Former McMinn Co. Deputy charged in domestic incident

McMinn County Sheriff’s Office

The McMinn County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a former employee on charges related to a late night domestic altercation on Sunday, July 19, 2026.

According to Sheriff Joe Guy, deputies were notified of a possible domestic situation involving a former employee, Caleb Latham, at a residence on Hwy 39W near Athens late Sunday night.

When officers arrived, they made contact with Latham and his girlfriend, Dixie Bidwell.

“The deputies could see there was definitely a verbal argument going on, both were upset, and of course, like in many homes locally, firearms were present,” said Sheriff Guy. “Latham left voluntarily, but as the interview with Ms. Bidwell and others continued, it became evident that the situation was much more serious.”

The Sheriff’s Office issued warrants for Latham for Aggravated Assault by Domestic Violence, and Latham turned himself into the Sheriff’s Office on July 20, 2026 afternoon.

Latham will face a $15,000 bond and appear in court on the charges at a later date.

The McMinn County Sheriff’s Office says Caleb Latham was employed by the Sheriff’s Office as a deputy sheriff and Patrol Sergeant from August of 2018 until June of 2026, when he resigned to take a job in a local industry.

This is an ongoing investigation.