Hamilton County man arrested for theft and vandalism to former Volunteer Army Ammunition Plant
Dean Allen Martinez
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — A Hamilton County man has been arrested after vandalizing and stealing from the former Volunteer Army Ammunition Plant.
In the early afternoon of May 28, 2025, authorities observed an open gate that led to the former Volunteer Army Ammunition Plant.
According to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) the property has been the target of repeated unlawful entries since 2024.
Locks and chains have been cut to gain entry, which has resulted in theft, vandalism, and arson.
HCSO estimates the property damage to be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
While on the property, authorities found fresh tire marks and heard an engine accelerating.
A detective located a Nissan truck that was pulling a trailer filled with high voltage wiring.
This wiring had been removed from utility poles that were broken down and stored on the premises.
Following a traffic stop, the driver of the Nissan Truck, Dean Allen Martinez, was arrested and taken into custody.
Upon further investigation, it was determined that Martinez unlawfully trespassed on the property.
He later admitted to authorities that he had previously been to the property, and had returned to collect and scrap materials.
Martinez is being charged with the following:
- Aggravated Criminal Trespassing (TCA 39-14-406)
- Critical Infrastructure Vandalism (TCA 39-14-411)
- Theft (Felony) (39-14-103)
