Loudon County Sheriff's Office, TN

06/21/2026

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY FROM THE LOUDON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Today, we celebrate all fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, and father figures who make a difference in the lives of those around them.

We especially want to recognize the dedicated dads within the Loudon County Sheriff's Office who balance the responsibilities of serving and protecting our community while also being role models, mentors, and providers for their families.

Law enforcement often means working long hours, holidays, and missing important moments at home. We are grateful for the sacrifices these men make every day, both in uniform and at home.

To all fathers, thank you for your guidance, strength, and the example you set for future generations.

From our LCSO family to yours, we wish you a safe and happy Father's Day!

06/18/2026

⚠️ LOUDON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE SEEKING ADDITIONAL VICTIMS - PLEASE SHARE ⚠️

Yesterday afternoon, June 17, 2026, deputies with the Loudon County Sheriff's Office responded to The Bluffs, located at 3950 Jackson Bend Road, regarding a report of indecent exposure.

Deputies met with an adult female victim who stated she was swimming with her dogs when a man, later identified as Jordan Eplett, approached her, began asking questions about her work, and repeatedly called her beautiful. The victim stated she began gathering her belongings to leave because she had previously encountered Eplett a couple of months ago when he exposed himself, masturbated in front of her and then chased her through the woods. During that incident Eplett had fled the area prior to Deputy’s arrival.

The victim reported that when she turned to leave, Eplett was ma********ng while looking directly at her. She ran to her vehicle while Eplett left that area of the trail.

While deputies were speaking with the victim, another deputy observed a red Pontiac parked in an unusual manner off the roadway. The Tennessee registration returned to Eplett.

Deputies encountered more victims as they searched the area for Eplett who all described the same type of crime being committed towards them as the initial report.

Shortly afterward, two of these victims were able to direct deputies to Eplett's location.

Deputies located Eplett sitting near the water while smoking ma*****na. After being advised of his Miranda rights, Eplett agreed to speak with deputies.

During the interview, Eplett admitted to exposing himself, ma********ng infront of multiple victims and stated he had been drinking alcohol and smoking ma*****na. He also admitted to other incidents in which he exposed himself and engaged in similar behavior in front of others.

Eplett was arrested and charged with six counts of indecent exposure. His cellphone was seized as evidence, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The Loudon County Sheriff's Office believes there may be several additional victims who have not yet come forward.

If you have been victimized by Jordan Eplett, or have had a similar encounter with him, please contact our non-emergency dispatch center at 865-458-9081 and ask to speak with a deputy so a report can be completed.

If you have been victimized by anyone else in Loudon County and have not previously reported it, we encourage you to contact us as well. Your information could be critical to this investigation.

06/16/2026

⚠️ UPDATE ⚠️

I-75 is back open.

VEHICLE VS. PEDESTRIAN CRASH CLOSES I-75 NORTHBOUND

First responders with the Loudon County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Loudon County Fire Rescue, Priority Ambulance Service, and the Tennessee Department of Transportation are on the scene of a semi truck versus pedestrian crash that has shut down Interstate 75 northbound at the 82.5 mile marker.

It is currently unknown how long the closure will remain in place. The northbound entrance ramp at the Lenoir City exit is closed, and traffic is being diverted off the interstate at Exit 81 northbound. Traffic is highly congested in the area.

The patient was transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Please drive with extreme caution and be patient as first responders work the scene. Consider using alternate routes if possible and expect significant delays.

06/05/2026

SERGEANT DETECTIVE MARTY BRANAM GRADUATES PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL FORENSIC ACADEMY

The Loudon County Sheriff's Office is proud to congratulate Sergeant Detective Marty Branam on his graduation from the National Forensic Academy, Session 70, hosted by the University of Tennessee Law Enforcement Innovation Center.

The National Forensic Academy is recognized as one of the nation's premier forensic training programs, providing advanced instruction in crime scene investigation, evidence recognition and collection, forensic photography, bloodstain pattern analysis, shooting incident reconstruction, and other critical investigative disciplines. The rigorous 10-week program equips law enforcement professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct thorough, science-based criminal investigations.

With his graduation, Sergeant Detective Branam joins an elite group of just 1,592 National Forensic Academy alumni who have successfully completed the program since its inception in 2001. The Loudon County Sheriff's Office is proud to now have three of those graduates.

