Federal parolee arrested in Hamilton County on multiple drug charges

Courtesy: Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has arrested Cornelius Birdsong, a current federal parolee, in connection with a drug trafficking investigation.

On October 8, 2025, the HCSO Narcotics and Special Investigations Unit, as well as the HCSO K9 Unit and Chattanooga Field Office ATF, executed a search warrant for the 1300 block of South Seminole Drive in East Ridge, Tenn.

The HCSO Narcotics and Special Investigations Unit have been conducting an investigation regarding drug trafficking, resulting in the warrant.

Several items were seized at the location:

• 680 grams (1.5 pounds) of methamphetamine (street value of around $40,000)
• 5 grams of marijuana
• Approximately $2,000 of U.S. currency
• 12 gauge bullpup shotgun
• Multi-caliber AR pistol
• .380 handgun
• (2) 9mm handguns

A 2016 Dodge Challenger and a 2016 Dodge Charger were seized as well.

Birdsong was arrested on an existing warrant from the HCSO for possession of methamphetamine for resale, in addition to new charges:

• Possession of methamphetamine for resale
• Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony
• Felon in possession of a firearm
• Simple possession of marijuana
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine

“Each day, your sheriff’s office, is committed to eradicating dangerous drugs and poison like methamphetamine and Fentanyl from our streets which is indiscriminately killing our citizens. Unfortunately, there is a monetary value to the drugs and poison these dealers are selling, however the lives that are being taken and the families that are being impacted are priceless. I want this drug seizure to be a clear message from me to those who choose to sell this poison in and around our county – Just like this individual found out, the next knock on your door may not be your customer, it very well could be my Narcotics Detectives or SWAT Team serving a warrant. Remember, we still make house calls and we are coming for you…”

– Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett

Confiscated items | Courtesy: Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office