MORRISTOWN (WATE) – Hamblen County Sheriff’s Office said two suspects were “surprised and shocked,” when deputies showed up to arrest them in a 13-year-old cold case.

Johnny R. Kirk, 53, and Carmen M. Kirk, 43, of Morristown were both charged with first degree murder, felony murder and robbery and arrested without incident. The charges are related to the murder of Mickey Michelle Moore on March 3, 2003.

Moore died of blunt force trauma in her driveway after returning home from Howard’s Pharmacy in Morristown, according to the sheriff’s office. They said after a friend couldn’t reach her for more than 24 hours, she found her dead in front of her home.

“Every day you ask and wonder how, wonder why, wonder when they’re going to come to justice,” said Moore’s niece Kim Sipe.

The family saying the news of the arrest is bittersweet. “Today is a big sigh of relief. She’s gone and there’s nothing going to bring her back. But to know that somebody for 13 years has walked around scot-free and capable of murder, it was just a huge load off my family’s back,” said Sipe.

The sheriff’s office said new information that Johnny and Carmen Kirk were supposed “friends” of Moore and knew her routine, helped them make arrests in the case.

“We brought them in before for questioning but they were always on our radar. Everything always came back to these two,” said Carrie McCann, Public Information Officer for the Hamblen County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies said they believe the two suspects waited in her driveway for Moore to get home from the drug store.

“Knowing her, she probably felt sorry for them at some point in time or took them in. That’s how she did,” said Sipe.

The same detectives have been working on the case since day one. “He made a promise to this family, we will find the people who did this. yes it’s been 13 years and we hate that it took this long but he made a promise that night,” said McCann.

Tuesday, it’s no longer unsolved and loved ones no longer have to wait for more answers but all the while they held onto hope.

“It may be 20 years from now but the truth always comes out at the end. It really does,” said Sipe.

Johnny Kirk and Carmen Kirk are each held on a $250,000 bond. Both suspects were scheduled for arraignment on Nov. 6, but the date was moved to Jan. 29.

MORRISTOWN (WATE) – The Hamblen County Sheriff’s Office is warning other churches to be on high alert after a burglary at a Morristown church.

The break-in happened Saturday, October 10, at Barton Springs Presbyterian Church on East A.J. Highway. Deputies said burglars forced a lock on the fellowship hall door and took audio and electrical equipment.

Something’s missing at the pulpit as the microphone disappeared a month ago.

“Well his voice carries so it hasn’t been a terrible inconvenience,” said member Clark Quillen.

Barton Springs Presbyterian Church is deal with the inconvenience of replacing their microphones, amplifiers, assisted hearing aids, a TV and even gospel CDs because they were stolen. The only thing the burglar didn’t take that night was speakers.

“Those I believe because they’re so high up he couldn’t reach them easily,” said Quillen.

Hamblen County detectives say whoever did this got in by jimmying a lock.

“At this point we have no suspects. We’re not sure if it’s one or possibly two people. We believe they actually hit two other churches one in Jefferson County and another in Cocke County,” said Carrie McCann with HCSO.

Detectives hope someone, somewhere, knows something.

“If someone out there starts to try and sell this pa system that’s meant for a large audience, electronics, give us a call,’ added McCann.

In the meantime, churches across East Tennessee can be vigilant. HCSO recommends they secure their buildings with deadbolt locks and added security measures.

Many in the Barton Springs Presbyterian congregation feel they’ve lost their sense of security.

“It’s just disappointing because you just don’t think someone is ever going to break into a church,” said Quillen.

Teir faith is what’s helping them to move forward.

“I’m sure everyone here would forgive that person,” added Quillen.

Anyone that sees or hears anything suspicious is asked to call Detective Jim Brooks at (423) 585-2777.

MORRISTOWN (WATE) – A lottery player in Morristown won a cool $1,000,000 playing an instant game.

Kym Gerlock, Director of Communications with the Tennessee Lottery said Tuesday that the player won playing the Millionaire 7s game, which is valued at $25. Gerlock also said they had a $144.1 million Powerball Jackpot ticket sold in Antioch, in Middle Tennessee.

Since January 20, 2004, the Lottery has raised more than $3.5 billion for designated education programs to fund college grants and scholarships, a variety of after-school programs and the new Tennessee Promise initiative.

