Sheriff Tommy Jones

08/28/2026

A FAREWELL MESSAGE FROM SHERIFF TOMMY J. JONES,II

After more than 27 years of dedicated service in law enforcement, including 12 consecutive years serving as your Sheriff, the time has come for me to say farewell to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and to the people of Monroe County. On September 1, 2026, I will officially leave an office that has been one of the greatest honors of my life.

When I first took office in 2014, I made a commitment to serve this county with honesty, integrity, accountability, and fiscal responsibility. I am proud to say that we kept that commitment. We worked hard to be good stewards of your tax dollars, consistently operating within our budgets and returning an average of $500,000 each year to the County General Fund (taxpayers).

But our accomplishments were never just about dollars and budgets. They were about people.

During these 12 years, we created and expanded programs designed to make Monroe County safer and stronger. We established the Inmate Workhouse and Trustee Programs, giving the inmates opportunities to work, learn responsibility, develop skills, pay restitution and fees, and prepare for a better life after incarceration all while reducing recidivism.

We strengthened community policing through Neighborhood Watch programs, created a Motorcycle Unit, Marine Unit, Dive Team, S.W.A.T., and a Crime Scene Investigation team, and continued building specialized capabilities that allow our deputies to respond to the unique needs of our community.

We invested in our deputies, our jail, our equipment, our training, and our partnerships. We pursued and received millions of dollars in grant funding. We improved our facilities and programs, and worked every day to make the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office a more professional, capable, and community-focused organization.

Another important step forward was establishing the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office partnership with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agency through the 287(g) program. This partnership allows designated officers, under ICE supervision, to perform limited immigration enforcement functions and assist in identifying and processing removable individuals who come into our criminal justice system. This program is another tool to enhance public safety and strengthen cooperation between local and federal law enforcement agencies.
Recently, we brought Project Lifesaver to Monroe County, giving families of individuals who are prone to wandering-such as those with Alzheimer’s, dementia, autism and other conditions-an additional layer of protection and hope when they need it most.

There are far too many accomplishments and too many people to name individually. None of what we accomplished was done by one person. It was accomplished by the men and women of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office who showed up every day, put on the badge, and answered the call to serve.

To every deputy, correctional officer, administrative employee, auxiliary member, and member of this Sheriff’s Office - both past and present: THANK YOU for trusting me with the responsibility of being your Sheriff. It has been my privilege to stand beside you and to call you my brothers and sisters in law enforcement.

I leave this office knowing that we worked hard, accomplished much, and left the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office stronger than we found it.

The badge may come off, but my love for Monroe County and the people who call it home never will.

To the citizens of Monroe County: Thank you for trusting me with the responsibility of being your Sheriff. I will always be grateful for the opportunity you gave me to serve.

As this administration prepares to leave, I want to take this opportunity to wish the incoming Sheriff and his administration success. While transitions are not always easy, I believe the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is bigger than any one person or administration. My hope is that the new leadership will recognize the progress that has been made, preserve the programs and improvements that benefit our citizens, and continue to build upon them for the future.

Unlike in past transitions, I have opened the door to the newly elected Sheriff and his staff and have been working with them to ensure that the Sheriff’s Office and the people of Monroe County are positioned for continued success.

At the end of the day, we all want the same thing-a safe, strong, and prosperous Monroe County.

May God Bless Monroe County and May God Bless the United States of America.

-Sheriff Tommy J. Jones, II
Monroe County, Tennessee
2014-2026

08/26/2026

MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE - EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DINNER

On August 15, 2026, the Monroe County Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) hosted an Employee Appreciation Dinner in honor of Sheriff Tommy Jones and the dedicated men and women of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

This was a meaningful night for our administration, as it marked the final employee dinner of Sheriff Jones’ 12 years of service as Sheriff of Monroe County. During the evening, Sheriff Jones recognized many of his captains and employees by presenting plaques and certificates of appreciation for their dedication, loyalty, and service to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens we proudly serve.

While not everyone received a plaque or certificate during the evening, please know that every single person who has served under this administration deserves recognition for their dedication and service. Those who were not individually recognized with an award should never feel that their contributions went unnoticed or unappreciated. Every employee has played a part in making this office what it is today, and each person’s hard work and commitment has mattered.

