Daily News Express

06/18/2026

MCSD employees charged after inmate caught working at private business.

A Tennessee Comptroller's investigation has led to indictments against two Monroe County Sheriff's Department employees accused of using inmate labor for privat

02/11/2026

Former Tellico Police officer indicted on statutory r**e charges. He also volunteers for the Monroe County Rescue Squad and Notchey Creek Fire Department. The rescue squad and fire department released statements today announcing his suspension from both departments.

MONROE COUNTY – An investigation by special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has resulted in the arrest of a now-former Tellico Plains police officer. In April 2025, at the request…

01/24/2026

Update on pursuit.

01/24/2026

RIP Peggy

Passing of Longtime Department Member Peggy Atkins

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Peggy Atkins. Peggy was a devoted member of the department for many years. From warmly welcoming visitors at the front desk, to organizing Toys for Tots, to handing out candy at Halloween events, her kindness, generosity, and servant’s heart touched countless lives.

We were truly honored when her family asked members of our Color Guard to present at her graveside service today, an honor that reflects the respect and love Peggy earned through years of service.

Chief Danny Russell and all members of the department ask for your prayers and support in the days and months ahead for Peggy’s husband, Ralph, her son, Mike, and the entire family as they mourn this great loss.

01/23/2026

Three dead after McMinn County pursuit

TYPE: PURSUIT (DELAYED POST)
TIME:10:03
LOCATION: MCMINN CO
LOCATION: HWY 68 @ CO RD 298
NOTES:REPORTS OF A VEHICLE PURSUIT ACCIDENT WITH REPORTS 3 CONFIRMED FATALITIES

01/16/2026

One person charged in fatal hit and run accident this past September.

Update: Oak Grove Road Fatal Hit-And-Run

We want to provide an update on the case of Larry Lee Anthony Holtzclaw, who was the victim of a pedestrian hit-and-run incident on September 16, 2025. After a thorough five-month investigation, our detectives, in collaboration and consultation with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab and the 10th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, gathered substantial evidence, including video footage and technical data.

On January 7, 2026, our findings were presented to a Monroe County Grand Jury as Reckless Homicide and Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Death. As a result, Richard Charles Johnson was indicted for Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Death by the jury.

Richard has since been booked into the Monroe County Justice Center on January 13, 2026, and his bond was set at $50,000.

Detective Sergeant David Kilby was the lead investigator in this case.

01/09/2026

MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ASSISTS BLOUNT COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE WITH ARREST WARRANT - SUSPECT BARRICADES SELF

Today, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office was requested by the Blount County Sheriff’s Office to assist with the service of an arrest warrant on Diamond Branch Road in the Maryville area of Monroe County.

Upon arrival, the subject barricaded himself inside a mobile home. Monroe County Sheriff’s Office negotiators made contact with the subject and spoke with him for about 45 minutes, eventually convincing him to exit the residence. After exiting, the subject sat on the porch while negotiators continued to communicate with him.

Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Blount County Sheriff’s Office then utilized a distractionary technique. During this time, a MCSO detective deployed a less-than-lethal beanbag round, striking the subject and temporarily disorienting him. The disorientation allowed deputies to safely approach the subject and attempt to take him into custody. While deputies were taking the subject into custody, he actively resisted arrest.

The subject was ultimately taken into custody and turned over to the Blount County Sheriff’s Office deputies. In addition to the charges from Blount County, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office will be charging the subject with resisting arrest.

We want to commend the professionalism and teamwork displayed by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies, the Blount County Sheriff’s Office deputies, and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division (CID). Due to their coordinated efforts, this incident was brought to a peaceful conclusion without injury or further issues.

01/04/2026

DAYTON — Longtime publisher of The Herald-News Sara Jane Locke passed away Thursday morning in Chattanooga.