Two Indicted in 2024 Arson Case

MONROE COUNTY — The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has conducted an investigation that has led to the indictment of two individuals in a 2024 arson case.

The TBI responded to two separate fire incidents on the 700 block of West Morris Street at the request of the Sweetwater Police Department.

Melissa Whitfield and Jared Whitfield were found to have set the fires intentionally.

The Monroe County Grand Jury returned indictments on both Melissa and Jared for one count of Arson, one count of Aggravated Arson, and one count of Tampering with Evidence, according to the TBI.

In a statement from Cross Creek Christian School on December 4:

“The Board of Directors of Cross Creek Christian School, today confirmed that Principal/CEO Melissa Whitfield is temporarily adjusting her leadership responsibilities while addressing a personal legal matter.”

Both Melissa and Jared were arrested on December 4th.

They were booked into the Monroe County Jail with a bond of $300,000 each.