We were blessed to have so many of our employees and their families join us for a wonderful meal, fellowship, and an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of this administration.

Sheriff Jones, congratulations on 12 years of a job well done! Your commitment to this office
and our community will always be remembered. To the employees who have stood beside him throughout these years-thank you for your dedication, loyalty, hard work, and unwavering commitment.

Most of all. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this evening so special. We are grateful for the memories, the friendships, the fellowship, and the opportunity to serve together.

As Sheriff Jones reflected on this evening and his years of service, he shared:

“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have served as your Sheriff for the past 12 years. I could not have done it without the men and women who stood beside me every day and dedicated themselves to this office and the citizens we serve. I am extremely proud of what we accomplished together, but most of all, I am thankful for the friendships, memories, and relationships that will last a lifetime. Thank you for allowing me the privilege to serve.”

Thank you, Monroe County County Sheriff’s Office family, for making these 12 years so meaningful. Every one of you is appreciated, and everyone of you has made a difference.

08/20/2026

08/18/2026

MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE LAUNCHES PROJECT LIFESAVER

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce the launch of Project Lifesaver, a new program designed to help protect some of our community’s most vulnerable citizens.

Project Lifesaver is an internationally recognized search and rescue program that assists law enforcement in quickly locating individuals who are prone to wandering due to conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, autism, or other cognitive disorders.

Participants wear a small, personalized radio-frequency transmitter on a bracelet. If the individual goes missing, a caregiver simply calls 9-1-1 and informs the dispatcher that the individual is missing and is a participant of the Project Lifesaver Program. Specially trained deputies respond with Project Lifesaver receivers that are tuned to the participants unique frequency, allowing search teams to quickly locate them.

Across the country, Project Lifesaver has an outstanding record of success, with the average recovery time being around 30 minutes - often preventing injuries and saving lives.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has invested in this life-saving technology and trained personnel to provide this service to the residents of Monroe County. We are honored to offer this program and remain committed to enhancing the safety of our community.

If you have a loved one who may benefit from Project Lifesaver or would like more information about enrollment, please contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office at 423-442-3911 and leave your name and phone number with the front desk. A Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Project Lifesaver Coordinator will contact you to answer your questions and explain the enrollment process.

Protecting those who matter most - because every second counts!

08/03/2026

SCAM ALERT!!! - PLEASE SHARE - SCAM ALERT!!

The Madisonville Police Department has received multiple reports of phone calls from individuals falsely claiming to be with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and asking for money from citizens.

THIS IS A SCAM.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office wants to make it absolutely clear that we will NEVER, under any circumstances, call you and ask you for money over the phone. We will never demand payment for warrants, missed jury duty, fines, or any other reason by phone.

If you receive one of these calls:

-Do NOT send money or provide any personal information.

-Hang up immediately.

-Report the incident to the Madisonville Police Department or the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

Please help us protect our community by sharing this post with your family, friends, and neighbors. Staying informed is one of the best ways to prevent these scams from claiming another victim.

07/23/2026

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The missing juvenile has been safely located this morning. Thank you to all who shared this post.

_________________________________________________________________

MISSING JUVENILE/POSSIBLE RUNAWAY

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Bailey Yarbrough, a 15-year old juvenile who has been reported missing.

Bailey was last seen at approximately 4:40 a.m. leaving her residence in Sweetwater. She was reportedly seen getting into a blue Ford Focus with Ashton Blake Worthy of Loudon. The vehicle was last seen traveling toward Loudon County.

Bailey’s description:

-White female
-15 years old
-5’7”
-125 pounds
-Dark hair with blue coloring/streaks in front
-Last seen wearing a grey tank top, pink shorts, and boots

If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Bailey Yarbrough or Ashton Blake Worthy, please contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office immediately at 423-442-4357.

Please share this post to help bring Bailey home safely.

07/09/2026

TWO ITEMS STOLEN, ONE RECOVERY: MCSO DETECTIVES RECOVER STOLEN GOLF CART AND UTILITY TRAILER

On July 6, 2026, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a stolen golf cart from a residence on Old Sweetwater Road in Sweetwater.