MORRISTOWN (WATE) – The Morristown-Hamblen Humane Society is warning dog owners that someone is impersonating an animal control officer for a second time.

Homeowners in the Lakemoore neighborhood alerted shelter management Monday about a truck with very few identifiable markings driving through. Now their concerns are growing.

Previous story: Hamblen County animal control impersonator stealing dogs

“They’re early warning signs, they give you unconditional love. How could you not fall for them,” said Patty Sparks, owner of 3-year-old Brady.

Sparks says she’s worried after hearing about reports of a suspicious truck in her neighborhood.

“It’s ridiculous. I hope they catch him,” she said.

The Morristown-Hamblen Humane Society says it’s someone pretending to be one of their animal control officers.

“I guess they’re going around these neighborhoods looking for loose dogs, vulnerable dogs, they can just snatch, grab and take,” said Officer Jose Rojas. “[The truck] doesn’t say which agency they’re working for and phone number to contact,” added Officer Rojas.

It’s worrisome for the shelter because an officer would never simply show up to a home.

“We don’t know what they’re doing with them or where they’re taking these animals,” added Officer Rojas.

Pet owners say this sighting makes them more aware. The problem is that few details are being reported, making it hard for the shelter to look into.

“Grab a phone or piece of paper and take down the license plate or make and model, or take a picture that way we have more proof,” said Officer Rojas.

In the meantime, pet owners can ask to see an animal control officer’s ID badge. Sparks is not letting Brady outside unless she is close by.

“If somebody hurt my animal, I would probably be doing some hard time,” she said.

If you see something suspicious, you’re asked to call the shelter at (423) 581-1494. Investigators with the Hamblen County Sheriff’s Office are not currently looking into the case. The Morristown Police Department says so far, they’ve not received any reports about this truck.

MORRISTOWN (WATE) – A Mooresburg man was arrested after Hamblen County officials say he sexually assaulted a woman in a Morristown parking lot.

Dennis Kline Carpenter, 77, is charged with sexual battery and phone harassment.

Court records allege Carpenter was in the parking lot of the old Food City in Morristown, 451 South Cumberland Street, on October 9 while the victim was also parked and inside her car. The documents say Carpenter pulled in near the victim’s vehicle and asked for directions. He then acted as though he couldn’t hear and asked the victim to come closer.

The victim got out of her car and walked to Carpenter’s vehicle. Officials say he then grabbed the woman and tried to pull her inside his car, saying “Let’s just go down the road. I’ll bring you back.”

The woman tried to get away, according to the documents, but he forcibly kissed her and demanded she give him her phone number. She did so out of fear.

Carpenter then allegedly grabbed the woman’s genitals and ordered her to say she loved him and that she was his baby. He eventually released the woman and told her to leave before he did. The woman suffered several bruises and had to receive medical treatment.

The documents say she then received 28 phone calls from Carpenter.

Carpenter was arrested Tuesday and held on $100,000 bond. An arraignment is scheduled for Friday.

MORRISTOWN (WATE) – A drunk driver is facing multiple charges after officers found more than eight pounds of suspected marijuana in his trunk during a traffic stop.

Jeremy Arlington, 33, was charged with violations involving driving under the influence; manufacturing and possessing marijuana; and driving without a license and proof of insurance.

The Jefferson City man was stopped on Tuesday morning on west Andrew Johnson Highway because he appeared to be driving under the influence, according to the Morristown Police Department.

He could not provide proof of insurance and had no driver’s license, officers said.

Officials said they detected a strong marijuana odor coming from the trunk. When they opened the trunk, they found a suitcase with eight vacuumed packages of what appeared to be marijuana and almost $3,000 in cash.

Arlington is being held at the Hamblen County jail.

MORRISTOWN (WATE) – The Morristown Police Department is asking for the community’s help in locating a missing man.

Thomas “Tony” Lee Blackburn, 31, was last seen on Oct. 20 at 6 a.m. in White Pine.

He is 5’7” and weighs 140 pounds. He has brown hair and blue eyes.

Blackburn was last seen wearing a red Food City shirt and khakis.

Officers say he may be driving a white 1994 Ford Mustang. The vehicle is slightly lifted in the rear and has extra wide rear tires and a scorpion tag on the front.

