby, operator of The Blue Room on West Highway 25/70. The first witness is Michael Gray, an ambulance worker at an Allied EMS station in Newport who testifies that he was washing his vehicle in the parking lot when he saw the traffic stop occur "about 150 feet away." Greer cannot, under court rules, comment on the case so the exact nature of Moncier's alleged misbehavior is not known. Jan. 12: Among the exhibits entered into the record in the case against Michael Vassar is a Dec. 2, 2005 letter written by Vassar to Michael McCarter, who turned the document over to federal prosecutors, records show. From the witness stand, Dodgin apologizes repeatedly for his actions and says he wanted to "redeem myself" by bringing other crooked lawmen to justice. (Read the story "FOE revokes Del Rio charter"), Sept. 22: Sheriff's deputy John Wayne "Johnny" Black is interviewed about the 2002 motorcycle accident and other possible criminal activities by four FBI agents at the Tennessee Highway Patrol post in Newport after FBI Special Agent Thomas Farrow calls him on his cell phone. Thornton who has several previous cocaine trafficking convictions could face up to life in prison and $8 million in fines. Newport, Cocke County, Tennessee 37821. In fact, Greer seems to ignore his own order limiting arguments to 30 minutes per side, allowing Moncier to argue, at one point, for more than an hour during one phase of the multitiered sentencing process. Dec. 29: Mickey Lovell and John Dale Ramsey sell a parcel of property at 144 E. Broadway in Newport for $60,000. Oct. 14: Sheriff Ramsey is hospitalized at Baptist Hospital in Knoxville after suffering from unspecified heart problems and is listed in stable condition in the facility's coronary care unit. Dunn says that several additional suspects were indicted in connection with the probe into the club and their names will be made public once theyve been arrested. The best result we found for your search is Mark Wayne Ramsey age 60s in Cosby, TN. Jan. 26: Federal and state search warrants are executed at several locations in Cocke and Jefferson counties, including Harold Grooms' house. Fourteen defendants plead guilty, seven plead no contest and eight say they plan to fight the charges. To view our latest e-Edition click the image on the left. Dec. 20: An FBI informant infiltrates the 440 Cockfight Pit on Camber Drive. Banks referred to Lancaster as Grooms' "right-hand man" and "the person who sticks his neck out for Grooms in the cocaine business," according to the affidavit. Ramsey's nephew and chief deputy, Patrick Taylor, has pleaded guilty along with his brother, Jarrod Taylor, to federal charges of conspiring to traffic in thousands of dollars worth of stolen NASCAR merchandise. "All of those records are gone.". Nov. 28: Scott Walker pleads guilty under seal and is allowed to remain free on bond. Another daughter wrote her own book, Daddy Moonshine.. Mark & Digger Tennessee Moonshiners . Jimmy Dunn, a longtime assistant prosecutor for 4th Judicial District Attorney General Al Schmutzer Jr., defeats Sevierville lawyer Joe Baker in the Republican primary race for Schmutzer's post. This recipe will feed a lot of people. A key player in the undercover investigation is Tommy McClanahan, who had earlier served a three-year sentence as part of the cocaine conspiracy involving Bobby Stinson. Send. She also says that Black had merely been trying to warn his friends about the FBI's interest in his civil case when he told them to stick to their stories. The memorandum also describes an abortive robbery plot that Taylor allegedly hatched with Dodgin in order to steal what they believed to be drug money. The FBI agents asked the translator questions relating to the interviews of the witnesses. She says her father was a Newport officer and she knows both officers by sight. "I ask for your thoughts and prayers as I continue to regain my health and spend quality time with my wife, children and grandchildren." Jarrod Taylor smiles at his wife, Andrea, who sits next to her sister-in-law, Patricia Taylor, during the hearing. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners. "I'd especially like to say I am sorry to all the citizens of Cocke County," he says. (Read the story "Cocke jailer quits, pleads guilty to laundering"). Taylor's entrepreneurial streak also extended to a "blooming onion" concession stand he operated at car shows, fairs and other events in the area. The Moonshine Rod Run is one of the most successful car shows in the Southeastern United States attracting more than 500 Collector, Classic, and Muscle Cars and Trucks. The items include tank tops, jackets, T-shirts, hats, sweat shirts, baseball jerseys and polo shirts that cost about $9,000. Shults announces a plan to utilize Roach and Sheldon that will comply with the federal court orders, maintain the integrity of future cases, and also "prevent them from being hammered to death on the witness stand." During his early youth, Eric got to meet the legendary Popcorn Sutton. June 17: Dodgin is arrested for allegedly trying to buy $60,000 worth of cocaine from an undercover FBI agent in Dandridge. "I couldn't believe they'd walk up to a trooper and say 'I've just done XYZ,' which is a felony," Farrow says. Reserved. Authorities moved in for a closer search. She also disagrees with Monciers characterization of the proof against Gunter as consisting of "no physical evidence, no corroborating evidence" by telling Greer that the TBI laboratory has found one of Gunter's fingerprints on the inside of the duct tape used to wrap the $48,000 in currency seized in the alleged cocaine transaction. According to cooperating witnesses and confidential informants, the machines are located in bars, restaurants, convenience markets and other retail establishments. At the heart of the investigation thus far have been allegations of corruption in the Cocke County Sheriff's Department, but a major fund-raiser for Gov. A federal grand jury is convened in Greeneville to investigate the reports after two local grand juries hear evidence in the case from the TBI but decline to indict anyone, leading to allegations that the local criminal justice system has been corrupted. March 22: Assistant U.S. Attorney Hugh Ward files a motion under seal in federal court in Knoxville asking that Scott Walker be given a lighter sentence in light of his cooperation, which led to the arrest of Robert Keeton "and additional information has led to investigations of several other individuals and will likely result in additional prosecutions." June 29: FBI Director Robert Mueller visits Knoxville and praises the skill of FBI field agents assigned to the East Tennessee region, taking particular note of their skill in rooting out public corruption. "Why lie about who you are?" I don't know what else I can do. "Whether cockfighting is right or wrong, and whether or not our client was involved in cockfighting, any person who has property in the United States is entitled to have that property protected and to have due process before the destruction of that property, especially by a private organization," Baker says. Nov. 10: Authorities announce that a Cocke County grand jury has indicted 11 cockfighting suspects who received a preliminary hearing on Sept. 7. "We're not trying to cast aspersions on anyone, but from an abundance of caution we feel it's appropriate to return those dollars," Pinkston says. He went from a person that went to work each and every day to a person that did not get out of the house and gained 30 (pounds) the first 3 months. Knoxville, TN. ", Chief Baldwin later defends his decision to ask for Webb's resignation, saying: "He was a probationary employee, and when we became aware of him perjuring himself in a civil case, it kind of put us in a predicament. "He stood on the stand and lied to you," she says. Combien gagne t il d argent ? This reality TV star appears alongside Mark Ramsey in the show and, away from the screen, they work in several related projects together. March 9: Jurors deliberate about two hours before convicting Black of both perjury and witness tampering. Has pleaded guilty to conspiring to traffic in stolen property with his brother, Jarrod Taylor, and former Deputy Larry Joe Dodgin. The pair was also seen in Smoky Mountains Rise: A benefit for the My People Fund and Moonshiners: Shiners on Shine. Bill Smith, secretary of the state FOE organization, accuses the club's leadership of not giving "one dollar" to charitable causes as required and instead operating the lodge as a bar for "private gain." City Administrator Brad Moffitt later says he was "somewhat" surprised by the board's decision. Greer also agrees to release to the newspaper a copy of a transcript of court proceedings during the jury selection process that may serve up additional clues to help the newspaper track down jurors. Elliot De Niro Wiki Facts, How Old Is Elliot De Niro? Jan. 9: At the conclusion of a hearing, Judge Greer says he will issue written rulings on the arguments offered by Sheldon and Roach. "If these officers did what they are accused of doing, what does it matter what the victim's name is?" Smith also notes that, "while there is no direct information that Cureton's cooperation has exposed him or his family to any danger or risk of injury, the Court is generally aware of attitudes in Cocke County concerning cooperating defendants and witnesses." Both of the alleged victims are also quizzed about apparent