The owner reported that the golf cart, which had been last seen around 4:00 p.m. on July 5, had been taken from his property. Although the golf cart was inoperable and required a key to operate, it had been removed along with a sprayer containing chemicals. While investigating the scene, the owner pointed out that several items around the golf cart had been moved and located what appeared to be a broken taillight lens. The owner estimated the value of the golf cart at approximately $1,800, with the sprayer valued at an additional $140.

Detectives were given the golf cart’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) by the owner, providing valuable information for the case.

This investigation also connected to an earlier theft reported on May 29, 2026, involving a bright blue 6-by-8 utility trailer stolen from Ashmore Street in Sweetwater. The trailer was valued at approximately $500, and the owner had provided detectives with photographs to assist in locating it.

On July 7, 2026, while following up on the investigation, a Monroe County Sheriff’s Office detective spotted the stolen golf cart sitting on top of the stolen utility trailer in front of a residence on Parris Road in Sweetwater.

Both the golf cart and the trailer were recovered and returned to their rightful owners.

This case remains under investigation. Anyone with information regarding either one of these thefts, is encouraged to contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division (CID) at (423) 442-3911.

Excellent work by our deputies and detectives whose attention to details helped recover two stolen pieces of property and return them to their owners.

07/04/2026

As we celebrate Independence Day, let us take a moment to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy and the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who fought to secure them.

This year is especially meaningful as we commemorate AMERICA 250, marking 250 years since our nation’s founding. For two and a half centuries, Americans have stood together through challenges and triumphs, united by the ideals of liberty, justice, and opportunity. It is a time to honor our history, celebrate our communities, and look forward to the future of our great nation.

On behalf of the men and women of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, I want to wish each of you a happy, safe, and blessed Fourth of July. Whether you’re spending the day with family, friends, or neighbors, please celebrate responsibly. If you're traveling, buckle up, obey the speed limit, never drive impaired, and be mindful of those around you.

Thank you for allowing us the privilege of serving this wonderful community. May God continue to bless Monroe County, the State of Tennessee, and the United States of America.

Happy Independence Day!

Sheriff Tommy Jones
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office

06/18/2026

FENTANYL DEALER SENTENCED IN OVERDOSE DEATH CASE

On December 10, 2023, deputies with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence on Ridge Road regarding a possible overdose. During the investigation, detectives determined that Calvin Suttles was suspected of providing fentanyl to the victim, Larmar Rose.

Through investigative efforts, detectives obtained video surveillance showing Mr. Suttles and the victim meeting an individual at the Pilot Fuel Station in Madisonville. Surveillance footage showed Mr. Suttles purchasing what investigators later determined to be fentanyl. During the course of the investigation, Mr. Suttles admitted to delivering the fentanyl to Mr. Rose.

Tragically, within approximately two hours of receiving the fentanyl, Mr. Rose died as a result of an overdose.

On June 17, 2026, Calvin Suttles pleaded guilty to Facilitation of Second-Degree Murder in Monroe County Criminal Court. Judge Andrew Freiberg sentenced Suttles to eight (8) years to be served at 100%.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Assistant District Attorney Kelly Shelton of the Tenth Judicial District Attorney’s Office and Madisonville Police Department Detective Daniel Dockery for their assistance and dedication in bringing this case to a successful conclusion.

This case serves as a sobering reminder of the deadly consequences of fentanyl. What may seem like a single purchase can end in tragedy within hours. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to aggressively investigating drug-related crimes and holding those responsible accountable while continuing our efforts to keep dangerous drugs off the streets of Monroe County.

05/29/2026

JOINT INVESTIGATION LEADS TO MAJOR FENTANYL SEIZURE AND ARREST

On May 27, 2026, a joint investigation between the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Madisonville Police Department, Sweetwater Police Department, and the Vonore Police Department led to the ex*****on of a search warrant in the Oak Grove Road area.

As a result of the search, law enforcement officers seized over 85 grams of fentanyl, along with methamphetamine, marajuana, and various items of drug paraphernalia. One suspect was taken into custody and is facing multiple felony charges.

The street value of the fentanyl seized is estimated to be several thousand dollars. This seizure potentially prevented countless dangerous and deadly doses from reaching the streets of Monroe County.

Sheriff Tommy Jones commends all agencies involved for their teamwork, professionalism, and dedication throughout this investigation. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to aggressively targeting illegal narcotics activity and removing drugs and drug dealers from our communities.

Additional charges and arrests may be pending as the investigation continues.