Anyone who sees or has any information concerning the whereabouts of Blackburn and/or his vehicle is asked to contact Detective Lieutenant Vicki Arnold at (423) 585-2734.

MORRISTOWN (WATE) – Looking for a way to work off those extra holiday pounds and support a good cause?

Pre-registration is open for the Jingle Run for Hope in Downtown Morristown. Not only can participants get in the Christmas spirit with holiday outfits, but organizers said 100 percent of the profits go to help the “patient fund” at Morristown Regional Cancer Center.

The 5K race is Saturday, December 5 at 8:00 a.m. in Downtown Morristown. Pre-registration will end on Thanksgiving Day at 11:59pm. Registration can be completed online or paper registration forms are located at CRAVE Fitness, National Fitness Center, and Workout Anytime.

Runners can also register on race day from 7:00 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. Bib, t-shirt, and race bag pick up will be held from 7am-7:45am as well.

Morristown Regional Cancer Center’s patient fund helps patients during cancer treatment with transportation to and from treatment, medications, wigs, and other basic needs. “Often when patients are being treated for cancer they are unable to work or live on a fixed income,” said Suzanne Mickey, Director of Morristown Regional Cancer Center. “Through the generosity of others, we are able to relieve some of the financial burdens so our patients can focus on recovery.”

The race will start at Main Street start, under overhead sidewalk outside of East TN Diamond building. Medals will also be awarded for first and second place participants by age groups. Prizes will be given to the most holiday spirited team and individual. Participants are encouraged to dress in holiday attire.

“Jingle run is more than a hospital event. It’s a community event and we’ve asked the merchants downtown to be a part of the event and we are excited they’ve gotten on board,” said Leigh Sempkowski.

MORRISTOWN (WATE) – Hamblen County Sheriff’s Office is on a mission to serve 45 people with 90 indictments.

Deputies started Operation Relentless Pursuit bright and early at 6:00 a.m. Friday. By 3:30 p.m. Friday they had made 28 arrests and said they would continue with the operation through the weekend.

Mugshots: Operation Relentless Pursuit

“We will find you, it may not be today, it may not be tomorrow but we are watching you,” said the sheriff’s office in a statement. “It is the Sheriff’s mission to rid our streets and community of this illicit drug trade that is hindering our community.”

Deputies said the arrests include indictments for selling prescription pills, methamphetamine as well as Suboxone and Subutex and steam from months of investigations and undercover operations.

Arrests

• Jason M. Hayes 38 of Morristown charged with one count of Sale/Del of Schedule II, one count of Sale/Del Schedule III with a $30,000 bond.
• Veronica A. Raines 30 of Russellville charged with 2 counts of Sale/Del of Schedule II, one count of Sale/Del schedule IV with a $30,000 bond.
• Linda Sue Greene 53 of Morristown charged with 4 counts of Sale/Del of Schedule II with a $50.000 bond.
• Obie Allen Barnes 38 of Morristown charged with one count Sale/Del of Schedule II, one count of Sale/Del of Schedule III with a $30,000 bond.
• Mark E. Lane 30 of Morristown charged with 2 counts of Sale/Del of Schedule II, one count of Sale/Del of Schedule I to include heroin.  He was also found with a stolen loaded handgun and is being held on a $100,000 bond.
• Kristen Carpenter 31 of Morristown charged with one count of Sale/Del of Schedule II with a $20,000 bond.
• Ashley N. Crockett 34 of Morristown charged with one count of Sale/Del of Schedule III with a $10,000 bond.
• Gary Chad Dalton 38 of Morristown, charged with one count of Sale/Del of Schedule I which included “mushrooms” with a $50,000 bond.
• Chris Foulks 39 of Morristown charged with one count of Sale/Del of Schedule III, one count Sale/Del Schedule II with a 115,000 bond.
• Mickey E. Rines 57 of Morristown charged with two counts of Sale/Del of Schedule II, one count of Sale/Del of Schedule III with a $30,000 bond.
• Justin D. Bentley 22 of Morristown charged with two counts of Sale/Del of Schedule II
• James C. Hale III 38 of Morristown charged with two counts Sale/Del of Schedule II with a $50,000 bond.
• Angela D. Foulks 34 of Morristown charged with 2 counts of Sale/Del Schedule III
• Megan Lawson 23 of Morristown charged with 2 counts of Sale/Del Schedule III
• Melissa G. Johnson 34 of Morristown charged with Sale/Del Schedule II