In addition to graduating from the academy, Sergeant Detective Branam was honored with the Dr. Randall Pearce Award, a distinction presented to a student who exemplifies professionalism, dedication, leadership, and a commitment to excellence throughout the academy. Receiving this award is a testament to the respect he earned from both instructors and his fellow classmates during the program.

Session 70 consisted of 22 students representing 20 agencies from six states: Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, Missouri, New Mexico, and Texas. Participants included members of police departments, sheriff's offices, and state agencies, including the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Texas Rangers.

Sergeant Detective Branam's successful completion of this intensive program, along with receiving the Dr. Randall Pearce Award, reflects his commitment to professional development and excellence in criminal investigations. The advanced training he received will further enhance the Loudon County Sheriff's Office's ability to serve our citizens and pursue justice for victims.

Please join us in congratulating Sergeant Detective Branam on these outstanding accomplishments. We are proud of his dedication to our community and his continued pursuit of excellence in law enforcement.

06/03/2026

SPOTLIGHT ON SERVICE

We are proud to share an article written by Tom King with Knox TN Today highlighting the outstanding work and dedication of Sergeant Detective Kaleigh Phegley.

Sergeant Detective Phegley represents the very best of the Loudon County Sheriff's Office through her professionalism, commitment to investigations, and service to the citizens of Loudon County. Her passion for helping others and seeking justice makes a difference in our community every day.

We appreciate Tom King for taking the time to tell Sergeant Detective Phegley's story and showcase the important work being done by first responder professionals right here in East Tennessee.

“I’ve lived a lot of life in a short time.” – Loudon County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) Det. Sgt. Kayleigh Phegley When you listen to the story of her life — to date — you take a deep breath, and think “Damn!” The detective in LCSO’s Criminal Investigations Division (CID) is a wife, ...

06/02/2026

The Loudon County Sheriff’s Office extends our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of retired Loudon Police Department Officer Bobby Lankford.

Bobby dedicated 27 years of service to the citizens of Loudon, and his commitment to his community will not be forgotten. Our thoughts are with all those who knew and loved him during this difficult time.

Rest easy, Bobby.

This morning, our community lost a great man. Recently retired Loudon Police Department Officer Bobby Lankford passed away and went home to be with the Lord.

Bobby faithfully served the citizens of Loudon for 27 years before retiring in 2024. Throughout his career, he demonstrated unwavering dedication, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to the community he loved.

Funeral arrangements are pending, and we will share those details as soon as they become available.

Please keep Bobby's family, friends, and former colleagues in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. His service and legacy will not be forgotten.

06/01/2026

Summer has notoriously become known as the "100 Deadliest Days" for teen drivers. Parents play a key role in ensuring their teen drivers' safety by staying engaged in their driving habits and reinforcing safe practices:

📵 Avoid Distractions
🚭 Avoid Substances
🚗 Avoid driving with extra passengers
🚦 Buckle Up
💤 Don’t drive drowsy
🏎️ Slow Down

More: tntrafficsafety.org/teens

05/30/2026

FLOODED ROADS AND DOWNED TREES IMPACTING LOUDON COUNTY

Loudon County roads throughout the county have been impacted by fallen trees and flooded roadways following ongoing rainfall. In some areas, downed trees have also brought power lines down.

Deputies with the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office are out assisting with road closures and working alongside the Loudon County Highway Department and Tennessee Department of Transportation to help clear affected roadways. Our partners with the Lenoir City Police Department and Loudon Police Department are also responding to scenes involving downed trees and power lines.

Some of the affected roadways include Highway 72, Vonore Road, Meadow Road West near Big Hill Road, Highland Avenue, and Old Highway 95. These are only some of the impacted areas, and with rain continuing to move through the county, additional roadways may become affected. Due to changing conditions and crews continuously clearing hazards, it is not possible to provide a complete list of impacted roads at this time.

Please use caution while traveling and avoid any roadway that appears flooded or blocked.

05/26/2026

We’re Tennessee, we Buckle Up to ride safely day
and night.

05/25/2026

LOUDON, TN

This Memorial Day, members of the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office came together at Loudon High School to complete the Murph Challenge in honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

The Murph is more than just a workout, it is a tribute to the courage, service, and selflessness displayed by our fallen heroes, especially Lt. Michael P. Murphy, a Navy SEAL who gave his life in service to our nation.

While the physical challenge tested endurance and teamwork, it also served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the men and women of our armed forces.

Today, we remember the fallen, honor their legacy, and remain grateful for the freedoms their sacrifice secured.