Bledsoe County, Tennessee – A months-long narcotics investigation targeting drug trafficking across rural communities in Bledsoe County has resulted in the arrest of 12 individuals, according to the Bledsoe County Sheriff’s Office. The coordinated effort, named Operation Rural Reset, focused on disrupting the sale and distribution of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other controlled substances throughout the county.
Inside Operation Rural Reset
The sheriff’s office launched Operation Rural Reset after investigators observed a noticeable rise in illegal drug activity affecting multiple parts of Bledsoe County. Authorities say the operation relied on a combination of surveillance, controlled narcotics purchases, search warrants, and probation compliance checks.
According to investigators, the goal was to identify individuals believed to be supplying and distributing illegal narcotics rather than focusing only on low-level possession cases. Detectives coordinated enforcement actions across several locations to dismantle drug networks operating within residential properties.
Charges Filed Against 12 Individuals
Following the investigation, detectives identified and arrested the following individuals, all of whom are facing multiple drug-related charges. Court proceedings are pending, and all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Adam Newby
- Maintaining a dwelling where drugs are used or sold
- Possession of gabapentin for resale
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
Heather Brown
- Maintaining a dwelling where drugs are used or sold
- Possession of gabapentin for resale
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
Logan Walker
- Maintaining a dwelling where drugs are used or sold
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
Michael Gross
- Maintaining a dwelling where drugs are used or sold
- Possession of methamphetamine for resale
- Possession of morphine for resale
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
Jermiah Holloway
- Maintaining a dwelling where drugs are used or sold
- Possession of fentanyl for resale
- Possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
Rachel Corum
- Maintaining a dwelling where drugs are used or sold
- Possession of fentanyl for resale
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
Timothy Lawson
- Maintaining a dwelling where drugs are used or sold
Tonya Lawson
- Maintaining a dwelling where drugs are used or sold
James Dunn
- Maintaining a dwelling where drugs are used or sold
- Possession of Schedule I drugs for resale
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
Allyssa Raliegh
- Maintaining a dwelling where drugs are used or sold
- Possession of Schedule I drugs for resale
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
William Fisher
- Maintaining a dwelling where drugs are used or sold
- Possession of methamphetamine for resale
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
Eric Walters
- Maintaining a dwelling where drugs are used or sold
- Possession of fentanyl for resale
- Possession of methamphetamine for resale
- Possession of Xanax for resale
- Possession of oxycodone for resale
- Possession of marijuana for resale
- Possession of Suboxone for resale
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony
- Criminal simulation
Focus on Fentanyl and Methamphetamine
Officials emphasized that fentanyl and methamphetamine were primary concerns throughout the investigation. Both substances have been linked to overdose deaths, addiction, and violent crime across rural Tennessee. Law enforcement officials say residential drug distribution increases risks not only for users but also for surrounding families and neighborhoods.
Sheriff’s Office Statement
In a statement following the arrests, the Bledsoe County Sheriff’s Office reaffirmed its commitment to combating drug activity in the county.
The agency stated that it will continue proactive enforcement efforts and remain focused on identifying individuals involved in the sale, distribution, and possession of illegal narcotics. Officials noted that similar operations may continue as intelligence develops.
Community Impact and Public Safety
Authorities say operations like Rural Reset are designed to restore safety in communities where drug trafficking often brings secondary crimes, including theft, domestic violence, and illegal firearm activity. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity and work with law enforcement to prevent future drug-related harm.
Investigators also reminded the public that maintaining a residence used for drug activity carries serious legal consequences under Tennessee law, even when the individual is not directly selling the substances.
What Happens Next
All 12 cases are expected to move through the local court system in the coming weeks. Additional arrests or charges could be announced if new evidence emerges during ongoing investigations.
Law enforcement officials urge residents to stay informed and cautious, especially when illegal drug activity impacts residential areas.
If you live in or near Bledsoe County and have concerns about drug activity in your neighborhood, contact local authorities or submit tips through official law enforcement channels. Share your experiences in the comments below.