Several Indictments were also served on subjects already incarcerated:

• Jason Mangum 35 of Morristown charged with one count Sale/Del of Schedule II
• Krystal Sexton 34 of Morristown charged with one count Delivery Counterfeit Substance and one count Sale/Del of Schedule II
• Cary Winegar 38 of Morristown charged with two counts Sale/Del of Schedule II
• Jason Harris 36 of Whitesburg charged with one count Sale/Del of Schedule VI
• Cindy Davis 42 of Morristown charged with two counts Sale/Del of Schedule II
• Christopher E. James 41 of Morristown charged with two counts Sale/Del of Schedule II
• Ricky Davis 43 of Morristown charged with two counts of Sale/Del of Schedule II
• Hilary Ivy 38 of Morristown charged with two counts of Sale/Del of Schedule II
• William Musick 32 of Morristown charged with one count Sale/Del of Schedule II
• Michael T. Hurst 33 of Morristown charged with one count Sale of a Synthetic Analogue-Ecstasy
• Jonathan Mayns 29 of Morristown charged with two counts Sale/Del of Schedule II

MORRISTOWN (WATE) – When a man turned blue and collapsed in the front of a Walmart, Hamblen County Sheriff’s Office said two law enforcement officers jumped in to save his life.

It happened Tuesday night during an annual holiday event at a Morristown Walmart called ‘Cops with Kids’ bringing law enforcement agencies together and lending a helping hand to some Hamblen County children.

“Hopefully we make their dreams come true at Christmas,” said Morristown Police Officer Jonathan Maxey.

They fill up the carts with anything the children desire. It is a chance many of them never get.

“They’re tickled to death over the smaller things in life and it really humbles us and shows us what’s important,” said Sgt. David Cribley.

When the two officers were paying for their items, the unexpected happened.

“All of a sudden I heard a bunch of people screaming that somebody was having a seizure,” said Maxey.

“It looked grim. He was completely blue in the face,” said Cribley.

The off-duty officers reacted instinctively.

“It kind of just comes with the job, didn’t even really think about it. Just cop mode all the time,” said Cribley.

It all happened in a matter of minutes – running into place, starting CPR and calling paramedics.

“Didn’t look hopeful at first, but thankfully if this is going to place it was great that it happened when it did because there was a lot of officers and first responders there,” said Maxey.

Before long, breath filled the man’s lungs once again.

“On my way home with my little boy he looked over and said, ‘You know, Dad, I’ve seen that a bunch on TV but when it happened tonight I was scared,’” said Cribley.

The officers say they were just in the right place at the right time doing their jobs. Others are thanking them for being heroes.

“You just kind of relate back to what you’ve been trained and just take action from there, but thankfully like I said God allowed us to be there in the right place, right time when it happened,” said Maxey.

They cannot release much information about that man who they helped but they say they heard he was recovering.

MORRISTOWN (WATE) – Two Morristown men face several charges after police discovered jars of what they believed to be moonshine and a still.

Police say Marvin Lee Brady, 48, sold over five gallons of untaxed alcohol, as well as 54 Valium tablets.

When they searched the home of Douglas R. Epps, 72, a moonshine still allegedly belonging to Brady was confiscated. The still was not in operation at the time. Epps was charged with possession of a still.

Brady was arrested at a nearby home where officers found four more jars of alleged moonshine. It’s believed the moonshine was being produced at a third residence which was Brady’s former home.

Epps was cited and released. Brady is being held in the Hamblen County Jail on $17,500 bond.

MORRISTOWN (WATE) – Morristown Police Department is launching crime data for locations within the city.

The website has a rolling 180 day set of data. It is searchable by data, crime type and address. Citizens can also register for free email notifications if a crime occurs near their home or business.

Morristown police said they hope the new website will improve community awareness and proactive measures to reduce crime. MPD Chief Roger Overholt stated, “the use of advanced technology can reduce the cost of providing law enforcement services to our community and help make our city safer”.

More: View the website

MORRISTOWN (WATE) – A Hamblen County elementary school student got a huge surprise Tuesday when his uncle, who is a sailor in the U.S. Navy, showed up at his school while home on leave.