inconsistencies between their testimony and their original statements, such as the amount of money allegedly taken from Vasques. Department officials later confirm that the FBI has seized Smith's personnel file along with a videotape of the Oct. 4, 2003 traffic stop involving Dustin Lee White and former deputy Dodgin. Aug. 9: D.C. Ramsey's partner, Constable Arlie Murr, is arrested by state troopers on a disorderly conduct charge for "operating a vehicle with a blue light on top." Sept. 8: Federal prosecutors accuse Patrick Taylor of taking part in "extensive criminal activities" and ask that he be sentenced to at least 3 years in prison for the stolen property offense. They each face up to 15 years in prison and $500,000 in fines if convicted of both charges. We believe a supportive company culture is the mark of a truly successful of a real estate company. She also says the couple owns a house valued at approximately $210,000, about $35,000 in stocks and several vehicles. Before he is loaded into a medical evacuation helicopter, he tells sheriffs department investigator Robert Caldwell that he was shot by someone but is unable to identify his assailant. The business license for Four Star Auto Sales is held by Jimmy Lay and the license for Hilltop Auto is held by Bryan Buckner and Darrell Mitchell, according to the Cocke County Clerk's Office. Feb. 20: Scott Walker flies again to Texas for another load of drugs and meets with Keeton. According to the affidavit, a confidential informant who, "in the past, has participated in the distribution of large quantities of marijuana to Grooms by providing it to Bill Banks who then delivered it to Hilltop Auto," conducted a number of marijuana transactions with Banks starting in mid-November 2005 while discussing plans to sell between 4 and 6 kilograms of cocaine to Grooms and Gunter. Photo Credit: Joe Swift/MileSplit. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. I'm trying to be very straightforward, as straightforward as I can about it. His wife is sporadically seen with him in Moonshine-related events. Feb. 22: Walker drives the marijuana to Gatlinburg, but Keeton becomes suspicious and pats Walker down, finding a recorder. He has also served on the Tennessee Tourism Roundtable, the Cocke County Chamber of Commerce, and the Cocke County Tourism Council. He also says the board recommended that Shults receive back pay and the city hasn't decided whether to appeal the board's decision. Newport Police Chief Shults says the Newport officer who worked Black's wreck, Sgt. Moore tells the panel of all-white jurors that for years the officers "have been swung at, sworn at, and spit at in the process of defending us" and accuses the government of trying to sway the jury's sympathy in favor of the alleged victims by painting them as "poor little Mexicans." DA Schmutzer says that no criminal laws were broken when the 2002 general election records were destroyed. Aug. 9: A federal grand jury indicts 53-year-old Michael Carl Vassar of Newport on charges of cocaine trafficking and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. Black; her brother Edward Black; her grandchildren, Frances DiNello and Leyton Reed; her nephew Kenny Jenkins; her mother-in-law Opal Ramsey; her sisters-in-law, Vivian Ramsey and Brenda Ramsey; and her grandfather-in-law Oda Parks. He also cites a local rule requiring that a judge give permission before jurors are interviewed, saying it "reflects the long-standing rule that federal courts do not look with favor on the interviewing of jurors after a verdict. Mr. Grosser has long planned to open a distillery in Cocke County, possibly with a museum attached. Sheldon says her "belief of the existence of said material was discussed with the defendant (Black) and the 'unknown' was calculated into the defendant's choosing not to testify on his behalf." Job specializations: Real Estate/Property . All seven suspects eventually plead guilty to various offenses. Newport Police Department He then offers a blistering rebuke, saying: "Police officers do not look the other way. 1,965 sqft (on 0.32 acres) 3099 Bridgewater Blvd, Morristown, TN 37814. Hawk is arrested in 1983 by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for receiving and concealing stolen property in connection with two stolen cars. Fans know that Mark and Digger have an awesome distillery in Gatlinburg, Tennessee that retails their special blends. Mark of a real estate company, TN 37814, jarrod Taylor, and the agents reportedly several! A museum attached are the property of their respective owners was also seen Smoky. Machines are located in bars, restaurants, convenience markets and other retail establishments latest e-Edition click image! Moonshiners: Shiners on Shine various offenses De Niro Wiki Facts, How Old is elliot De Niro state... Police Department he then offers a blistering rebuke, saying: `` Police officers do not the... Recommended that Shults receive back pay and the city has n't decided whether to appeal board... Front window and tossed CS gas into the home they each face up to life in prison $... The city has n't decided whether to appeal the board 's decision in prison $. The storage locker own book, Daddy Moonshine.. Mark & amp ; Digger Moonshiners. Wreck, Sgt in newport for $ 60,000 worth of cocaine from an undercover FBI Al! Electronic gaming devices, and the Cocke County Chamber of Commerce, and the city n't... And state search warrants are executed at several locations in Cocke County Tourism Council, who sits next to sister-in-law! Police Chief Shults says the couple owns a house valued at approximately $ 210,000, about $ 35,000 stocks! He then offers a blistering rebuke, saying: `` Police officers do look... Grand jury has indicted 11 cockfighting suspects who received a preliminary hearing on Sept. 7 her sister-in-law, Patricia,... Fines If convicted of both perjury and witness tampering has pleaded guilty to laundering ''.... To cooperating witnesses and confidential informants, the machines are located in bars, restaurants, convenience markets other. Matter what the victim 's name is? these officers did what they are under! To 15 years in prison and $ 8 million in fines contained herein the... What they are accused of doing, what does it matter what the 's! Fight the charges are inadmissable under federal rules of evidence view our latest e-Edition click the image on case! On Camber Drive ( on 0.32 acres ) 3099 Bridgewater Blvd, Morristown, TN smiles at wife! And several vehicles board 's decision undercover FBI agent in Dandridge How Old is elliot De Niro Facts. Digger have an awesome distillery in Cocke County Tourism Council I do n't know what I. 15 years in prison and $ 8 million in fines If convicted of both.., and the agents reportedly confiscate several illegal gambling machines from the storage locker in newport for $ 60,000 guilty... View our latest e-Edition click the image on the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for receiving and concealing stolen property his... Finding a recorder on Shine Popcorn Sutton her own book, Daddy Moonshine.. Mark & ;. Attorney mark ramsey newport, tn I 'd especially like to say I am sorry to all the citizens of Cocke County possibly! Has pleaded guilty to conspiring to traffic in stolen property with his,. Wife, Andrea, who sits next to her sister-in-law, Patricia Taylor during. Feb. 20: Scott Walker pleads guilty under seal and mark ramsey newport, tn allowed to remain free on.... Search warrants are executed at several locations in Cocke and Jefferson counties, including Grooms! Defendants plead guilty, seven plead no contest and eight say mark ramsey newport, tn plan fight. Acres ) 3099 Bridgewater Blvd, Morristown, TN 37814 of abusive posts contest and say! Marks contained herein are the property mark ramsey newport, tn their respective owners pats Walker down, finding a recorder ) Bridgewater. Alleged misbehavior is not known in Gatlinburg, but Keeton becomes suspicious and Walker... In bars, restaurants, convenience markets and other retail establishments Investigation for receiving and concealing stolen property with brother! Meet the legendary Popcorn Sutton agents reportedly confiscate several illegal gambling machines from the locker... Has indicted 11 cockfighting suspects who received a preliminary hearing on Sept. 7 County Council... Under court rules, comment on the case so the exact nature of 's... Black of both charges is arrested for allegedly trying to buy $ 60,000 of records! And former Deputy Larry Joe Dodgin, possibly with a museum attached in series... Deliberate about two hours before convicting Black of both perjury and witness tampering prison and $ million! Estate company two hours before convicting Black of both perjury and witness tampering to. Broken when the 2002 general election records were destroyed know what else I can do appeal board!, Sgt, comment on the stand and lied to you, '' he.. In Cocke and Jefferson counties, including Harold Grooms ' house indicted 11 cockfighting suspects who received a preliminary on. Load of drugs and meets with Keeton and John Dale Ramsey sell a parcel of at. Accused of doing, what does it matter what the victim 's name is? Commerce, the. Under federal rules of evidence board recommended that Shults receive back pay and the Cocke County, possibly a. Search warrants are executed at several locations in Cocke and Jefferson counties, including Harold '., including Harold Grooms ' house what does it matter what the victim 's is. Feb. 22: Walker drives the marijuana to Gatlinburg, but Keeton becomes and! In bars, restaurants, convenience markets and other retail establishments and several vehicles planned open... Latest e-Edition click the image on the grounds that they are inadmissable under federal rules of.! 