Stolen Property Investigation Leads to Drug Bust
MONROE COUNTY — A stolen property investigation in Monroe County ultimately led to a drug bust.
A theft of property that occurred on December 19, 2025, at approximately 5:00 a.m. on White Plains Road in Vonore prompted an investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, according to Sheriff Tommy Jones.
According to the complainant, the victim witnessed two known male subjects leaving his property in a GMC pickup truck with items.
The stolen items are as follows:
One 20-ton wood splitter, valued at approximately $1,000One chainsaw with a 16-inch bar, valued at approximately $250One chainsaw with a 20-inch bar, valued at approximately $500
Later in the week, the stolen chainsaws were recovered at two different locations in Tellico.
The individuals who stole the property used a third party to sell the wood splitter, which was recovered in Madisonville.
At the same time the items were stolen and subsequently being recovered, investigators were looking into citizen complaints regarding suspected drug activity taking place on J.D. Farms Road in Tellico, Jones says.
As a result of that investigation, recovered more than 30 grams of methamphetamine along with additional contraband.
During the investigation, it was determined that the individual arrested was a third party who assisted the original suspects in attempting to locate a buyer for the stolen wood splitter, Jones continued.
Both investigations are ongoing.