The teacher had the class at Witt Elementary School play hangman, with the solution “Welcome Home Lucas.” The teacher asked the class if they knew anyone named Lucas, and when Hunter said he had an uncle named Lucas in the Navy, his Uncle Lucas Burch came into the room.

Hunter greeted his uncle with tears in his eyes. The whole thing was caught on video by the school’s principal.

Burch also tried to surprise his niece Shyane at Lincoln Heights Middle School, but she figured out he was coming.

MORRISTOWN (WATE) – Seven puppies and a pit bull are in need of a home after their owners were arrested and charged with animal cruelty in Hamblen County.

A concerned neighbor called animal control Wednesday after not seeing one of the dogs in the yard for the last week. What officers found, they say, was horrifying.

One dog, the mother of the puppies, had an injury on her face so bad her jaw was exposed as well as her eye infected. Morristown police say the couple, Johnathan and Martha Ballard, are facing animal cruelty charges.

The three-week-old puppies were huddled together Thursday inside the Morristown-Hamblen Humane Society.

“They’re eating well. They seem to all be doing well, playing well. They’re healthy which is good,” said shelter director Pamela Velder.

The puppies were living at a home on Mae Collins Road. Neighbors say they called the shelter after not seeing the puppies’ mother for about five days.

“You just feel helpless. There’s nothing you can do to help them but call,” said one neighbor, who requested anonymity.

GALLERY: Morristown rescued puppies

Animal control officers say they found no food or water for the seven puppies and their mother, who were living under the mobile home. The pit bull was found in the yard.

“It was chained up on maybe a 5 foot chain and the doghouse had no food or water,” said Animal Control Officer Jose Rojas.

The mother of the puppies, with an injured face, was most concerning.

“It was horrific. I mean decay is the only word that comes to mind what she looked like,” said Velder.

Sadly, the dog had to be euthanized. The shelter believed she hadn’t eaten or had any water in days.

“I’ve been there before, two times, before because I had to write them tickets for dogs running at large. Because their dogs would always run and get in the road, almost hit by cars. They knew what they had to do to take care of the animals,” said Rojas.

“We’re not going to mess around. We’re going to prosecute. If you’re deliberately neglecting your animal and not taking care of it, animals are a responsibility,” said Velder.

Neighbors say they’re brokenhearted.

“I just hope all her puppies end up with good, safe homes because if they’re anything like her they’ll be great great dogs, said the nieghbor.

Martha Ballard did not wish to be interviewed, but said she’s very upset and they did not abuse their dogs.

The puppies and the pit bull are currently staying with foster caretakers while this case goes through the court system. The dogs will eventually be up for adoption.

Tennessee released a registry of people convicted of having intentionally abused animals on January 1. First-time offenders have their names on the registry for two years, while a second offense means five years.

MORRISTOWN (WATE) – Enough snow fell in Morristown Friday night and Saturday morning for deputies to patrol neighborhoods and make sure people don’t get stuck on the side of the road.

Morristown and Hamblen County as a whole have seen a lot of snow hit the ground, which can create dangerous situations for people in the area.

Lt. Chad Mullins with the Hamblen County Sheriff’s Department says he saw nearly two dozen cars stuck on the side of the road Saturday.

“We’re just staying on these secondary roads that are bad, checking for stranded motorists, trying to get them home off the roads,” said Lt. Mullins.

Amber Brotherton didn’t leave her house Saturday because of the snow. She’s happy to see deputies like Mullins helping those affected by the weather.

“I like that they’re being a little safe and I noticed the snow plows are keeping really good track of the roads because there are still some people who have to be out on the roads regardless,” said Brotherton.

Mullins says the snow means more responsibilities for deputies.

“It makes it a lot harder on us out here, but that’s the main thing, other than answering their regular calls that come in, then we’re having a lot of extra traffic,” said Mullins.

Brotherton enjoyed the weather by sledding in her front yard with her family.

“When they see the first snowflake, they’re ready. Whether you are or not, they’re ready,” she said.

The Hamblen County Road Superintendent says in the best case scenario, all of the roads will be back to normal by Sunday night. He says he’s already seen some of the snow melt and that means his crews will be out again getting it out of the way.