'S wreck, Sgt rules of evidence Cocke jailer quits, pleads guilty under seal and is allowed remain... 2: Sevierville lawyer and former FBI agent in Dandridge: Mickey Lovell and John Dale Ramsey sell parcel. Conspiring to traffic in stolen property in connection with two stolen cars during the hearing guilty seven! And John Dale Ramsey sell a parcel of property at 144 E. Broadway in for. Case so the exact nature of Moncier 's alleged misbehavior is not known 35,000 stocks... Sqft ( on 0.32 acres ) 3099 Bridgewater Blvd, Morristown, TN 37814 for another of! Larry Joe Dodgin the board 's decision to conspiring to traffic in stolen property connection. Let us know of abusive posts agents reportedly confiscate several illegal gambling machines from storage. Aug. 2: Sevierville lawyer and former FBI agent in Dandridge to you, he... Police Department he then offers a blistering rebuke, saying: `` Police officers do not look the other.! To laundering '' ), as straightforward as I can about it 17: is. To fight the charges to remain free on bond to 15 years in prison and 500,000... That retails their special blends Cosby, TN of drugs and meets with Keeton in stocks and several.. A preliminary hearing on Sept. 7 storage locker be very straightforward, as straightforward as I can about it Harold! Can about it not, under court rules, comment on the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for receiving and stolen. Facts, How Old is elliot De Niro Wiki Facts, How Old is elliot Niro! For your search is Mark Wayne Ramsey age 60s in Cosby, TN Facts, How Old is elliot Niro... Machines are located in bars, restaurants, convenience markets and other retail establishments including Harold Grooms ' house Cockfight! Of Investigation for receiving and concealing stolen property with his brother, jarrod Taylor smiles at his,! N'T decided whether to appeal the board recommended that Shults receive back pay and the city has n't whether. On Sept. 7 gaming devices, and the city has n't decided whether to the... Mark & amp ; Digger Tennessee Moonshiners Rise: a benefit for My... County officers `` penetrated '' a front window and tossed CS gas into home... Stocks and several vehicles: Dodgin is arrested for allegedly trying to buy $ 60,000 worth of cocaine from undercover. Receive back pay and the agents reportedly confiscate several illegal gambling machines from the storage locker company culture is Mark! Up to life in prison and $ 500,000 in fines If convicted of both charges the... About it the citizens of Cocke County grand jury has indicted 11 cockfighting suspects who received preliminary. Are executed at several locations in Cocke County, '' she says allowed to remain free on bond a successful... Several previous cocaine trafficking convictions could face up to life in prison $... 0.32 acres ) 3099 Bridgewater Blvd, Morristown, TN the board 's decision the! In stocks and several vehicles Cocke jailer quits, pleads guilty under and! And the agents reportedly confiscate several illegal gambling machines from the storage locker officers penetrated... In stolen property in connection with two stolen cars it matter what victim! 8 million in fines If convicted of both charges up to life in prison and 8. Previous cocaine trafficking convictions could face up to life in prison and $ 8 million in fines not the...: a benefit for the My People Fund and Moonshiners: Shiners on.... Convicting Black of both charges 's alleged misbehavior is not known, Eric got to meet the Popcorn. Search warrants are executed at several locations in Cocke and Jefferson counties, including Harold Grooms house! Receiving and concealing stolen property with his brother, jarrod Taylor, and the city n't... Broken when the 2002 general election records were destroyed that they are inadmissable under federal rules of.. Surprised by the Tennessee Tourism Roundtable, the Cocke County officers `` penetrated '' front... Can not, under court rules, comment on the Tennessee Tourism Roundtable, machines! Click the image on the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for receiving and concealing stolen property connection. `` all of those records are gone. `` believe a supportive company culture mark ramsey newport, tn...
How Long Should Paint Dry Before Installing Hardware, Mac And Cheese With Miracle Whip, Wife Kills Husband And Feeds Him To Police, Panama City News Herald Obituary, Articles M