MORRISTOWN (WATE) – The Hamblen County Sheriff’s Department is investigating after two people are found shot Friday night.

“it’s going to be aggravated assault times two,” said Det. Jim Brooks with the Hamblen County Sheriff’s Office.

37 year old Pedro Antonio Roman has been arrested for the shootings.

Deputies say the two males were discovered beside Sulpher Springs Road around 11:00 p.m.

Both victims were taken to UT Medical Center, they’re in critical condition right now.

“It could have easily been prevented,” said Brooks.

MORRISTOWN (WATE) – Family members are still looking for a missing Morristown woman, but now they aren’t sure if they’ll find her dead or alive.

Inesha Haygood, 24, was last seen December 29 and hasn’t been seen since. Haygood’s family has been looking in and around Morristown for a month. They’ve gone to lakes, looked in tomato patches, anywhere they fear someone might have dumped a body.

Haygood’s family says the hardest part is not knowing if she’s alive.

“I’m praying she’s alive but I don’t think she is,” said Haygood’s mother Brenda. “But I’d still like to find her body.”

Brenda Haygood says she knows her daughter wouldn’t have just run away.

Previous story: Morristown Police Department looking for missing woman

“If she was alive she would have done contacted me and her baby,” she said.

She thinks something much worse has happened and those thoughts haunt her every day.

“They thought human trafficking might have her. You start thinking about what they’re probably doing to her and then you think about her laying somewhere dead, people just disposed of her body like that. Nobody deserves to be treated like that,” said Brenda Haygood.

Inesha Haygood has a 7-year-old daughter and Brenda Haygood says it’s hard for her.

“She’s thought she’s heard her Mama calling for her out the window before. She woke up that morning and she said, ‘Mama’s out there hollering for me, open the door.’ And her mom wasn’t out there,” she said.

The Haygoods and about 100 other volunteers search for Inesha every Saturday and will keep looking, no matter how long it takes.

“I’m going to keep looking for you no matter what if I got help or not, I’m going to find you myself,” said her brother Emanuel Haygood.

“We’re still going to search for you, I won’t give up,” said Brenda Haygood.

The family is asking for people to please look around their property, especially in places you might not go very often for any sign of Inesha Haygood. They also say they believe in the power of prayer and are holding a candlelight vigil Friday night at the Food City on Cumberland in Morristown at 6 p.m.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to call police.

MORRISTOWN (WATE) – A woman who claimed that she was kidnapped after blacking out in Morristown and taken to North Carolina, sparking social media rumors, is now facing charges.

Thursday, Ciara May Holt, 25, was charge with filing a false report. Police said after she was questioned, Holt confessed to making up the kidnapping.

On January 31, Holt told police she was on Witt Road in Morristown, then she blacked. Thirteen hours later she said she found herself in Arden, North Carolina, just south of Asheville.

Holt is at the Hamblen County Jail with a $5,000 bond. If found guilty, she could face up to 12 years in prison and fines.

Morristown Police Department said they would like to “caution against reacting to unfounded social media rumors” and said they “encourage the public to use appropriate channels for reporting information to the police.”

WHITESBURG (WATE) – A Hamblen County man is facing charges for animal abuse after deputies say two dogs were shot, one of them to death.

Terry White is charged with intentionally killing an animal and aggravated cruelty to animals.

Jessica Arrington, the owner of Frosty and Layla, says on Sunday, her dogs got out of the yard and when the family got home from church, they found Frosty bleeding. When they took Frosty to the vet, they discovered the dogs were shot. Frosty survived, but Layla did not.

Deputies later tracked down the suspected shooter, White, who is the family’s neighbor. He is out of jail on bond.

MORRISTOWN (WATE) – People gathered in Morristown Friday night for a candlelight vigil for missing woman Inesha Haygood.

Haygood was last seen on December 28 walking form her house on Lakeview Circle. Since then, volunteers have been looking for any sign of her.

Previous story: Family keeps searching for missing Morristown woman

Family, friends and community members gathered Friday to pray for her. Her family fears the worst, but says they aren’t giving up.

“No matter her background or what happened, she’s a good person. She’s a human being. She deserves to be found, searched for. Our family needs closure, no matter the outcome. We need closure,” said her brother Emanual Haygood.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Morristown Police Department at (865) 585-4675.